Category: Power Systems
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Sources of Power Quality Problems
Power quality may be affected by a number of issues. Our discussion in this article focuses on various devices and events that lead to problems in power quality. The common sources of power quality problems include: Power Electronic Devices Power … Read more
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Common Terms Used When Describing Power Quality Problems
Power quality has become an important issue to electricity consumers at all levels of consumption. This has especially been intensified by the common use of sensitive equipment and non-linear loads in both industrial and the domestic environs. In this article … Read more
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AC to AC Power Converters with Intermediate DC Link: Types, Features & Applications
This category of AC drives that is often referred to as “Variable Frequency Inverters” is one of the most extensively used drives in industrial motor control applications. Generally, the concept of these inverter drives can be summarized into three parts:… Read more
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Vacuum Circuit Breakers: Features, Operation & Applications
In vacuum circuit breakers, vacuum typically at pressures ranging from 10-9 to 10-6 bar is used as the quenching medium. At such pressures, high dielectric strength can be achieved. The contact separation needed at such low pressures is … Read more
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DC to DC Power Converters: Function, Types, Operation & Applications
DC to DC power converters also referred to as choppers provide the means to change one DC voltage to another. Normally the conversion is to a lower voltage however, we also have step-up converters. DC to DC power converters are … Read more
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Equipment Grounding vs. System Grounding
Grounding or earthing an electrical system is the process of connecting all metalwork/frame of electrical equipment i.e. the non-current carrying part or some electrical component of the system such as the neutral point in a star-connected system, one conductor of … Read more
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Switchgear Terminology & IEC Standards
Switchgear generally refers to the switching devices and their combinations, with the related control, measuring, protective and regulating equipment. The switchgear equipment basic purpose is switching and interrupting currents either under normal or abnormal operating conditions. Modern power systems, power … Read more
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Air-Blast Circuit Breakers: Features, Operation & Applications
Air-blast circuit breakers utilize a blast of compressed air typically at a pressure of 25–75 bar, which is directed across the path to cool and eliminate the ionized gas, in other words the air-blast is employed as the quenching medium.… Read more
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Testing & Commissioning Protective Schemes
Generally protective equipment testing may be divided into three stages: Factory tests. Commissioning tests. Periodic maintenance tests. Factory and commissioning tests confirm the performance of equipment during its development and fabrication, and its operational environment. Periodical maintenance ensures that this … Read more
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The Principles of Power System Protection
The Function and Principles of Power System Protection The objective of power system protection is to detect faults or abnormal operating conditions and initiate corrective action. Photo by American Public Power Association on Unsplash Principles of Power System Protection There … Read more