Analysis of Power Quality Data

Once the power quality monitoring has been performed, the next step is to analyze the collected data. In the analysis, the power quality engineer will look for unusual electrical events and will try to correlate these events with the electrical disturbance log. By doing so, the engineer can hypothesize causes of the power quality problem. If the cause cannot be readily determined, additional monitoring, adjustment of the power quality analyzer's threshold settings, and continued electrical disturbance logging by the customer maybe required.

The most useful power quality monitoring data is the customer's electrical disturbance log. Monitored events at the facility's electrical service entrance can be compared to the electrical disturbance log to determine any correlation. The amount of correlation can be used to determine if the power quality source is caused from an activity within a customer's facility or an event in Hawaiian Electric's electrical system. If no correlation is found, it is likely that the power quality source is within the customer's facility. In these cases, additional monitoring and a revised power quality investigation plan may be needed to determine the exact source of the power quality problem. If the source of the power quality problem is caused by events in Hawaiian Electric's electrical system, our Energy Services Department will work with customers to find a solution to resolve the problem.

The final step in data analysis is to determine the proper power conditioning equipment or other steps needed to resolve the power quality issue. Choosing the correct solution may not be as straightforward as it seems. A number of different types of power conditioning equipment, wiring and grounding methods, and equipment sensitivity adjustments can correct your power quality problem. Proper selection depends on the equipment's electrical specifications, use, and economic analysis.