Powerside Unveils Solutions for Electric Power Quality Optimization

In an age where digital interconnectivity and automation are becoming the norm, the need for reliable and efficient electric power is escalating. To answer this call, Powerside, a leader in power grid technology, recently introduced two products that aim to redefine how industries manage power quality. 

 

Data center monitoring. Image used courtesy of NIH

 

The Need for Power Quality

Today’s power grid is in a state of flux. With major changes occurring, such as the increased load from the electric vehicle revolution and the introduction of intermittent renewable energy sources, maintaining optimal power quality is becoming increasingly complex. 

Poor power quality can cause equipment failures, safety hazards, and costly maintenance for sensitive electronics in sectors such as data centers, healthcare, and industrial automation. Therefore, the need for advanced solutions that can adapt to these changes while maintaining high power quality standards is more pressing than ever. To this end, innovations like real-time monitoring systems and adaptive harmonic filters are becoming essential tools in navigating this complex environment.

 

PQ Edge Power Analyzer

The first of Powerside’s new products is the PQ Edge Power Analyzer.

 

The PQ Edge Power Analyzer. Image used courtesy of Powerside

 

This product is a continuous real-time power monitor, tracking voltage, current, frequency, and waveform characteristics. Designed to operate in conjunction with Powerside’s QubeScan monitoring software, this analyzer gathers real-time data at the local level so that facility managers and OEMs can have transparency and insight into the performance of their sensitive electronics. This helps businesses identify and address issues before they escalate into significant problems. 

Coming in a 5.52 x 3.78 x 2.38-inch form factor, the monitor features four voltage channels, four current channels, and 32 GB of internal storage. It can produce 512 samples/cycle at 50 Hz/60 Hz and has Class A power quality certified per IEC 61000-4-30.

 

PowerAct Hybrid Harmonic Filter

While the PQ Edge is geared towards monitoring, the PowerAct Hybrid Harmonic Filter aims to stabilize. To this end, the product merges the strengths of both passive and active harmonic filtering technologies into a single, streamlined enclosure.

 

The PowerAct Hybrid Harmonic Filter. Image used courtesy of Powerside

 

The PowerAct Hybrid Harmonic Filter employs a dual-technology approach. Passive filters manage baseline harmonics and reactive power, allowing active filters to adapt to variable events. This results in a system that is both adaptable and efficient. Integrating these two technologies into a single enclosure makes the PowerAct Hybrid Filter a space-saving and cost-effective solution. Moreover, the filter can be custom-configured to meet specific power factors and harmonic needs, making it a versatile choice for various applications.

Some notable specifications of the product include a hybrid capacity of 400 kVAR + 375 A, harmonic filtering capacity at 125 A / 250 A / 375 A, response time of less than 1 ms, and power losses less than 1.8% in typical operation. On the passive side, the product features reactive power up to 400 kVAR, maximum continuous voltage of 110%, and maximum continuous current of 165%.

 

Addressing Industry Challenges Head-On

Powerside's new products aim to tackle several urgent challenges in the industry. These solutions are setting new benchmarks in power quality management by offering real-time monitoring, actionable insights, and adaptive filtering technologies. As the electric grid continues its evolution, the innovations from Powerside provide robust and flexible solutions to help grid operators navigate increasingly complex power quality challenges.