There are many factors to consider when building a system to optimize electricity:
Voltage
The potential for energy to move from one point to another, an electromotive force analogous to water pressure. Voltage problems include surges, sags and transient fluctuations.
Amperage
The strength of a current of electricity, expressed in “amps”. High amps can cause damage to wiring and motors from excess heat.
Watts
The rate at which work is done, determined by the product of Volts x Amps, measured in kiloWatts and billed in kiloWatt-hours (kWh).
Load
Anything which consumes electrical energy, such as lights, transformers, heaters and electric motors. Load is unique and ever-changing.
Demand
The amount of electricity used in a specific time period. Demand charges are based on the highest point in the billing period, and can exceed kWh use charges.
Power Factor
The ratio of real power available to do work, to reactive power. Ideal Power Factor is 1.0 or “unity”. Low Power Factor may be subject to monetary penalties.
Reactive Power
The portion of electricity that sustains the electric and magnetic fields of alternating current equipment, measured in Volt-Amps-Reactive or VARs.
Harmonics
Current and Voltage are distorted and deviate from a sinusoidal waveform. Harmonics damage sensitive digital components and machinery.
The ideal energy state:
- Voltage stays at the level that is supposed to be delivered by the electric service provider.
- Amps stay relatively low, since high Amps means high heat which is detrimental to wires and motors.
- KiloWatts as low as possible, since this is how you are billed for electricity.
- Low or no Demand, because this costs extra — sometimes a lot extra.
- Total protection against Harmonics generated within, and Voltage transients and surges coming from outside, of your facility.
- Power Factor at or near 1.0 or “unity”, which means your facility is exceptionally efficient with little to no Reactive Power.
High-efficiency homes approach some features of this ideal. However, there is no home or business facility that escapes all electrical distortions or inefficiencies, simply because of three factors:
- Electricity as-delivered is never a pure or steady current. It is affected by power generation methods, weather events, and consumers upstream and downstream of your facility.
- The equipment powered by electricity (load) creates problems such as self-inductance and mutual-inductance, which affects the power quality.
- Modern digital equipment and lighting create harmonics.
The Solutions
Electricity Recycling
Proprietary technology captures and recycles electricity for re-use within the facility. Depending on operational equipment, this can save you 8% to 30% on electric bills.
Electricity Generation
Proprietary technology generates electricity within your facility, which reduces the amount of electricity purchased from the utility company.
Balancing Demand
Energy storage components and computerized demand-response technology ensure balanced use throughout the workday. This dramatically reduces peak demand.
Optimal Efficiency
Power Factor, a measure of efficiency, is raised. No more low Power Factor penalties!
Lower THD
Resolve Total Harmonic Distortion with centralized solutions where power enters, and localized solutions at the equipment source of harmonics.
Increase Longevity
All energized equipment and machinery lasts longer, because amps are reduced which lowers heat and wear. Digital and computerized equipment is protected from transient voltages.
Lower Electric Bills
Real kW reduction means lower electric bills! Additional savings come from elimination of demand charges and penalties, and less building and equipment maintenance replacement or repairs.
Surge Protection
Whole-house or whole-facility surge protection is incorporated into every system. Protect against high voltage events like lightning strikes, and everyday surges and transients voltages.
