In the complex landscape of electrical distribution, identifying the origin of power quality disturbances requires more than just high-speed sampling; it demands precise temporal synchronization across the entire monitoring network.…
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62 results by Caleb Payne — Clear
Ferroresonance in Solar Step-Up Transformers
This paper explores the unique risks of ferroresonance within solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, specifically focusing on the interaction between step-up transformers and system capacitance. We will examine why solar sites…
Defining and Measuring Rapid Voltage Change
Rapid Voltage Change (RVC) represents a specific category of power quality phenomena characterized by a fast transition in the RMS voltage between two steady-state conditions. Unlike a voltage dip or…
Detailed Waveform Analysis with Merlin™
Power Quality investigations are frequently complex, difficult, tedious and error prone. When sitting down to analyze a long duration power quality recording as part of a critical investigation, the vast…
High Impedance Faults: Causes, Risks, Detection Techniques
High impedance faults can be a troublesome power quality issue affecting not only utilities, but their customers too. Frequently, these faults can trip arc fault breakers and GFCI outlets and…
Why Notching Disrupts Power Quality and How To Stop It
Wave notching is a type of voltage distortion that appears as a very fast, repetitive dip or "notch" in the sinusoidal waveform of an AC power system. This periodic disturbance…
PQ Trends Electric Vehicle Charging
The rapid deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is reshaping electric distribution systems in North America. This white paper provides a focused technical overview of EV charging technologies, emphasizing…
Voltage Imbalance and Its Impact on Waveform Distortion
Voltage imbalance, also referred to as voltage unbalance, is an important power quality issue that can lead to significant operational problems in customer equipment. It occurs when the magnitudes or…
60Hz Phasors and Extended PQ Measurements
This white paper walks the reader through a method to take basic core PQ measurements and derive several other measurements (such as 60Hz power, Voltage and Current THD, distortion power…
Symmetrical Components from Stripchart Data
Symmetrical components can be useful in a PQ investigation, especially in cases of voltage imbalance, where the customer's negative sequence current can help determine their contribution to the imbalance. Many…
Symmetrical Components
Power systems ideally operate in a balanced state, with equal voltages and currents across all phases. However, real-world scenarios often involve unbalanced conditions that can degrade power quality. Symmetrical components…
Introduction to Voltage Sags
Voltage sags are short-duration power quality nuisances that can wreak havoc on sensitive electrical equipment. Identifying and classifying sags (as well as identifying their sources) can be a tedious and…