What is the Principle of Operation Of SAVELEC / PCS-45?

The principle of operation of the equipment is based on two fundamental aspects of maximum power transfer. The Maximum power transfer theorem says that when the impedance of the system is equal to the load impedance, maximum power will be transferred.

They are ideal crest factor of the voltage waveform and ideal power factor of the current waveform. These are properties associated with the power supply system and depend on the distribution as well as the end use equipment characteristics.

The equipment optimizes the voltage waveform by inserting the necessary inductances, and reduces the phase angle of the current wave form by injecting the appropriate capacitances. This ensures that there are no deficiencies in the power transfer to the electrical appliances, and thereby reduces the losses. This results in saving of Power.

How is SAVELEC Different From PCS?

SAVELEC is relatively low current application device, which has one multi-tapped inductance for each phase and different capacitor stages for the same phase. Depending upon the load, the power factor of the current wave form changes and accordingly the capacitance needs to be added to meet the reactive power requirement of the load. The micro controller in the equipment senses the active and reactive power component of the load and accordingly adjusts the input voltage and the current phase angle by switching in the respective inductance stage and capacitance stage.

In the case of PCS, Inductance is varied by the use of a motorized Variac, which will ensure smooth variation in the inductance of the equipment. Other than this, this equipment also has a wide dynamic range of operation from 180 volts to 260 volts between the phase and the neutral. PCS has heavy materials and is relatively much heavier than the equivalent size of SAVELEC. Both the ranges are not conflicting in the capacities, but complementary to each other.

The SAVELEC range is available up to 27 Kva in three-phase model and the PCS range starts from 30 kva up to 60 kva. In selective cases, PCS of 25 kva or even less are supplied to meet certain specifications. SAVELEC is suggested where finer corrections are not required, and savings of 15-20% are possible with coarse corrections.

PCS is suggested where finer corrections are required and sensitive loads are present.

What are the functions of SAVELEC?

SAVELEC is a power conditioner with the following operational features:

• It is a wave form smoothening Device
• It acts as voltage regulator with in a small band.(Stabilizers can be removed)
• It acts as a Power Factor Corrector (Capacitors can be removed to the extent dynamic compensation provided)
• It works as a detuned filter for the third harmonic currents, so that harmonic resonance is avoided

What are the Functions of PCS?

PCS also provides all the above benefits with faster response and with finer corrections. Facilities, which use PCS, can do away with Stabilizers and can do away with fixed capacitances. The PCS series will also act as a series surge suppressor for transients. This will also reduce the reactive unbalance in the distribution system and thereby reduce the neutral currents.

How do we determine the equipment capacity?

The equipment capacity is determined by the load that is connected to the output of the equipment, its nature and type. The three-phase currents on full load is measured along with the voltages of individual phase with respect to neutral, and power factor. If the power factor is found to be better than 0.8, then a multiplying factor of 1.2 is considered on the line current (Balanced currents in all three phases are considered—if there is heavy imbalance, it has to be physically balanced. If the power factor is below 0.8 and is above 0.65, a factor equal to 1.32 times the line current is considered for calculating the capacity.

Once the current level are thus calculated, the equipment capacity is determined by dividing the calculated current by a factor of 1.35, which gives the KVA rating of the equipment.

In case the voltages in the system are below 220volts, no major savings are possible except correction of the PF and reduction in I2 R. losses.

The existence of lumped input capacitances is not detrimental to the application of SAVELEC or PCS, in the feeder or sub-distribution boards in buildings or factories.  

What happens when SAVELEC/ PCS trips?

When the SAVELEC/ PCS trips or changes over to the Direct Mode (upon overloading), the savings do not occur. The bypassing of equipment in this mode not only adds power quality issue to the load, but also drives more current in the load circuit. The equipment can be brought to the Save mode once the fault (under which the equipment tripped) is rectified.

When do the Equipment Trip?

The equipment is provided with input protection against Overload and output Short circuit. In the event of any of the above, the equipment MCB/MCCB trips. At this juncture, the user can manually bypass the equipment by changing over the bypass switch to the Direct Mode. In the event of overload, the equipment sensor circuit initiates an automatic bypass of the equipment, and when the status quo resumes, the equipment will be automatically switched over to the Save mode.

What is the Life of the equipment?

The equipment is designed to last over 10 years.

What is the Warrantee period?

The warranty of the equipment is for One Year from the date of Supply.

Can the Consumer get the colour of his choice for the equipment?

For large volume customised orders, we can assure the customers the choice of colour. A small incremental lead-time shall be provided for the delivery.

Where is the equipment installed After / Before Meter?

SAVELEC and the PCS are DSM products, which are basically end–use energy efficient products. They are connected after the Utility Energy Meter and after the main switch of the customer's loads. The total distribution of loads can be sub-divided into different DBs and the equipment can be sized according to the current levels at the DB’s. Closer to the load and optimum the switching currents, higher the benefits to the customer in terms of loss reduction and power quality improvement.

What are the safety precautions to be taken?

1. Input side overload /short circuit protection.
2. Earthing terminals for earthing the body of the equipment.
3. Overload Bypass and automatic restoration.

Is it safe to keep the equipment within the reach of Children?

The equipment shall be installed in safe places out of reach of children or people who are not conscious about the significance of electric safety and dangers of electric shock. The equipment contains several electrical points which are live and dangerous to touch once the front door is opened. It is advised that only experienced and proficient electricians or technicians handle the equipment.

How can the savings be verified?

1. By comparing the instantaneous value of Power and current drawn in the circuit with the equipment in Save mode and Direct mode for the same load by changing the knob of the changeover switch with a duration of 10 – 30 minutes.
2. By installing an energy meter (optional) in series, the energy consumption in the save mode and in the Direct mode can be checked by the selection of the changeover switch for fixed duration (same duration) and with fixed load (same load).

What are the precautions needed if more load is to be added?

If more load is to be added, kindly get in touch with our service engineers along with existing load data and capacity of the equipment. They will study the system and either add the load to the equipment, (if provision of expansion in the load is available), or bye-pass the additional load.

Does the Dynaspede Power equipment need any Govt. approval for installation?

The equipment being marketed are tested at reputed laboratories for the features and facilities offered. Since this equipment is a demand side product, meant for improvement of the quality of power supply, no electricity company approvals are necessary.

Are there any other benefits if we use the equipment?

The equipment being a power conditioner, the localized VAr compensation provides voltage support, improves the operating performance of the end-use equipment and increases the life of the devices connected to the equipment. The equipment reduces the reactive unbalances and provides for current reduction using dynamic phase-wise VAr compensation.

What are the tax benefits available?

Both SAVELEC and PCS are Energy saving equipment and hence are qualified for 80% depreciation in the first year of purchase/ Installation as per the relevant Income tax rules. This could mean a lot for corporations/ Firms/ Individuals to offset their tax liabilities.

In case the savings do not match expectations, what is to be done?

In case of large mismatch in savings according to user perception, you may inform our service engineers who will come and demonstrate the correct use of equipment and the conditions to operate. There can be variations in load, input supply of power and incorrect usage. Our Engineers will educate to the clients on all aspects of usage for optimum benefit.

What is the service back up for the product?

We have service centres in almost all the metros and mini metros, with service engineers located at each of these centers, who are available on call, during the Warranty period and later. Normal rectification time in Metros and minimetros is 48 hours. In the absence of a full-fledged service centre near any other city/ town, you may approach our authorized dealer/ stockist for the correction of the equipment.

Can the equipment be used for Three-phase motors?

The SAVELEC and PCS are not suitable for three-phase motor loads since the correction of the equipment does not support flux control required by the motor, which operates on Electromagnetic Induction principle. However, starter losses can be reduced by providing the Power Conditioners.

What types of loads can SAVELEC and PCS be used for?

Normal types of loads such as fluorescent lights, fans, small power loads, other single phase loads, small heaters, etc.

What are the typical Savings in the Power Envisaged?

For the conditions of voltages, PF and current levels mentioned in the specifications of the product, a power saving of 15-20% is achievable. In the case of Street Light loads, where the criticality of luminous intensity at off peak hours is not critical, the savings can be above 30%.

What are the operating conditions of the equipment?

The operating conditions of the equipment are

• Supply input voltages of 415 volts 3-phase, 230 volts single-phase
• Typical loads as mentioned above—lighting and mixed loads
• Operating load factor of above 70% on the capacity of equipment
• No overload conditions
• Temperature of 30°C and up to 40°C