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) under section 60050-161 captures the essence and object of EMC
The challenge now, is to provide the equipment or systems with a safe, proper and compatible environment through the knowledge of Electromagnetic interference (EMl) and Electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Electromagnetic Interferences (EMI)
Electromagnetic fields are all around us and not necessarily bad . The flux and signals generated are usually conducted via cables & components or radiated through the air.
In radio, television, phones and even garage doors remotely operated etc are all courtesy of electromagnetic radiation.
However some electronic devices are sensitive and susceptible to these EM fields and radiations.
Sources of EMI
In the past, most equipment comprised of linear loads (i.e. loads that draw current in a sinusoidal waveform or predetermined pulses).
Today, these loads are non-linear (inverter driven A.C motors, discharge & energy saving lamps etc). They produce narrow band noise (due to devices switching at fixed frequencies above 9 kHz) which can spread all over the network.
Switch-Mode Power Supplies (SMPS) now prevalent, produce and conduct interference signals (within the range of 10 kHz to 100kHz). Further, the prolification of miniaturized digital (solid-state) components, commercial and industrial process automation systems, has placed electromagnetic compatibility on the front burner.
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE (ESD)
Electrostatic discharge is the flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects. The charged bodies are caused by contact, electrical shock or dielectric breakdown. It is the effect of stationary electrical charges build up as a result of contact between two dissimilar materials
Electrostatic discharge or static electricity affects electrical power quality in high tech industries like data centres, semi conductor manufacturing / service centres and ICT. Where discharges of a few KV can wreck havoc to systems.
Consequences can be mild tingling effect, painful sensations of shock, degrading or damaging electronic components depending on the voltage level and may result to death.
In places like tank farms, refineries and grain elevators effects can be lethal.
Where a spark due to static electricity or EMI can ignite grain dust, gas vapour causing fire and explosions.
EMC SOLUTIONS
EMI , ESD are not easy to identify ,because even at levels far below the threshold of human perception, equipment damage or malfunction do occur.
The workplace from the industries, hospitals, aviation, maritime, ICT, oil & gas, petrochemicals & refineries, telecommunications, financial institution to the data centres etc
All are susceptible and the environment electromagnetic. With equipment interacting with others and the environment.
The need for the environment to be safe and compatible is now more critical than ever toward ensuring optimal systems performance, operations and profitability.
Protecting these systems and environment from unintentional EMI, lightning, electromagnetic pulses and conducted transients etc is vital.
Mitigating solutions include coordinated control of interfaces, proper Grounding or Earthing/bonding, electromagnetic Shielding (Screening) and the appropriate deployment of Filters, limiters and surge protectors.
EMC management is complex, requiring knowledge of electromagnetics, electrostatics, high frequency behaviour of components like inductors, capacitors, resistors, conductors and understanding the Faraday’s, Gauss and Maxwell’s laws.
The good news, is that FullSpectrum Energy understand the intricate subjects of EMI & ESD, uniquely positioned to help in advice, preparation and provision of compatible environments safe for any industry.
Contact us
Victor Oyedu, FNSE, FNIEEE, CPQ
Power Quality and Energy Management Specialist.
Publisher at Afrienergyonline.com &
CEO, FullSpectrum Energy Solutions Limited,Nigeria.
