… and the switchgear rattles. Then it's not necessarily a problem with the power supply.

In the case described above, a diesel-powered emergency power system began to oscillate in current and active power at a certain power in parallel network operation. At the same time, a high level of noise was detected at the switchgear, which was the reason for our mission.

During the power quality measurement, it quickly became apparent that the current and the power values were slowly oscillating and current peaks happened several times per second far above the rated current of the switchgear. The clattering noises were thus quickly explained by the current and unfavorably placed ventilation grilles. During this process, the active power oscillated between feed-in and draw-in.

A malfunction of the diesel generator was therefore obvious and a service technician had solved the problem within a few days after analysis.

We have already noticed similar effects in several power quality analyses on the occasion of diesel generator and UPS function tests in data centers, hospitals and other facilities. Often, these PQ-analyses take place at many measuring points simultaneously during overall function tests. This almost always reveals weak points in the power quality and occasionally also in the maintenance condition of individual systems.

à Contact us if you suspect similar effects in your plant.