As the world relies more on data-processing and other digital equipment, facility executives are going to see more problems - such as tool downtime, systems failure, loss of data or data corruption and, perhaps, tenant loss.
To stop power ability problems from becoming serious, facility executives can ensue five steps.
1. Know Your Loads
Regardless of either you operate an existing construction or a new facility, it is primary to understand what types of tool will be used in the facility and if construction tool is enough to cope the loads. Does your tenant have a computer on every desk? Will an uninterrupted power supply (Ups) system or backup generator be installed? Are other sensitive systems, such as medical equipment, a part of the tenant's operations? Even the type of office furniture the tenant uses can have an ensue on systems design because each office furniture system has a dissimilar way of delivering power.
Understanding the system requirements in turn affects how electrical systems are planned. The most prevalent strategy is to detach the loads. Mechanical systems are placed on one line; sensitive equipment, such as computers, is placed on an additional one line; and miscellaneous construction loads are on a third. Systems designers also need to know, for example, how many cubicles are to be connected, if enough outlets are available to complete the job appropriately, and how tool is going to be arranged.
Facility executives also may want to limit the types of tool a tenant can setup to forestall disturbances to other tenants' equipment. For example, the owner may require 12-pulse drives if the tenant uses changeable frequency drives because they yield lower harmonic distortion than six-pulse drives. Or, if a Ups system is used, the owner may require the tenant to setup a filter on the input side.
2. Sacrifice Harmonics
Harmonic currents are one of the most serious power ability problems facing facility executives. Left unattended, harmonics can cause computer problems because of voltage waveform distortion (called flat topping), as well as Sacrifice tool life by overheating cables, motors and transformers. Ironically, harmonics often are caused by tool installed to heighten construction doing and efficiency, such as electronic lighting ballasts and adjustable speed drives. However, the main cause of harmonics is from the computers themselves, which have switched-load power supplies.
The first line of defense against harmonics is a robust electrical system designed to take the hits. K-rated transformers, oversized neutrals, line reactors and harmonic filters all can make electrical systems stronger to combat or cancel out harmonics. along with this tool is primary when designing new facilities. The challenge, of course, is in retrofitting existing buildings. Before applying solutions, however, facility executives should first escort a power ability study to decree the problem.
A power ability study bright the estimation of harmonics within a system can help decree the ability of supply voltages, as well as the sources of offending harmonic currents. Depending on the case, the solution may be to attack the qoute at each source, which can be costly, or to supply a system-wide solution. But, each case must be reviewed independently.
3. Ground Systems
To ensure optimal doing of the electrical system and its components, as well as sensitive tool such as computers, and to ensure safety for facility staff, all equipment, outlets and circuits must be connected to the base construction grounding system. This limits inherent voltage differences between dissimilar systems and between dissimilar parts of the building.
Systems are grounded improperly when voltage on the ground wire varies at dissimilar parts of the building. This may happen as new tool is added to the system or as other design changes are made. Consequences of improper grounding contain noise injected into data circuits by the power system ground or fault currents, and circulating currents in the ground system that can corrupt data or cause tool failure.
A good grounding system is the foundation for good power quality. If you don't have a good ground system and you add power ability equipment, you may not see any improvements from the tool you added.
In today's world of computers, extra grounding considerations also must be made for data centers and computers. The trend used to be to run detach grounding wires for the sensitive equipment. But, with networked computer systems, the system no longer proves valid, and codes require that all system grounding wires be tied together.
If facility changes are made, facility staff must go back and look at how systems were grounded originally, and then make any modifications as necessary.
4. Sacrifice Voltage Fluctuations
While not as base as harmonic currents or improper grounding, voltage fluctuations also can cause serious system damage. A similar ensue happens to electrical systems when a motor is started up or a feel is opened. In these cases, the electrical current spikes, causing a voltage turn in the distribution system that can sway sensitive equipment.
Protective tool such as transient volt surge suppressor tool can be installed to redirect voltage spikes into the grounding system. However, if a construction does not have a good grounding system, the transient volt surge suppressor will be ineffective.
Motor spikes also can be controlled by limiting the size of the motor over the line and then using reduced-voltage starting. However, this practice can be expensive.
In some cases, specialty equipment, such as medical X-ray machines, can cause voltage dips. The general practice is to design the systems so that the specialty tool is isolated from the other construction loads.
5. escort routine and Preventive Maintenance
There's an old saying among engineers: If you don't test your systems, nature is going to test them for you. And, when maintenance personnel get busy, it is easy to forget about the electrical system. However, easy care and maintenance can keep your electrical system operating properly and Sacrifice power ability concerns.
Infrared testing: A "heat" photograph of system components shows where components are stressed and what parts finally will fail. Testing is conducted by testing associations, sure electrical contractors and firms specializing in the process.
Like anything, testing can be overdone, but you probably want to do the main equipment. Ultimately, the construction owner has to decree between the cost of testing vs. The cost of unscheduled repairs and downtime for tenants. A good testing technique allows you to schedule repairs because you find the qoute early and you're not under a tight schedule to fix it.
In-house Knowledge
Finally, we advise that maintenance staff share in some type of basic training about how the electrical system operates and that maintenance manuals be required in the specifications. Many projects are delivered with an operations and maintenance hand-operated written by project team members. On those projects, team members also may go to the site to supply basic training.
Training habitancy who are going to operate the system is as primary as designing the system well.
Power ability is an issue that only is going to be more primary in the arrival years. By addressing power ability concerns up front, facilities will not only operate better, but tenants will be happier. Systems need to be evaluated individually for the most appropriate, cost-effective solutions. Money invested in good power ability will earn its return straight through reduced downtime and improved operations.
Steps To forestall Power Problems From Becoming Serious