VO – Voltage Optimisation
Overview
If your site is being supplied with electricity at a higher voltage level than you need, you could be wasting energy, wasting money and producing excessive carbon emissions. Voltage optimisation can help.
Electrical equipment can sometimes consume more power at higher voltages. Voltage optimisation reduces the voltage of the electricity supplied to equipment, minimising consumption while remaining within the operating conditions specified by the equipment manufacturer.
How does it work?
The basic principal of all voltage optimisation equipment is to reduce the voltage level from that of the incoming supply. To achieve this change in voltage level, an electrical transformer (static or electronic) is required.
The ratio of primary to secondary windings of these electrical transformers is set to provide the desired level of voltage reduction.
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Automatic effect without human input
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Up to 18% energy savings almost instantly
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Fixed & Variable ratio options
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Particularly effective on assets like lighting, refrigeration and motors
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Up to 99.5% operating efficiency
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Up to 1140V maximum supply voltage
Fixed Ratio
This provides a fixed reduction at all times and is suitable for supplies that remain within their nominal tolerance. I.e. +/-6%
If cost is the overriding factor, the voltage drop can be reduced so the voltage remains within an acceptable tolerance. However, energy savings will be reduced.
Variable Ratio
This provides a constant voltage, regardless of load conditions, through continuous adjustment.
This type of equipment is suitable for supplies that DO NOT remain within their nominal tolerance. I.e. +/-6%
Understanding Your Load
To determine whether voltage optimisation will reduce your energy consumption, you will need to understand what percentage of your load is ‘voltage dependent’.
A voltage dependent load is an electrical device whose power consumption varies with the voltage being supplied to it. For example:
- Incandescent lamps
- Fluorescent lamps (with inductive ballasts)
- Metal halide and sodium lamps
- Most motors (including refrigeration compressors)
Motors in particular are an excellent target. Most motors in use today are designed to operate at a wide voltage range considerably below their typical supply. Operating motors at higher than their voltage range simply causes unnecessary losses.
Want to find out more? Get in touch!
Fit Your Voltage To Your Needs
VO has the key