Power quality study guide

Nowadays, with the over-demand for electrical energy in industrial environments, there can be interruptions or fluctuations that result in significant economic losses, damage to equipment and a decrease in productivity. For this reason, power quality studies have become essential for companies in Mexico.

Remember that the quality of electrical power is fundamental to guaranteeing the correct functioning of industrial equipment and efficiency in production processes. So, having an energy quality analysis allows for the identification and mitigation of problems that can affect the continuity and reliability of the electrical supply.

What is an energy quality study?

An energy quality analysis is a detailed, real-time evaluation of the proper functioning of each parameter in an electrical installation. Using network analyzer equipment, the details of voltage, current, frequency, power, power factor, harmonics, waveform and distortions are measured, recorded and graphed.

Thanks to all the data collected in this study, it is possible to determine if there is any power quality failure and what may be causing it. To find out more about how often you should carry out this quality study and the factors to take into account, you can find out all the details here.

What are power quality studies for?

Although the main objective of a power quality study is to detect anomalies or deviations that may compromise the performance of electrical and electronic equipment, these studies are also essential to:

• Guarantee safe electrical power, adhering to the standards, technical data sheets and specialized equipment requirements indicated by the manufacturers.
• Implement solutions that avoid interruptions in production or damage to equipment.
• Minimize electrical disturbances and optimize operation to extend the life cycle of electronic equipment.

Benefits of power quality studies

Carrying out these quality studies has a positive impact on the strategic planning of companies in terms of costs, productivity, regulatory compliance and the safety of human talent. In this sense, the most outstanding benefits are:

• Reduction of costs: identifying and correcting electrical problems reduces energy consumption and the expenses associated with repairs or replacement of damaged equipment.
• Optimizing energy consumption: making facilities comply with national and international standards and regulations on power quality is vital to avoid penalties for low power factor.
• Increased productivity: a stable and quality power supply ensures the continuity of production processes, avoiding economic losses due to unscheduled downtime.
• Safety: minimizes the risk of electrical accidents, protecting both personnel and facilities.

How is electrical energy measured in Mexico?

In Mexico, electrical energy is measured by meters installed on users’ premises. These devices record consumption in kilowatt hours (kWh) and other relevant parameters. The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) is the entity in charge of the distribution and measurement of the electricity supply in the country.

With the watt-hour meter, better known as the CFE’s electricity meter, it is possible to monitor the energy consumption of each company and also apply the corresponding tariff. These meters are classified according to their characteristics:

• Number of phases: in electromechanical and electronic, either single-phase (one phase + neutral), two-phase (two phases + neutral) and three-phase (three phases + neutral).
• Type of energy: this depends on the type of energy they register, whether it is active energy in kilowatt hours (kWh) or the measurement of active + reactive energy in kilovolt ampere hours (kVarh) + demand in kilowatts.
• By operating function: they can be electromechanical meters with a pointer register or electronic meters with a digital register, programmable to function as self-management in post-payment and remote reading by remote management.

Power quality analysis services

Beyond basic measurements, some companies offer more comprehensive power quality analysis. These services use state-of-the-art analyzers and cutting-edge methodologies to conduct accurate and exhaustive studies. They focus on identifying inefficiencies, assessing the state of the power and detecting problems that may affect equipment performance.

When contracting an energy quality study, it is crucial to consider two fundamental aspects: the measuring instruments and the team of professionals. Class A analyzers are ideal for accurate and comprehensive measurements, but their usefulness depends on expert interpretation of the data.

What are the indicators to consider for good electrical power quality in Mexico?

As mentioned above, the main parameters analyzed in power quality studies are: frequency, voltage, power, power factor, voltage variation, waveform, harmonics and distortion. However, having good power quality in Mexico is closely related to all energy efficiency practices and indicators.

In this sense, the National Commission for the Efficient Use of Energy (CONUEE) uses various indicators and tools to evaluate energy consumption and efficiency in different sectors. One of the master platforms used by CONUUE is the Base of Energy Efficiency Indicators (BIEE), which allows the exploration of data series on the main macroeconomic energy indicators, facilitating analysis and decision-making in the field of energy efficiency in different industries and sectors of the country.

The most commonly used energy efficiency indicators are:

• Energy intensity: the amount of energy consumed per subsector activity and its use (generally some economic indicator such as GDP is used).
• Energy consumption: this depends very much on the activity to which it refers, i.e. energy consumption of electrical appliances, or for heating, cooling, mass production machinery, etc.

In conclusion, power quality studies are an essential tool for companies seeking to optimize their operations, protect their equipment and ensure the safety of their personnel. In addition to enabling regulatory compliance, these analyses offer the opportunity to reduce costs and ensure the continuity of production processes, key aspects for maintaining competitiveness in today’s market.