Overview
Delivery of optimum voltage levels can substantially reduce energy consumption in commercial and industrial environments. Dynamically managing high incoming voltage can lower energy usage by 5-12%, in addition to gains from demand side reduction programs. MicroPlanet’s advanced digital technology is greater than 99% efficient all along the load curve, making it an extremely effective and efficient energy conservation solution.
Utilities in the US are required to deliver power to consumers at 120 volts plus or minus 5%, which yields a range of 114 to 126 volts (European Standards: 230V +/- 10%). Since voltage gradually decreases on distribution feeder lines as the cumulative load increases, the voltage must be transmitted at a high enough level so that the last consumer on the line gets at least the minimum standard of 114 volts during peak load. Electricity is often transmitted from a substation at 126 volts to ensure that the end user will receive at least the minimum level of voltage. However, most electrical loads are designed to operate efficiently at 114 volts. When electricity customers receive voltage higher than needed, the result is wasted energy, higher than necessary electricity bills and shortened life expectancy for electrical equipment. MicroPlanet's products help resolve these problems by dynamically managing incoming voltage to optimal levels.
Effectiveness of Regulation on Load Types
Various types of electrical loads respond differently to voltage regulation. Most types of lighting, air conditioning, refrigeration and equipment with electric motors are designed to run most efficiently at 114 volts and will consume significantly less electricity as voltage is reduced from high levels down to 114 volts. Thermostatically controlled electric devices such as heaters and ovens may not consume less electricity, but users can benefit substantially from reductions in peak demand usage. The amount of savings achieved through voltage management will vary based on the level of voltage received from the local utility. The greater the reduction in voltage, the greater the savings in energy consumption.
Older electro-mechanical technologies such as tap-changers, ferro resonance and UPS systems are substantially less efficient at regulation, negating most of the energy savings. MicroPlanet products are designed for energy efficiency. Deployed in the recommended environments, they will save significant amounts of energy, reduce peak consumption and can lengthen the useful life of many types of equipment.
