Just as you wouldn’t use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, using more energy than required to run various equipment is also a no-brainer. Everyone in the energy industry is aware that voltage optimisation has been used to reduce energy consumption in buildings but what is little-known is the unquantifiable costs caused by over-voltage. Any voltage in excess of 230 V can have a long-term effect on the ongoing maintenance of that piece of equipment thus shortening its operating life or adding to maintenance costs.
Extracts from the 16th Edition of the Electricians Guide – The Institute of Electrical Engineers IEE:
- “A filament lamp rated at 230 V used at 240 V will achieve only 55% of its rated life (it will fail after about 550 hours instead of the average 1000 hours)”.
- “Rechargeable batteries rated at 230 V will overheat and suffer drastic life reductions when fed with 240 V”.
However, merely dropping the voltage is not the solution and certainly does not provide a risk-free option. Voltage needs to be controlled using ‘intelligent’ devices so that over-voltage can be controlled but site continuity can always be maintained. Only solid-state devices can provide risk and maintenance free solutions that are equipped for the future of smart grids.
All electrical equipment used in South Africa or Europe will work just as well at 220 V. If the incoming mains supply is > 242 V (which is the national average at most times), it is costing you more to do the same work as at 220 V. That is where an iVolt® (Intelligent Voltage Optimiser) could maximise your energy savings. Voltage optimisation reduces your electricity bill by dropping the voltage from high levels to 220 V.
Traditionally a step-down transformer may have been used to step the voltage down (buck the voltage) by a fixed percentage. This can cause a different problem where voltages are continually fluctuating, a fixed nonintelligent 10% step down can cause significant brown outs if the incoming mains supply drops to around 220 V or lower, damaging loads such as motors.
The iVolt® is a state-of-the-art electronic voltage stabiliser. Taking measurements over 3 000 times per second, the iVolt® maximises energy savings by using unique microprocessor, thyristor and transformer technology to ensure that the output power to your facilities is stable and optimised for maximum energy saving. Being solid state with no moving parts, there is no maintenance required for years of reliable service.
Enquiries: nick.allen@sollatek.co.za
