For businesses, especially those that rely on large amounts of electricity to operate, energy efficient technology is a priority. By allowing businesses to save energy – even a relatively small amount – every day, investments in this type tech leads to significant long-term pay-offs. One less well-known strategy to consider is the implementation of voltage optimizers in your facility. Here’s why.
What is Voltage Optimization?
This is the process of managing excess voltage from your mains, reducing it to a level that is lower than what is supplied, but sufficient for the site’s needs and load requirements. It is voltage optimization precisely because it ensures that your supply matches your needs, rather than exceeds it.
Why are Voltage Optimizers Necessary?
Today, most electrical equipment is designed to operate at 220 volts. However, the average voltage range in Australia is 247 volts – an average of 7.4% more than you require – and around 70% of all buildings in the country experience this high voltage is.
The main problem is that the excess voltage is still consumed, so the energy consumption in a building will be higher in buildings with a higher voltage supply. Since these are averages that we are using, you can expect to see some buildings receiving even higher voltages – and even higher energy bills as a result.
Voltage Optimizers Save Energy and More
There are a number of important benefits to restricting voltage at the main source, the most obvious of which is that this energy efficient technology reduces energy consumption down to optimal levels, allowing buildings to save energy and costs. In addition, this solution can be applied to solve power quality issues including spikes, unbalanced voltage, and waveform distortion. On average, facilities with voltage optimisation technology see:
- Energy costs reduce by 12-16%
- Reduced carbon footprint and reduced energy consumption
- Improved power factor and power quality
- Optimised electrical processes
- Reduced wear-and-tear on electrical equipment
- A return on investment in approximately 2-4 years
The Voltage Optimisation Process
As with all energy efficient technology, a comprehensive process has to be followed in order to ensure that an organisation gets the results it’s looking for without compromising electrical supply for essential processes. This should start with a detailed analysis of the site, followed by recommendations of a suitable voltage optimization solution and a full cost analysis (including forecasted ROI and energy savings).
This technology is often also recommended as part of a commercial solar energy solution, as PV panels cause voltage increases, often above recommended limits for electronic equipment.
For more information on voltage optimizers or other energy efficient technology that can help your business save energy and ensure a quality supply of electricity to your building, please contact the team at Quality Energy today. Our experienced technical team has designed and implemented world-class solutions all over Australia for a wide range of industrial and commercial sectors.
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