Power Quality (PQ) Study

A Power Quality (PQ) Study for commercial and industrial facilities is a systematic process that involves measuring, analyzing, and evaluating the electrical supply to ensure reliable and efficient operation of equipment, protect sensitive loads, and mitigate operational and financial risks. The study addresses abnormal deviations in voltage, current, or frequency, which may cause malfunctions, damage, or inefficiency in end-user equipment.

Objectives of a PQ Study:

Identify Power Disturbances: Detect voltage sags, swells, transients, interruptions, harmonic distortions, flicker, and voltage unbalance affecting equipment performance.

Assess Equipment Sensitivity: Determine how fluctuations in power supply impact critical machinery or electronic devices.

Root Cause Analysis: Pinpoint internal (facility loads, grounding issues, nonlinear equipment) and external sources (utility disturbances, neighboring loads, weather-related events).

Mitigation Planning: Recommend solutions, including corrective and preventive measures, to improve power reliability and safety.

Optimize Energy Use: Evaluate power factor, harmonics, and inefficiencies to reduce energy costs and prevent penalties.