System instability under new and complex load conditions
Power quality engineering services
Short circuit analysis, power factor study, voltage transient simulation, motor start analysis, STATCOM sizing
A U.S. Department of Energy laboratory was preparing for system upgrades that would introduce new loads and changes to their power network. Renowned for advancing scientific tools and out-of-this-world innovation, the lab’s research operations depended on precise and stable power. In the face of new load scenarios, the lab needed to ensure their power quality would remain uncompromised.
Their key concerns included:
The complexity of the project — and the impact it would have on the lab’s functionality — required specialized power quality expertise. Powerside’s Engineering Services team was brought on for that specific purpose.
With decades of dedicated power quality knowledge, our Engineering Services team worked as a true design partner, focusing exclusively on electricity to guide the lab’s engineers through a comprehensive evaluation process of their system upgrades. The assessment spanned the following areas:
Short Circuit Analysis: Powerside analyzed short-circuit current levels at every breaker location under various network configurations. We then compared results with breaker withstand ratings to identify potential risks and whether limiting measures were needed.
Power Factor Compliance: With a utility requirement of .98 power factor, Powerside evaluated current and forecasted performance, identifying optimal locations for new correction equipment and recommending modifications to existing capacitors.
Voltage Stability & Motor Starting: We conducted simulations to ensure the main and substation buses remained above 95% voltage during transients. A special study addressed the voltage dip and recovery during large motor starts in the lab’s anticipated new plant — proposing a STATCOM solution for fast, stable voltage support.
Generator Mode Transients: Transient analysis revealed stable damping while grid-tied, but increased risk during generator mode. To mitigate, Powerside proposed zero-voltage capacitor switching and STATCOM support.
Powerside’s study yielded a clear mitigation plan: three detuned capacitor banks (11 MVar total) to meet power factor requirements, an 8 MVar STATCOM for motor start voltage support and zero-voltage switching to minimize generator-mode transients. Short-circuit risks were identified and addressed, and all findings were delivered in a concise report to guide the lab’s system changes safely.
With the Powerside Engineering Team’s custom approach and singular focus on power quality, we helped the lab move forward confidently, knowing their network expansion would not compromise their mission-critical operations.
Ensure the safety and efficiency of your power distribution system. See how Powerside’s Engineering Services can plug into your project for a more successful outcome today.
