The problem

Grid supply regulation allows for a wide range of voltage levels. For example, Australian standard AS 60038 allows grid voltage levels of 230V +10% -6%, which is a range of 216V to 253V. 

Overvoltage can have a significant impact on facility efficiency, primarily by leading to energy wastage, increased wear and tear on equipment, and the potential for operational instability.

 

Energy Waste and Carbon Emissions

Overvoltage occurs when electrical equipment operates above its designed voltage level. Facilities often receive voltage from the grid at a higher-than-required level (e.g., 245V versus the standard 220V), this mismatch leads to unnecessary energy consumption. This not only increases operational costs but also raises the associated carbon emissions due to inefficient energy use.

Employing technologies like voltage optimisation (VO) can mitigate this issue by reducing the incoming voltage to the optimal level, thereby cutting down on wasted energy and carbon output.

 

Equipment Damage and Reduced Lifespan

Overvoltage stresses electrical and IT equipment, leading to overheating and accelerated degradation. Sensitive components, such as power supplies and cooling systems, are particularly vulnerable to these fluctuations, increasing the likelihood of equipment failures. Frequent voltage spikes can cause equipment to trip or malfunction, potentially leading to data loss or corruption, which is critical for efficient operation.

By stabilising voltage levels, all facilities can extend the lifespan of their equipment and lower maintenance costs.

 

The Cause

Voltage received from the grid, backup power sources and/or renewable sources are often at a higher-than-required voltage level (e.g., 245V versus the standard 220V). This is mostly out of the control of DC operators.

 

The Solution

To correct overvoltage in facilities and improve efficiency, effective solutions include:

 

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Systems

A UPS with voltage regulation capabilities can stabilise the voltage supplied to sensitive equipment, reducing the impact of fluctuations.

 

Transformer Tap Adjustments

Adjusting transformer taps to lower the output voltage is another solution. This is often implemented where the voltage provided by the grid is consistently higher than needed​.

 

Voltage Optimization (VO)

VO technology reduces incoming voltage to the optimal level, matching the voltage requirements of the facilities equipment. This eliminates energy waste and reduces wear on equipment. Modern dynamic VO systems adapt to fluctuating power demands, providing real-time adjustments and further boosting efficiency​

 

 

References

https://datacentrereview.com/2024/09/using-voltage-optimisation-to-boost-efficiency/

Australian Standard AS 60038

IEC 61000-4-30