Performance Wiring and Grounding (Earthing) – Basic Principles II
Nations have Electrical standards & Codes which are the “bibles” for proper grounding. In each country these standards are designed to protect the public from electrical shocks and fire hazards only. It does not deal with the power quality issues. However, there are recommended practices that meet the requirements for performance grounding which mitigate inherent […]
Performance Wiring and Grounding (Earthing) – Basic Principles I
Wiring and Earthing (Grounding) are essential power quality (PQ) tools used in energy management. The use of best practices in wiring and grounding (earthing) ensures safety, prevents fire hazards and importantly allows a piece of equipment to function in its intended manner without significant loss of performance and life expectancy. It improves efficiency and quality […]
Electric Motors and Drives – (I)
Electric motors convert electrical energy into rotational mechanical energy. The motors are either AC or DC powered. Altogether they consume an estimated 50% of global electricity. Electric motors are highly efficient, reliable, offer long lasting service and cost relatively little to maintain. They come in sizes of thousands to fractions of a horsepower (1 HP= […]
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) – The Fundamentals
In certain environments, electromagnetic energy is unintentionally generated, propagated and the reception cause major HSE challenges like noise, discomfort, pollution, affecting performance and physical damage of equipment or systems, injury and even loss of life. Electromagnetic compatibility is concerned with efficient operation and performance of equipment in an electromagnetic environment. The international Electrotechnical Committee (IEC) […]
Power Factor (PF)
Power factor is a critical issue in commercial and industrial establishments. The proper management of power factor for organisations, saves money, enhances operations, extends life expectancy of machinery and saves utility penalties. From the electricity utility perspective it frees up energy for other customers and reduces pressure on electrical infrastructure. It is therefore a power […]
LIGHTNING PROTECTION …an insurance for your assets
Lightning contain awesome amount of electrical energy and even though it is of a very short duration. It leaves behind tremendous damage and destruction. The effects of a direct strike are obvious and apparent – buildings damaged, trees blown apart, personal injuries and loss of life. Lightning can cause fires, explosions, chemical release or mechanical […]
Lighting Systems – CONTROLS, AUDITING AND $AVINGS
Today, we shall be finalizing on lighting systems and lamps, having gone through fundamentals I & II, lamp types and characteristics I & II. By discussing the typical methods of controlling lighting, steps towards lighting audits and how to calculate savings on lighting to improve bottom line. LIGHTING CONTROLS Lighting controls have a major impact […]
LAMPS – Types and Characteristics II
This section concludes the various types and general characteristics of lamps. METAL HALIDE LAMPS Metal halide lamps, also classified as HID lamps, are similar in design to mercury vapour lamps. The primary difference is that metal halides are used in addition to mercury inside the bulb. Metal halides are 1.5 to 2 times more efficient […]
LAMP – Types and Characteristics I
In this section, we shall look at the major types of lighting used in facilities.The lamp’s construction, general strengths, weaknesses and improvement opportunities. This knowledge when applied shall be a veritable tool in achieving lighting system efficiency thus saving money. Incandescent lamps The basic incandescent is as shown below. Electricity is passed through a filament, […]
Energy Audit – A Matter of Level (Type)
Before stating an energy audit, it is helpful to have some idea of the scope of the project and the level of effort necessary to meet expectations. Here we shall discuss the levels of surveys and assessments necessary to perform commercial building or industrial audits American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) […]
