Three-phase power quality analyser costs 25 per cent less

Three-phase AC electrical supply has a number of advantages over single-phase, as the phase currents cancel each other out; this allows reduced neutral wire size in the case of star wiring, or the neutral wire can be eliminated altogether in the case of delta wiring.

Three-phase supply can also deliver more constant power transfer to reduce motor vibrations, for example. However, the quality of the AC supply from utilities is not always predictable, so the Fluke 1730 helps to identify sources of electrical energy waste.

Power quality trending

Barry Atkins, the managing director of PASS Ltd, says: "Fluke's new Energy Analyze software allows engineers and plant managers to compare multiple data points over time to build a complete picture of energy usage.

"More than 20 separate logging sessions can be stored on the instrument. Optimising peak demand and power factor usually results in lower monthly electricity bills. The Fluke 1730 logger measures and characterises these effects, enabling users to analyse the results and save money.

"By means of a load study, it is possible to determine how much energy individual pieces of equipment are consuming when they are operating at minimum and maximum capacity and to check the capacity of circuits prior to adding further loads.

"Load studies can also help identify situations where the allowable load on the circuit may be exceeded or when an agreed peak demand applies from the utility."

Energy survey strategy

Measurements should be taken for energy surveys at multiple points within a plant or facility, starting at the main service feeders to compare the power and energy measured with readings from the utility meter to ensure the correct charges, and then moving downstream to larger loads.

For situations where it is either difficult or impractical to make a voltage connection, a simplified load study may be performed by measuring current only. The user can enter the nominal expected voltage to create a simulated power study. For accurate power and energy studies it is required to monitor both voltage and current but this simplified method is useful in certain circumstances.

For further information visit PASS Ltd's specialist Power Quality Analysers web page.