![]() Real Life Scenarios That You Can Profit From sm Click here to learn more We have not divulged the names of the customers in the following case studies in order to protect their privacy. But each event happened, as is documented in our files. POWER QUALITY MONITORING AT A MAJOR PUBLIC SANITATION FACILITY This customer had experienced bouts with malfunctioning equipment suspected of being influenced by poor power quality. Included in the vast array of equipment at the facility were numerous soft-start motor controllers and variable speed drives for large loads. The preferred monitoring equipment would have to sample waveforms at a high rate, perhaps fast enough to measure the 60th power harmonic. It would also have to be able to capture waveforms under a variety of circumstances and triggered by numerous events, sometimes external, sometimes internally determined. Manufacturer reputation and local support were also important factors for the facility to consider. This was going to be a major procure- ment for the department, management was reluctant to spend that much money on one piece of diagnostic equipment, and there was no room for error. After reviewing power monitoring and analysis systems for over a year, the customer chose the Power Measurement 7700ION and Pegasys. The local (Hanover Technical) sales rep instructed facility personnel in the configuration and operation of the monitor and companion analysis software. One particularly pesky soft-start controller on a large pump had been a source of considerable irritation. It had never performed to spec- ification since installation, and various means of remedy provided by the manufacturer had failed. The 7700ION monitor was configured to capture waveforms for voltage and current at the instant of startup. Status inputs would allow the triggering by closure of a controller dry contact, or current inrush at a predetermined threshold could be used to trigger it as well. The waveforms showed that during startup, two of the three phases were not firing 120 degrees from each other, but were in sync. The controller was returned to the manufacture to have the malfunctioning circuitry replaced and the problem was resolved. YOU DON'T HAVE TO ENDURE THE COST AND AGGRAVATION OF POOR POWER QUALITY OR EVEN MALFUNCTIONING EQUIPMENT AS THIS SITUATION SOMEWHAT SURPRISINGLY TURNED OUT. HANOVER CAN PRESCRIBE THE RIGHT MONITORING AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM FOR YOUR SITUATION. COMPUTER SCREEN FLICKER MAKES WORKERS SICK TO THEIR STOMACHS In the world of power quality, very little is ever as simple as it may seem. A multi-branch banking firm was referred to Hanover Technical Sales by one of our other customers. At one of their branches, they experienced periodic and somewhat predictable situations wherein the computer screens in one part of the building showed a most disturbing trait. When the building was occupied during the normal course of the day, the images on computer screens would shift back and forth about an eighth of an inch at a frequency of about three times per second. After trying to work at their computers for more than a few minutes at a time, employees complained of feeling sick to their stomachs. A rep from Hanover visited the site and confirmed the phenomenon. It was very annoying to try to concentrate, to say the least. The bank's technology troubleshooter was perplexed. He suspected that there was a power quality problem, but the utility indicated the power to the building was AOK. If there was a problem, it had to come from within. No indication was given as to whether or not the utility had indeed tried to find the problem for the bank and failed. An electrical testing firm was brought in by Hanover Technical Sales to try to identify the problem. Harmonics on the internal power lines would be the first suspect, but no appreciable levels could be recorded. Subsequent power monitoring showed nothing that would point the finger at the flickering screens so noxious to all. Discounting the possibility of supernatural forces, the test firm then brought in test and measurement equipment not normally associated with a power quality investigation. A thorough analysis determined another physical phenomenon was playing a role in the flicker. It wasn't power quality, per se', but an improper wiring procedure that caused the flicker. The result was a magnetic imbalance in part of the building that was strong enough to affect the path of the particle beam in the computer monitors. It's a rare occurance in the world of unusual power phenomenon, but it happened. Flat screened laptop computer monitors would not be affected, by the way. No, we're not going to tell you how we were able to arrive at that determination. We don't believe in giving away the milk. It makes it more difficult to sell the cow if you do. But if you have problems you suspect may be caused by power quality, give Hanover Technical Sales a call. We can put you in touch with people who have both the right equipment AND the experience to make it work. 1000 KVA TRANSFORMER FAILS IN A HOSPITAL A 1000 KVA dry-type transformer failed, leaving the hospital without power in one of its critical care areas for a short while. Fortunately, the transformer was part of a double-ended unit substation, and after switching over to the other side, power was restored. Trouble was that the second transformer was equally old, of the same design and brand and feared to be the next to fail. While it could indeed last for years, that was a risk to be avoided. A replacement for the failed unit was needed as soon as possible. An electrical testing firm was called in to survey the damage and effect a remedy. They were given a turnkey purchase order to complete the replacement. They, in conjunction with Hanover Technical Sales, measured the transformer containment, acquired all necessary technical data and ordered a replacement core and coils (upgrading from aluminum to copper)from a local transformer manufacturer. The switchgear and transformers were on the second floor level and embedded deeply within the utilities room. A very limited space was available within which to force the new core and coils in, and the old ones out. Tearing out equipment and support beams was out of the question. A rigging firm was contracted to hoist and move the assembly. An electrical contractor was engaged to handle the installation details. Upon installation completion, the system was thoroughly tested and determined it to be fit for energization. All went smoothly, within budget, on time and without the need for an outage. The project leader also took responsibility for cleanup and disposal after the job was completed. When your back is against the wall, call Hanover Technical Sales, Inc. We can team together with the right firm to arrive at the right solution for your critical power delivery emergency.
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