Enhancing Compressed Air Efficiency
Enhancing Compressed Air Efficiency
COMPRESSED AIR
SYSTE M
Efficiency of Compressed Air system
• Air compressors account for a significant amount electricity used in industrial sector
• The generation efficiency is only about 10% as shown in the figure 3.1 and balance 90% of
energy of the power of the prime mover being converted to unusable heat energy and to a
lesser extent lost in form of friction, misuse and noise
• Further considering the distribution efficiency, the overall efficiency can be as low as 6.5%
when pressure drops, leaks, and part-load control losses are considered.
Efficiency of Compressed Air system
1. Positive Displacement Compressors
These compressors increase pressure by reducing the volume of gas.
• Reciprocating Compressor: Uses pistons and cylinders; suitable for high-pressure applications like
refrigeration and gas transmission.
• Rotary Screw Compressor: Uses intermeshing screws; widely used in industrial applications due to
continuous operation and efficiency.
• Rotary Vane Compressor: Uses rotating vanes in a housing; commonly used in automotive and low-
pressure applications.
2. Dynamic Compressors
These compressors increase pressure by imparting velocity to the gas.
• Centrifugal Compressor: Uses a high-speed impeller to accelerate the gas; used in large-scale
refrigeration, HVAC, and gas processing.
• Axial Compressor: Uses multiple rotating blades to compress gas in stages; commonly used in jet
engines and high-volume applications.
Selection criteria of compressors
Comparison of different compressor
System Components
• Intake Air Filters: Prevent dust and atmospheric impurities from entering compressor. Dust causes
sticking valves, scored cylinders, excessive wear etc.
• Inter-stage Coolers: Reduce the temperature of the air(gas) before it enters the next stage to
reduce the work of compression and increase efficiency. They can be water-or air-cooled.
• After Coolers: Reduce the temperature of the discharge air and thereby reduce the moisture
carrying capacity of air.
• Air-dryers: Air dryers are used to remove moisture, as air for instrument and pneumatic equipment
needs to be relatively free of any moisture. The moisture is removed by suing ads or bents or
refrigerant dryers, or state of the art heat less dryers.
• Moisture Traps: Air traps are used for removal of moisture in the compressed air distribution lines.
They resemble steam traps in which the air is trapped and moisture is removed.
• Receivers: Depending on the system requirements, one or more air receivers are generally
provided to reduce output pulsations and pressure variations.
Compressor Performance
• Capacity of a Compressor: Free Air Delivery (FAD): The volume of air, which is drawn
in from the atmosphere by the compressor, then compressed and delivered at a
specific pressure.
Simple method of Capacity Assessment:
1. Isolate the compressor along with its individual receiver being taken for test
from main compressed air system by tightly closing the isolation valve or blank, thus
closing the receiver outlet.
2. Open water drain valve and drain out water fully and empty the receiver and the
pipe line. Make sure that water trap is tightly closed once again to start the test.
3. Start the compressor and activate the stopwatch.
4. Note the time taken to attain the normal operational pressure P2 (in the receiver)
from initial pressure P1.
Capacity Calculation
Compressor Efficiency Definitions
• The iso-thermal efficiency
of a multi-stage air
compressor can be
calculated as a ratio of the
theoretical kW required for
a duty conditions and the
actual kW input measured.
This efficiency would
reflect the combined
efficiency of the
compressor and the drive
motor
Volumetric Efficiency
• It is evident that compressors located at higher altitudes consume more power to achieve a
particular delivery pressure than those at sea level, as the compression ratio is higher.
Cooling Water Circuit
• Cooling Tower Performance
Cooling towers lower warm water temperature close to the ambient wet bulb temperature, with an approach of 2-
5°C. However, microbial growth, scaling, and poor maintenance reduce efficiency, affecting compressor cooling.
Regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance.
• Effect of air wet bulb temperature on cooling tower performance
The wet bulb temperature significantly impacts cooling tower performance, as it determines the lowest possible
cooling temperature. Higher wet bulb temperatures reduce cooling efficiency, while lower temperatures improve
performance
• Cooling Tower Pump
Cooling water is supplied to compressors at a specific pressure and flow rate, affecting performance. High-
efficiency pumps and motors should be used due to continuous operation. Proper design of pipelines and coolers
minimizes pressure drops. Over-designed pumps often supply multiple compressors, leading to water wastage
during low demand periods. To prevent this, idle compressors should be shut down or equipped with a pressure
switch to stop water flow when not needed
Cooling Water Circuit
• Cooling Tower fans
Cooling tower fans improve air circulation and efficiency, but malfunctions reduce performance. Proper maintenance
and energy management are essential. Moreover following options can be considered for higher efficiency:
o .Fans can be intermittently operated based on water temperature to save energy.
o Two-speed motors, variable pitch fans, and inverter devices help adjust speed to cooling needs.
o Replacing heavy metal blades with lightweight FRP blades reduces power consumption
o fluid-coupling drives optimize fan speed control for efficiency.
starts or stops the compressor by means of a pressure activated switch as the air
demand varies. This is a very efficient method in controlling the capacity of compressor,
where the motor idle-running losses are eliminated. This is suitable for small
compressors (less than 10 kW).
• Load Unload control
Here's how it works:
o Load: When pressure drops below a set point, the compressor "loads" and starts compressing air,
increasing the pressure in the system.
o Unload: Once the pressure reaches a higher set point, the compressor "unloads" and stops compressing air,
though the motor continues to run. reciprocating compressor consumes 20-30% power while scroll
compressor consumes 40-50% power during unload.
Capacity Control of Compressors
• Compressed air systems usually have one primary receiver and possibly few secondary
receivers near high intermittent air using equipment.
• As per IS 7938-1976, volume of air in receiver (in m3) should be 1/10th to 1/6th of the output
in m3/min.
• approximation can be to size the receiver volume to be 5% of the rated hourly free air output
• A simple formulae often quoted for air receiver size is to take a value equal to one minute’s
continuous output of the compressor. However, this should be considered indicative of the
minimum size of receiver
Air Receivers
• A better suggestion is to estimate the peak
air consumption likely and allow for the maximum
pressure drop in line that is acceptable at this peak
load.
Compressed Air • Although some water, oil and dirt are
removed by the separators and traps in the
Filter mains, still some of it is always left, which is
being carried over.
• To remove these, all of which are liable to
have deleterious effects on pneumatic
equipment, the air should be filtered as near
as possible to the point of use
• Water and oil collected in the filter sump
must be drained off because, if its level is
allowed to build up, then it is forced through
the filter element into the very system it is
designed to protect.
Regulators
• In many instances, pneumatic operations are to
be carried out at a lower pressure than that of
the main supply. For these applications,
pressure regulators are required to reduce the
pressure to the required value and also to
ensure that it remains reasonably constant at
the usage point.
• Pilot operated type regulators are energy
efficient than direct-acting and self- relieving
regulators.
Avoiding Air Leaks and Energy Wastage
• Note the subsequent time taken for ‘on load’ and ‘off load’ cycles of the compressors. For
accuracy, take ON & OFF times for 8 – 10 cycles continuously. Then calculate total ‘ON’ Time
(T) and Total ‘OFF’ time (t).
• The system leakage is calculated as
Q = Actual free air being supplied during trial, in cubic meters per minute
T = Time on load in minutes
t = Time unload in minutes
Example
Leakage Test by Ultrasonic Leak Detector
Leakage tests are conducted by a Leak
Detector having a sensing probe, which
senses when there are leakages. The
leak is detected by ultrasonic vibration.
Leak testing is done by observing and
locating sources of ultrasonic vibrations
created by turbulent flow of gases
passing through leaks in pressurized or
evacuated systems
Capacity assessment of Compressor
Case study
Findings
45/60 (115.3) + 45/60 (117.20) + 45 / 60 (108.3) + 45/60 (104.3) + 5.88/60 (109.8)+ ((39.12) / 60)
39.3 = 370.21kWh
• Compressor air draw as a % of capacity on line is [2392.36 / 2926.35 ] × 100 = 81.75%
• Idle power consumption due to unload operation = ((39.12) / 60) 39.3=25.62kWh in every 45
minutes cycle i.e., 34.16 kWh every hour.
Recommendations
• It would be favorable and energy efficient to keep the compressor
‘D’ in cycling mode on account of lower un-load losses.
• A suitable smaller capacity compressor can be planned to replace
the compressor with highest unload losses.
• An investigation is called for, as to why such a large variation of
unload power drawn, exists although all compressors have almost
the same rated capacity.
Chapter 5
• Obviously, this is an oversize pump because the flow corresponding to the low system resistance will be
higher than desired Hence, the pump has to be throttled to achieve the desired flow. Throttling increases the
head to be overcome by the pump. In this case, head is 76 meters.
Extra energy used = 8000 hrs/yr X 14.9 = 1, 19,200 kWh/annum = BDT 6,55,600/annum (BDT 5.50 per kWh)
In this example, the extra cost of the electricity is more than the cost of a new pump.
Efficient Pumping System Operation
Effect of speed variation
• Q∝N,
• H∝N2
• P∝N3
Where,
Q = Flow rate
H = Head
P = Power absorbed
N = Rotating speed
Effects of impeller diameter change
• Q∝D,
• H∝D2
• P∝D3
• Diameter changes are generally limited to reducing the
diameter to about 75% of the maximum, i.e. a head reduction to
about 50%. Beyond this, efficiency and NPSH are badly affected.
• Loss of capacity (bubbles are now taking up space where liquid should be)
Net Positive Suction Head Available -(NPSHA): Liquid pressure at the suction -the liquid
vapourpressure.
NPSH Required -(NPSHR): The value of NPSH needed at the pump suction to prevent the pump from
cavitation.
If NPSHA < NPSHR cavitation will occur
Pump suction performance
Flow Control Strategies
Pump control by varying speed
Speed variation affects pump performance by shifting the duty point along the system curve, influencing
efficiency and energy consumption. Key points:
• Friction Loss Systems: In systems dominated by friction loss, speed control maintains the pump near its
best efficiency point. The affinity laws ensure significant energy savings as flow and head decrease with
speed.
• Static Head Systems: Systems with high static head see reduced proportionality between speed and flow.
Lower speeds may drop efficiency, causing potential damage (e.g., overheating when flow and head drop
to zero). Proper pump selection and consultation with manufacturers are necessary for safe operation.
• Advantages of Speed Control: Speed control is more efficient than throttling with a valve, reducing energy
consumption and hydraulic forces on the impeller. This minimizes shaft stress, bearing loads, and wear.
• Considerations: High speeds increase power demand, vibration, noise, and wear. Mechanical seals are
typically unaffected by low speeds, but higher speeds require review for seal chamber pressure effects.
Gas seals require a minimum speed for effective operation.
• Conclusion: Variable speed control is ideal for energy efficiency but must be optimized and analyzed case
by case for systems with static head to avoid operational issues
Lowest speed line doesn't
Flow Control Strategies intersect system curve so
flow will be zero
F LO W CON TR O L
VALVE
Flow Control Strategies
By-pass control
• With this control approach, the pump runs continuously at the maximum process demand duty
with a permanent by-pass line attached to the outlet. When a lower flow is required the
surplus liquid is bypassed and returned to the supply source.
Fixed Flow reduction: Impeller trimming
• Impeller trimming refers to the process of machining the diameter of an impeller to reduce the
energy added to the system liquid.
• Impeller trimming offers a useful correction to pumps that, through overly conservative design
practices or changes in system loads are oversized for their application.
• Consequently, impeller diameters are rarely reduced below 75 percent of their original size.
Flow Control Strategies
• Ensure availability of basic instruments at pumps like pressure gauges, flow meters.
• Adapt to wide load variation with variable speed drives or sequenced control of multiple units.
• Use booster pumps for small loads requiring higher pressures.
• Increase liquid temperature differentials to reduce pumping rates in case of heat exchangers
• Avoid cooling water re-circulation in DG sets, air compressors, refrigeration systems, cooling
towers feed water pumps, condenser pumps and process pumps.
• In multiple pump operations, carefully combine the operation of pumps to avoid throttling.
• In the case of over designed pump, provide variable speed drive, or downsize / replace
impeller or replace with correct sized pump for efficient operation.
• Optimize number of stages in multi-stage pump in case of head margins.
• Reduce system resistance by pressure drop assessment and pipe size optimization.
Problem
• The cooling water circuit of a process industry is depicted in the figure below. Cooling water is
pumped to three heat exchangers via pipes A, B and C where flow is throttled depending upon the
requirement. The diameter of pipes and measured velocities with non-contact ultrasonic flow
meter in each pipe are indicated in the figure.
Cooling
Tower
Mechanical
Natural Draft
Draft
Counter
Counter flow Cross flow
flows
forced draft. induced draft.
induced draft.
Classification
A cooling tower consists of several key components that work together to remove heat from a
system by evaporative cooling. The main components include:
1. Fill Media – Increases the surface area for water and air interaction, enhancing heat transfer.
2. Drift Eliminators – Prevent water droplets from escaping with the exhaust air, reducing water
loss.
3. Cooling Water Basin – Collects cooled water at the bottom of the tower before recirculation.
4. Nozzles – Distribute warm water over the fill media for efficient cooling.
5. Fans and Fan Drive System – Induce or force airflow through the tower to aid evaporation.
7. Casing and Structure – Encloses and supports the cooling tower components.
8. Pump and Piping System – Circulates water between the cooling tower and the system being
cooled.
Each component plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient heat dissipation and optimal cooling
Fanless Cooling Towers
Basis of Theory
• Fanless cooling tower (Figure 7.3) takes advantage of the
water pressure of the existing water circulation pump
forming a water screen with specially designed ejection
headers. As the water flows through the nozzles at high
velocity, based on a ejector principle, low pressure is
created which sucks the ambient cold air into the tower.
The kinetic energy of Water entering the cooling tower is
converted into kinetic energy of the air by the use of
specially designed ejector nozzles. Water Pressure
required in the Jet Ejector Nozzles is min. 0.5 Bar.
• The incoming air passes through the fills at the bottom
while the ejected water falls on the fills thus enabling a
counter current heat exchange between water and air. Drift
eliminators are provided to contain the drift losses.
Features of Fanless Cooling Tower
Energy saving
• Since fans are not used in this type of cooling there is a considerable saving of power even though
marginally higher power consumption is required for the pump.
Low noise
• The noises of traditional cooling tower originate from the operating fans and motors. Further the vibration
caused by these transmission units reinforces the noise resonance. This problem is eliminated in fanless
cooling tower since no fan/motor is used.
Water saving
• The velocity of water is less than that in conventional cooling tower. In combination with high efficiency
drift eliminators this can reduce the drift loss to 0.001%
Low maintenance cost
• Since the fanless cooling tower has no mechanical equipment such as fan, motor, gearbox etc. there is
hardly any maintenance required, provided the quality of circulation water is kept clean and well
maintained
Cooling Tower Performance
• “Range” is the difference between the cooling tower water inlet and outlet temperature
• “Approach” is the difference between the cooling tower outlet cold water temperature
and ambient wet bulb temperature. Although, both range and approach should be
monitored, the ‘Approach’ is a better indicator of cooling tower performance
• Cooling tower effectiveness= Range / (Range + Approach).
• Cooling capacity is the heat rejected in kcal/hr or TR, given, Q=m × Cp× Range
• Evaporation loss is the water quantity evaporated for cooling duty. An empirical
relation used often is:
Evaporation Loss (m3/hr) = 0.00085 x 1.8 x circulation rate (m3/hr) x (T1-T2)
Tl -T2 = Temperature difference between inlet and outlet water.
Cooling
Tower
Performance
Cooling Tower Performance
• Blow Down = Evaporation Loss / (C.O.C. - 1)
• Cycles of concentration (COC) is the ratio of dissolved solids in circulating water to the dissolved solids in
makeup water.
Liquid/Gas (L/G) ratio
• Liquid/Gas (L/G) ratio, of a cooling tower is the ratio between the water and the air mass flow rates. Against
design values, seasonal variations require adjustment and tuning of water and air flow rates to get the best
cooling tower effectiveness through measures like water box loading changes, blade angle adjustments.
• Thermodynamics also dictate that the heat removed from the water must be equal to the heat absorbed by the
surrounding air:
L (T1 –T2) = G (h2 – h1)
L/G= liquid to gas mass flow ratio (kg/kg)
T1= hot water temperature (0C)
T2=cold water temperature (0C)
h2= enthalpy of air-water vapor mixture at exhaust wet-bulb temperature (same units as above)
h1=enthalpy of air-water vapor mixture at inlet wet-bulb temperature (same units as above)
Factors Affecting Cooling Tower Size
• Cooling tower size is affected by the heat load, range, approach,
and WBT. When three of these four quantities are held constant,
tower size varies in the following manner:
• Directly with the heat load
• In a film fill, water forms a thin film on either side of the fill sheets. Thus area of heat exchange
is the surface area of the fill sheets, which is in contact with air.
Function of Fill media in a Cooling Tower
• ➢ Enhance sustainable consumption in the building sector through a rating system, providing consumer
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• ➢ Promote green equipment and construction materials, fixtures and make the market ready.
• ➢ Develop the capacity of architects and Engineers, Energy Managers & Energy Auditors in Green
Energy Efficiency Measures in Buildings:
Air-Conditioning System:
Weather stripping of Windows and Doors
• Minimize exfiltration of conditioned air and infiltration of external un-conditioned air through leaky windows
and doors by incorporating effective means of weather stripping. Self-closing doors should also be
provided where heavy traffic of people is anticipated.
Temperature and Humidity Setting
• Ensure human comfort by setting the temperature to between 23°C and 25°C and the relative humidity
between 55% and 65%.
Chilled Water Leaving Temperature
• Ensure higher chiller energy efficiency by maintaining the chilled water leaving temperature at or above 7°
C. As a rule of thumb, the efficiency of a centrifugal chiller increases by about 2% for every 1° C rise in the
chilled water leaving temperature.
Air Filter Condition
• Maintain the filter in a clean condition. This will improve the heat transfer between air and chilled water and
correspondingly reduce the energy consumption.
Energy Efficiency Measures in Buildings:
Chilled Water Pipes and Air Ducts
• Ensure that the insulation for the chilled water pipes and ducting system is maintained in good condition.
• Task Lighting
Energy Efficiency Measures in Buildings:
• • Suitable for different type of fuels such as low sulphur heavy stock and heavy fuel oil in case
of large capacities.
• • Minimum cooling water requirements,
• • Adopted with air cooled heat exchanger in areas where water is not available
a) If the DG set is required for 100% standby, then the entire connected load in HP / kVA should
be added. After finding out the diversity factor, the correct capacity of a DG set can be found out.
• Connected Load = 650 kW
• The grid is an infinite bus – The grid capacity is huge compared to a small DG set, making
synchronization difficult.
• Risk of power flow issues – Even with protection devices like reverse power relay, voltage,
and frequency relays, operational risks remain.
Motor Starting & DG Load Capacity
• When squirrel cage induction motors start, they draw a high starting current (up to 6 times the
rated current for a few seconds). This can cause voltage dips in the system.
• Key Considerations for DG Sizing:
• The starting current should not exceed 200% of the DG alternator’s full load capacity to ensure
stable voltage and frequency.
• The largest motor that can be started using Direct-On-Line (DOL) starting is typically 50% of the
kVA rating of the DG set.
How to Start Larger Motors?
Using soft starting methods can reduce the starting current and allow larger motors to run on the
same DG set:
• Star-Delta Starter or Auto Transformer Starter can increase the maximum motor size to 75% of
the DG kVA rating instead of just 50%.
Load Balance
• Why is Load Balancing Important?
• In a three-phase system, the total electrical load should be evenly distributed across all three
phases. If one phase carries significantly more or less load than the others (unbalanced load), it
can cause:
• Efficient operation – The generator works optimally when loads are balanced.
• Overheating of the alternator – The alternator’s windings heat up due to uneven current
distribution.
• Unbalanced output voltages – Voltage in different phases may vary, leading to instability and
potential damage to sensitive electrical equipment.
Maximum Allowable Unbalanced Load
To ensure stable operation, the difference in load between any two phases should not exceed 10% of
the generator’s rated capacity.
Neutral Earthing
• Electrical safety regulations mandate two independent earthing points to
ensure:
• Protection against earth faults – If a fault occurs (such as insulation
failure), current safely flows to the earth, preventing shocks and equipment
damage.
• Safe dissipation of leakage current – Any leakage from the generator’s
body or electrical components is drained away, reducing electric shock risks.
Operational Factors: Load Pattern & DG Set Capacity
• Assessing Load – The average load can be determined by logging current at the main switchboard.
• Understanding Overload on DG Sets – Unlike grid power, small overloads can significantly impact
DG sets.
o Diesel engines can handle 10% overload for 1 hour in 12 hours.
o Alternators can handle 50% overload for 15 seconds as per standards.
• Steady Load for Efficiency – DG sets perform best with steady loads and when the engine operates
above 50% capacity.
• Optimizing Efficiency –
o Engine efficiency is best at an optimal % load vs. fuel consumption (refer to manufacturer’s curves).
o Alternators are most efficient at 70% or higher loading.
• Key Consideration – DG set selection should aim for high efficiency by maintaining optimal kW, kVA,
and fuel consumption levels based on manufacturer data.
Operational Factors: Sequencing of Load
• DG Set Limitations – Diesel generators have limits on handling sudden
(transient) loads, affecting both engine power (kW) and generator capacity
(kVA).
• Impact of Base Load – Existing load reduces the DG’s ability to handle
additional transient loads and increases voltage dips in AC generators.
• Optimal Load Sequencing – To minimize voltage drops and maximize
efficiency:
• Start the load with the highest transient kVA first (e.g., large motors).
• Gradually add smaller loads in descending order of starting kVA.
• Solution – Use power factor improvement capacitors for better efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Motor loads suffer additional losses when fed with unbalanced voltages.
• Benefit – Prevents oversizing the engine, reducing capital and running costs while ensuring
stable operation
Operational FactorsL: Special Loads
• Special loads (e.g., rectifiers, welding, furnaces) require application checks for
proper DG set compatibility.
• Consult manufacturers to ensure the DG set meets power quality
requirements.
• Sensitive loads (voltage/frequency-sensitive) should be segregated and
supplied via a dedicated DG-driven generator.
• Benefit – Avoids unnecessarily expensive DG sets by limiting special designs
to critical loads only.
Waste Heat Recovery in DG Sets
DG Set Loading & Waste Heat Recovery
• Maintain DG loading above 60% to ensure stable flue gas temperature and
avoid cold-end corrosion in the heat recovery unit.
• Fluctuations & underloading cause erratic flue gas flow, reducing heat
recovery efficiency.
• Continuous DG operation improves thermal efficiency and cost benefits.
• Back pressure in the gas path should be kept below 250-300 mmWC to avoid
performance issues.
• Optimized heat recovery setups (e.g., waste heat boilers + vapor absorption
chillers) can improve efficiency, providing chilled water at 8°C using recovered
steam
Energy Performance Assessment of DG Sets
1) Ensure reliability of all instruments used for trial.
2) Collect technical literature, characteristics, and specifications of the plant.
3) Conduct a 2 hour trial on the DG set, ensuring a steady load, wherein the following measurements are
logged at 15 minutes intervals.
a) Fuel consumption (by dip level or by flow meter)
b) Amps, volts, PF, kW, kWh
c) Intake air temperature, Relative Humidity (RH)
d) Intake cooling water temperature
e) Cylinder-wise exhaust temperature (as an indication of engine loading)
f) Turbocharger RPM (as an indication of loading on engine)
g) Charge air pressure (as an indication of engine loading)
h) Cooling water temperature before and after charge air cooler (as an indication of cooler performance)
i) Stack gas temperature before and after turbocharger (as an indication of turbocharger performance)
Energy Performance Assessment of DG Sets
4) The fuel oil/diesel analysis is referred to from an oil company data.
5) Analysis: The trial data is to be analysed with respect to:
a) Average alternator loading.
b) Average engine loading.
c) Percentage loading on alternator.
d) Percentage loading on engine.
e) Specific power generation kWh/liter.
f) Comments on Turbocharger performance based on RPM and gas temperature difference.
g) Comments on charge air cooler performance.
h) Comments on load distribution among various cylinders (based on exhaust temperature, the
temperature to be i 5% of mean and high/low values indicate disturbed condition).
Energy Saving Measures for DC Sets
a) Ensure steady load conditions on the DG set, and provide cold, dust free air at intake (use of air washers for large sets,
in case of dry, hot weather, can be considered).
b) Improve air filtration.
c) Ensure fuel oil storage, handling and preparation as per manufacturer’s guidelines/oil company data.
d) Consider fuel oil additives in case they benefit fuel oil properties for DG set usage.
e) Calibrate fuel injection pumps frequently.
f) Ensure compliance with maintenance checklist.
g) Ensure steady load conditions, avoiding fluctuations, imbalance in phases, harmonic loads.
h) In case of a base load operation, consider waste heat recovery system adoption for steam generation or refrigeration
chiller unit incorporation. Even the Jacket Cooling Water is amenable for heat recovery, vapour absorption system
adoption.
i) In terms of fuel cost economy, consider partial use of biomass gas for generation. Ensure tar removal from the gas for
improving availability of the engine in the long run.
j) Consider parallel operation among the DG sets for improved loading and fuel economy thereof.
k) Carryout regular field trials to monitor DG set performance, and maintenance planning as per requirements
Problem
• ADG set is operating at 600 kW load with 450°C exhaust gas temperature. The DG
set generates 8 kg of exhaust gas/ kWh generated. The specific heat of gas at 450°C
is 0.25 kcal/ kg°C. A heat recovery boiler is installed after which the exhaust
temperature drops to 230°C. How much steam will be generated at 3 kg/ cm2 with
enthalpy of 650.57 kcal/ kg. Assume boiler feed water temperature as 80°C.
• Waste Heat Recovery = (600 kWh x 8 kg gas generated/ kWh output) x 0.25 kcal/ kg
°C x (450°C-230 °C) =2,64,000 kcal/hr
• Steam generation = 2,64,000 kcal/hr/ (650.57 — 80) = 462.7 kg/ hr.
Chapter 8:
Lighting
System
Primary considerations to ensure energy efficiency in lighting systems
Where, E = Illuminance in lux (lm/m2), I = Luminous flux in lumen (lm) and d = distance in m
Basic Parameters and Terms in Lighting System
• Average maintained illuminance: is the average of illuminance (lux) levels measured at various
points in a defined area.
• Circuit Watts: is the total power drawn by lamps and ballasts in a lighting circuit under
assessment.
• Luminous Efficacy (lm/W): is the ratio of luminous flux emitted by a lamp to the power
consumed by the lamp.
• Installed Load Efficacy: is the average maintained illuminance provided on a horizontal
working plane per circuit watt with general lighting of an interior. Unit: lux per Watt per square
metre (luX/W/m2).
Basic Parameters and Terms in Lighting System
• Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT)
is a measurement that describes the
perceived color of a light source,
indicating how "warm" or "cool" it
appears, and is measured in Kelvin
(K); essentially, it tells you how
closely the color of a light matches
the color of a blackbody at a specific
temperature, with lower CCTs
appearing warmer (yellowish) and
higher CCTs appearing cooler (bluish)
Basic Parameters and Terms in Lighting System
• Color Rendering Index: It
measures the ability of light
source to accurately reproduce
colors and its measured on a
scale of 0 to 100.
• CRI 75 is often considered
good.
• CRI 85 is very good
• CRI 95 is excellent
Lamp Type Description
Traditional bulb with a filament that glows when heated. High energy
Incandescent Lamp
consumption, low lifespan.
A type of incandescent lamp with halogen gas for improved brightness
Halogen Lamp
and lifespan.
Uses a gas-discharge process and phosphor coating for high efficiency
Fluorescent Tube Lamp (FTL)
and cooler operation.
A smaller, spiral version of FTLs, offering energy efficiency with a
Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL)
longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs.
High-efficiency lamp emitting yellow-orange light, commonly used for
Sodium Vapor Lamp
street lighting.
Produces bright white or bluish light, used for industrial and street
Mercury Vapor Lamp
lighting. Contains mercury.
Bright white light with good color rendering, used in stadiums and
Metal Halide Lamp
commercial spaces.
Highly energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in various colors and
LED Lamp
brightness levels.
Uses electromagnetic fields to generate light, with long lifespan and
Induction Lamp
high efficiency.
Sodium vapor lamp
Incandescent
lamp
LED lamp
CFL lamp
• The Zonal Cavity Method (sometimes called the Lumen Method) is the currently accepted
method for calculating average illuminance levels for indoor areas
The step by step process of lighting design
• Step 1: Decide the required illuminance on work plane. A preliminary assessment must be
made of the type of lighting required, a decision most often made as a function of both
aesthetics and economics. For normal office work, illuminance of200 lux is desired.
• Step-2: Collect the room data in the format given below
The step by step process of lighting design
• Step 1: Decide the required illuminance on work plane. A preliminary assessment must be
made of the type of lighting required, a decision most often made as a function of both
aesthetics and economics. For normal office work, illuminance of200 lux is desired.
• Step-2: Collect the room data in the format given below
The step by step process of lighting design
• Typical reflectance values for using in L5, L6, L7 are:
Utilisation factor is defined as the percent of rated bare-lamp lumens that exit the luminaire and
reach the work plane.
The step by step process of lighting design
• Step 5: To calculate the number of fittings required, the following formula is usedWhere,
N = Number of Fittings
E = Lux Level Required on Working Plane
A = Area of Room (L x W)
F = Total Flux (Lumens) from all the Lamps in one Fitting
UF = Utilisation Factor from the Table for the Fitting to be Used
LLF = Light Loss Factor. This takes account of the depreciation
over time of lamp output and dirt accumulation on the fitting and walls of the building.
Light output = 3050 Lumens (Single Lamp)
LLF = Lamp lumen MF x Luminaire MF x Room surface MF
Where, MF = Maintenance Factor
The step by step process of lighting design
• Typical LLF values
• If the actual ratio is more than the recommended values, the uniformity of lighting will be less
and vise versa.
• So, standard Distance between lumaniers should be = Mounting height × SHR= 2 × 1.5= 3
The step by step process of
lighting design
Based on the practical dimension of the room
(10X10) we have trialed with 3 lights along work
space 1
10m
• So, Space to height ratio (SHR) = 3.33/2.0 = 1.66
• Task lighting
• Lighting controllers
• Lighting maintenance
• Width = 5m,
ILER Assessment
• Compare the calculated ILER
with the information in
TableAfter determining the ILER
for the existing lighting
installation, the difference
between the actual ILER and the
best possible (1.0) can be
calculated to estimate the energy
wastage.
• Annual Energy Wastage (in kWh)
= (1.0 - ILER) x Total load (kW) x
annual operating hours (h)
Sample Calculation
Sample Calculation
• ILER of 0.7 means that there is scope for review of the lighting system as per
Table 2.4.
• Annual energy loss = (1 - ILER) x watts x no. of operating hours
Areas of Improvement
• • Identify natural lighting opportunities such as windows and other openings
• • For industrial lighting, explore the scope for introducing translucent sheets
• Pressure requirements depend on detailed analysis of pressure drops in ducts, bends, filters,
and expansions.
• Over-sizing fans due to conservative estimates often leads to inefficiency. Once system
requirements are defined, the appropriate fan type and impeller are chosen based on flow,
pressure, and speed. High-speed, small units are cost-effective at high pressures, while large,
low-speed fans are better for low-pressure applications.
Fan Design and Selection Criteria: Fan Performance
and Efficiency
Fan Design and Selection Criteria: Fan Performance
and Efficiency
• Fan performance and efficiency depend on the fan and impeller type.
o Centrifugal fans vary in pressure development based on hub-to-tip ratios, tip angles, and blade
width.
▪ Forward-curved fans have larger hub-to-tip ratios but lower pressure and efficiency than BWC fans
▪ Backward-curved fans, which offer stable operation and reduced power consumption at higher flows.
▪ Radial fans are simpler and suitable for high-pressure applications.
o Aerofoil centrifugal fans are the most efficient but limited to clean air.
o Axial-flow fans provide lower pressure with variable pitch options for flow control.
A IR F LOW
M EA SU R EM EN T
Measurement
by Pitot tube
Velocity
pressure/velocity
calculation
Calculation of Velocity
Calculation of Velocity
• Air flow measurements using the pitot tube, in the primary air fan of a coal fired boiler gave
the following data, calculate the velocity of air.
• Air temperature = 38°C
• The static efficiency equation is the same except that the outlet velocity pressure is not added
to the fan static pressure
Energy Savings Opportunities
• 4. Change of metallic / Glass reinforced Plastic (GRP) impeller by the more energy efficient hollow FRP
impeller with aerofoil design, in case of axial flow fans, where significant savings have been reported
• 5. Fan speed reduction by pulley dia modifications for derating
• 6. Option of two speed motors or variable speed drives for variable duty conditions
• 7. Option of energy efficient flat belts, or, cogged raw edged V belts, in place of conventional V belt
systems, for reducing transmission losses.
• 8. Adopting inlet guide vanes in place of discharge damper control
• A V-belt centrifugal fan is supplying air to a process plant. The performance test on the fan
gave the following parameters.
Solution
Refrigeration and air conditioning
• Refrigeration is the process of cooling a space, substance, or
system to lower and/or maintain its temperature below the ambient
one (while the removed heat is rejected at a higher temperature).
• Air-Conditioning is the control of temperature, humidity, purity, and
motion of air in an enclosed space, independent of outside
conditions.
Refrigeration Cycle & Its Components
Psychrometric
chart
Processes in
psychrometric
chart
Air property finding from psychrometric chart
Example: Air properties of air at 32°C dry bulb temperature and RH of 60 %
• Specific humidity, ὡ = 18 gm-moisture/kg-air
• Enthalpy, h = 78 kJ/kg-air
Human comfort
• One of the major applications of the Psychrometric Chart is in air conditioning,
and we find that most humans feel comfortable when the temperature is
between 22°C and 27°C, and the relative humidity ϕ between 40% and 60%.
This defines the "comfort zone"
Vapor absorption cycle
• The Vapor Absorption Refrigeration System (VARS) is a type of refrigeration system that uses
heat energy instead of mechanical work to drive the cooling process. It is commonly used in
industrial, commercial, and remote applications where waste heat or solar energy is available.
Working Principle
• VARS operates based on the absorption and desorption of a refrigerant by a suitable
absorbent. The most common working pair used in absorption systems is:
o Ammonia-Water System (Ammonia as the refrigerant, Water as the absorbent)
o Lithium Bromide-Water System (Water as the refrigerant, Lithium Bromide as the absorbent)
Vapor absorption
refrigeration system
• Main Components
o Generator – Uses heat energy to separate
the refrigerant from the absorbent.
o Condenser – Condenses the refrigerant
vapor into liquid.
o Expansion Valve – Reduces the pressure of
the liquid refrigerant.
o Evaporator – Absorbs heat from the
surroundings, producing the cooling effect.
o Absorber – The absorbent absorbs the
refrigerant vapor to complete the cycle.
o Pump (Optional) – In some systems, a small
pump is used to circulate the absorbent.
Vapor absorption refrigeration system
Advantages
• Utilizes low-grade heat sources such as waste heat, solar energy, or geothermal energy.
Disadvantages
• Lower efficiency compared to vapor compression systems.
• Bulky and expensive due to additional components like the absorber and generator.
Applications
• Industrial cooling (e.g., chemical and food processing plants)
Working Principle:
• Warm air passes over a wetted surface or through a water spray.
• Water absorbs heat from the air and evaporates.
• The air temperature decreases while humidity increases.
Evaporative Cooling
Definition:
Evaporative cooling is a natural cooling
process that occurs when water absorbs
heat and evaporates, reducing the
temperature of the surrounding air. It is
commonly used in cooling towers, air
washers, and direct/indirect evaporative
cooling systems.
Working Principle:
• Warm air passes over a wetted surface or
through a water spray.
• Water absorbs heat from the air and
evaporates.
• The air temperature decreases while
humidity increases.
Compressor Types and Application
3. Scroll Compressor
o Consists of two interleaved spiral scrolls, with one stationary and the other
orbiting to compress the refrigerant.
o Used in residential and commercial air conditioning.
o Pros: High efficiency, quiet operation, fewer moving parts.
o Cons: Higher initial cost.
Compressor Types and Application
4. Screw Compressor
Where,
• Q is mass flow rate of coolant in kg/hr, measued by Ultra sonic flow meter or pump curve
• To is outlet temperature of coolant from evaporator (chiller) in °C The above TR is also called
as chiller tonnage.
Performance Assessment of Refrigeration Plants
• The specific power consumption for certain TR output would therefore have to include:
o • Compressor kW/TR
o • Chilled water pump kW/TR
o • Condenser water pump kW/TR
• Optimizing compressor suction pressure and evaporator set points can significantly reduce
energy consumption. Process groups often use high safety margins, lowering suction pressure
unnecessarily. Raising the evaporator temperature by just 1°C can save around 3% of power.
Properly sizing heat exchangers and evaporators ensures minimal temperature differences,
reducing compressor work. Similarly, Condensers impact system efficiency—water-cooled
shell and tube condensers operate at lower discharge pressures, consuming up to 30% less
energy than air-cooled alternatives. Choosing generously sized condensers (≥0.65 m²/TR) with
efficient cooling methods is key to improving overall refrigeration efficiency.
• Higher evaporator pressure & Lower condenser pressure is key to efficient system as it
reduces compressor work
2. Maintenance of Heat Exchanger Surfaces
Effective maintenance is crucial for optimizing power consumption.
• Improving heat transfer requires proper oil-refrigerant separation, timely coil defrosting,
• Optimizing coolant velocity, though higher velocity increases pressure drops and energy use.
• Fouled condenser tubes (0.8 mm scale) can raise energy consumption by 35%, while
• Speed control is the most efficient method but has limitations: it can affect reciprocating
compressor lubrication and centrifugal compressor surge below 50% capacity (where vane
control or hot gas bypass are used). Screw compressors are generally more efficient at part-
load than other types, and their performance can be optimized by adjusting the volume ratio.
They are also more tolerant of oil and liquid refrigerant.
6. Chilled Water Storage
• Chilledwater storage can be economical for loads with acceptable
temperature variations, allowing chillers to run less, especially during off-peak
hours for cost savings and better efficiency due to lower nighttime
temperatures.
• However, if tight temperature control is needed, storage might be less
economical due to the extra cooling required, though solutions like large heat
exchangers can help. Ice bank systems are often a cost-effective alternative.
7. System Design Features
• • Design of cooling towers with FRP impellers and film fills, PVC drift eliminators, etc.
• • Use of economic insulation thickness on cold lines, heat exchangers, considering cost of heat gains
and adopting practices like infrared thermography for monitoring - applicable especially in large
chemical / fertilizer / process industry.
• • Adoption of roof coatings / cooling systems, false ceilings / as applicable, to minimize refrigeration
load.
• • Adoption of energy efficient heat recovery devices like air to air heat exchangers to pre-cool the fresh
air by indirect heat exchange; control of relative humidity through indirect heat exchange rather than
use of duct heaters after chilling.
• • Adopting of variable air volume systems; adopting of sun film application for heat reflection;
optimizing lighting loads in the air conditioned areas; optimizing number of air changes in the air
conditioned areas are few other examples.
Example
Heat Pump
Technology
Heat Pump Applications
o • Space heating
o • Heating of process streams
o • Water heating for washing, sanitation and cleaning
o • Steam production
o • Drying/dehumidification
o • Evaporation
o • Distillation
o • Concentration
• When heat pumps are used in drying, evaporation and distillation processes, heat is recycled
within the process. For heating of the space, process streams and steam production, the heat
pumps utilise (waste) heat sources between 20°C and 100°C.
Ventilation Systems
• Ventilation can be simply described as
air circulation, the extraction of stale,
overheated and contaminated air and
supply and distribution of fresh air in
amounts necessary to provide healthy
and comfortable conditions for the
occupants of the room. The ventilation Calculation of ventilation rate: If the
effectiveness is dictated by number of compressor room size is
Air Changes per Hour (ACH). The 15 m (L) X 10 m (B) X 4 m (H)
number air changes depend on the then the ventilation rate is
=Lx BX HX AC =15 X10 X 4 X10 = 6000
purpose and function.
m3/hr
Adiabatic saturation or
evaporative cooling
Adiabatic saturation or evaporative cooling
• Insulate all cold lines / vessels using economic insulation thickness to minimize heat gains;
and choose appropriate (correct) insulation.
• b) Building Envelope
• Optimise air conditioning volumes by measures such as use of false ceiling and segregation of
critical areas for air conditioning by air curtains.
• c) Building Heat Loads Minimisation
• Minimise the air conditioning loads by measures such as roof cooling, roof painting, efficient
lighting, pre-cooling of fresh air by air- to-air heat exchangers, variable volume air system,
otpimal thermo-static setting of temperature of air conditioned spaces, sun film applications,
etc.
Energy Saving Opportunities
EL E CT R IC A L
SYSTE MS
Bangladesh Power Transmission System Overview
• Transmission: High voltage (400kV, 230kV, 132kV) for long distances, minimizing losses and
enabling smaller wires. HVDC used for very long distances (>1000km).
• Sub-transmission: 230kV and 132kV network.
• Distribution: Stepped down to 33kV, 11kV, and 0.4kV for various consumers. 11kV/6.6kV/3.3kV
to end users.
• Frequency: Allowable variation: 49.0-51.0 Hz.
• Key Concept: Higher voltage transmission/distribution reduces current, voltage drop, and
power loss (Ploss = I²R).
Cascade Energy Efficiency: Generation to User
• Key Concept: Efficiency losses accumulate across the transmission and distribution cascade.
Loss at industry end
At the industrial end user premises again the plant network elements like transformers at receiving
sub-station, switch gear, lines and cables, load-break switches, capacitors cause losses which affect
the input received energy.
• Outdoor circuit breakers with typical full load losses of 0.002 – 0.015%
• Receiving transformers with typical operating efficiency of 99 % or above.
• Medium voltage switch gear 5.15kVwhere maximum full load losses can be between 0.005 - 0.02%
• Load break switches where maximum of full load losses can be between 0.003–0.025 %.
• Current limiting reactors can have a maximum full load losses ranging from 0.09% to 0.3 %.
• Medium voltage starters can have a maximum full load losses of 0.02% to 0.15%.
• Lines and cables can have a maximum loss ranging for 1% to 6% depending upon lengths, voltage
levels, power factor, condition of network in plant
• Motor control centers can have a full load losses range from 0.01% to 0.4 %.
• Low voltage switchgear can have a full load loss ranging from 0.13 % to 0.34 %.
Electricity billing: The tariff structure
• Maximum demand Charges: These relate to maximum demand registered during month / billing period
and corresponding rate of utility.
• Energy Charges: These relate to energy (kilo watt hours) consumed during month /billing period and
corresponding rates, often levied in slabs of use rates. Some utilities now charge on the basis of
apparent energy (kVAh), which is a vector sum of kWh and KVARh.
• Power factor penalty or bonus rates, as levied by most utilities, are to contain reactive power drawn
from grid.
• Fuel cost adjustment charges as levied by some utilities are to adjust the increasing fuel expenses
over a base reference value.
• Electricity duty charges levied w.r.t units consumed.
• Meter rentals
• Lighting and fan power consumption is often at higher rates, levied sometimes on slab basis or on
actual metering basis.
The minimum outputs from the electromagnetic meters are:
• Maximum demand registered during the month, which is measured in preset time intervals (say of 30
minute duration) and this is reset at the end of every billing cycle.
• Active energy in KWH during billing cycle
• Average PF for billing period.
• Reactive energy in KVARH during billing cycle and
• Apparent energy in KVAH during billing cycle
As example, in an industry, if the drawl over a recording cycle of 30 minutes is:
Why Electrical Load Management?
• Macro Perspective: Growing electricity demand and diverse usage patterns
strain capacity. Load management optimizes existing resources, avoiding
costly/time-consuming capacity additions.
• Utility Perspective: Utilities incentivize load management via tariffs (time-of-
use, demand penalties, night concessions) for better infrastructure utilization.
• UserPerspective: Demand charges significantly impact bills. Load
management helps control maximum demand and reduce costs.
• Key Concept: Load management improves efficiency for both utilities and end-
users.
Electrical Load Management Techniques
• Load Curve Analysis: Visualize demand patterns (hourly/daily) to understand peaks, valleys,
and trends. Calculate load factor to assess utilization.
• Load Rescheduling: Shift large loads/equipment operations to different shifts to minimize
simultaneous demand.
• Motor Staggering: Schedule large motor starts to avoid simultaneous peaks.
• Reactive Power Compensation: Install capacitor banks to optimize power factor and reduce
maximum demand.
Power Factor
Improving Power Factor
• The solution to improve the power factor is to add power factor correction capacitors to the
plant power distribution system. They act as reactive power generators, and provide the
needed reactive power to accomplish KW of work. This reduces the amount of reactive power
and thus total power generated by the Utilities (Distribution companies)
• A chemical industry had installed a 1500 KVA transformer. The initial demand of the plant was
1160 KVA with power factor of 0.70. The % loading of transformer was about 78%
(1160/1500=77.3%). To improve the power factor and thereby avoiding the penalty, the unit had
added about 410 KVAR in motor load end. This improved the power factor to 89%, and reduced
the required KVA to 913, which is the vector sum of KW and KVAR.
• After improvement the plant had avoided penalty and the 1500 KVA transformer now loaded
only to 60% of capacity. This will allow the addition of more loads in the future to be supplied
by the transformer.
Improving Power Factor
The advantages of improvement by capacitor addition
where, KVAR rating is the size of the capacitor needed, KW is the average power drawn, tan φ1is the
trigonometric ratio for the present power factor, and tanφ2 is the trigonometric ratio for the desired PF.
φ1 = Existing (Cos-1 PF1) and φ2 = Improved (Cos-1PF2)
Location
• HT Side: Benefits utilities (lower cost/kVAR), but switchgear costs are high.
• LT Side (Load Centers/Motors): Reduces losses within the plant's distribution network,
directly benefiting users via lower demand costs. No extra switchgear needed, simplifies
control, and mitigates motor inrush effects. Preferred location for energy efficiency.
• Key Concept: Optimal placement at motors/load centers reduces losses for both the utility
and the user. Loss reduction is proportional to [1 - (PF1 / PF2 )²]
Transformers
•Transformers change voltage levels,
allowing efficient power transmission at high
voltage/low current to minimize losses.
•They use magnetically linked coils (primary
and secondary).
•The turns ratio (primary turns/secondary
turns) determines the voltage change.
•Secondary voltage equals primary voltage
multiplied by the turns ratio.
•Ampere-turns (current x turns) are equal in
both coils.
•Voltage regulation measures the voltage
increase from full load to no load.
Rating of the transformer
• To minimize eddy current loss, transformer cores are made of laminated steel sheets insulated from each
other.
• Since both hysteresis and eddy current losses occur as long as the transformer is energized, they do not
depend on the load but only on the supply voltage and frequency.
Voltage fluctuation control
A control of voltage in a transformer is important due to frequent changes in supply voltage
level. Whenever the supply voltage is less than the optimal value, there is a chance of nuisance
tripping of voltage sensitive devices. The voltage regulation in transformers is done by altering
the voltage transformation ratio with the help of tapping. There are two methods of tap changing
facility available.
A tap changer adjusts a transformer's voltage ratio:
• Off-Circuit Tap Changer: Voltage adjustment requires disconnecting the transformer.
• On-Load Tap Changer (OLTC): Adjusts voltage without disconnection, reducing magnetization
losses and nuisance tripping.
• OLTC is recommended for main transformers (grid supply) and can operate in auto or manual
mode. It is typically used for transformers 250 kVA and above, with cost analysis required for
sizes below 1000 kVA.
Parallel operation of transformers
• PCC (Power Control Center) & MCC (Motor Control
Center) should be designed for parallel operation of two or more
transformers with additional switchgears and bus couplers.
• Transformers must be technically identical with the same
impedance to minimize circulating current.
• For fluctuating loads, parallel operation optimizes load sharing and
keeps transformers operating near maximum efficiency.
Transformer loss calculation
• An engineering industry has installed three numbers of 1000KVA transformers for an electrical load of
1500KVA. The No-load loss and the full load loss of the transformers were collected from the
transformer certificates as 2.8KW and 11.88KW respectively. Estimate the total loss when 3
transformers in parallel operation and also 2 transformers parallel operation. The transformer losses
can also be obtained from manufacturers test certificate which are available in the plant.
Energy Loss Estimation & Distribution Loss Optimization:
• Losses include constant no-load losses and variable load losses, requiring expertise for accurate
assessment.
• Cable losses in industrial plants range from 2-4%, and can be reduced by lowering current load.
Optimization Methods:
• Relocating transformers near load centers.
• Computer-based load flow analysis helps utilities optimize network efficiency and reduce losses.
Harmonics: Causes, Effects, and Mitigation
Harmonics are voltage or current waveforms that
occur at multiples of the fundamental frequency (e.g.,
50 Hz or 60 Hz). They are caused by non-linear loads
that draw current in pulses rather than smoothly.
Non-linear loads occur when the impedance is not
constant; then the current is not proportional to the
voltage. Harmonics occurs as spikes at intervals
which are multiples of the mains (supply) frequency
and these distort the pure sine wave form of the
supply voltage ¤t. Thus harmonics are multiples
of the fundamental frequency of an electrical power
system.
The magnitude and order of harmonics is governed by
the nature of the device being used and the impact is
expressed as Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
Harmonics can be expressed in terms of current or
voltage.
• Causes of Harmonics:
• Harmonics are generated by non-linear electrical loads that draw current in pulses rather
than in a smooth waveform. Common sources include:
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• The actual speed with which the motor operates, will be less than the synchronous speed. The
difference between synchronous and full load speed is called slip and is measured in percent.
It is calculated using this equation:
Volts/Hz Relationship in motor speed control
• The speed of an induction motor can be controlled
by changing the supply frequency, but voltage must
also be adjusted to maintain constant motor flux.
Since impedance depends on frequency (Z=2πfL),
lowering the frequency without adjusting voltage
can cause excessive current. To ensure efficient
operation and constant torque, the voltage-to-
frequency (V/f) ratio is kept constant across most
speeds. However, at very low speeds, additional
voltage (voltage boost) is required to compensate
for winding resistance. A Variable Frequency Drive
(VFD) manages this relationship, allowing smooth
speed control.
Relation between PF & motor load
The power factor of the motor is given as:
• Power Factor = Cos φ = kW/kVA
As the load on the motor comes down, the magnitude of the active
current reduces. However, there is no corresponding reduction in the
magnetizing current, with the result that the motor power factor
reduces, with a reduction in applied load. Induction motors,
especially those operating below their rated capacity, are the main
reason for low power factor in electric systems.
Motor Efficiency Parameters
The efficiency (η) and power factor (PF) of an AC induction motor are key to its
electricity consumption. Efficiency (η) is the ratio of mechanical output to electrical
input, while power factor (PF) is the ratio of real power (kW) to apparent power (kVA).
Since induction motors have PF < 1, they draw more current, leading to higher
resistance losses in wiring.
Factors Affecting Efficiency:
• Motor Type: Squirrel cage motors are more efficient than slip-ring motors.
• Cooling System: TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled) motors are more efficient than
SPDP (Screen Protected Drip-Proof) motors.
• Motor Size: Larger motors tend to have higher efficiency.
Motor losses
• Fixed losses (independent of load): Magnetic core losses (iron losses) and
friction/windage losses.
• Variable losses (dependent on load): Resistance losses in stator & rotor, and
stray losses.
• At part-load conditions (50-100% load), efficiency drops slightly, but PF falls
more noticeably. At very low loads, both η and PF decline significantly, making
operation inefficient.
Motors Selection
The key factor is torque requirements, including breakdown torque, locked rotor torque, and acceleration
torque. Load characteristics (constant vs. variable torque/speed) also influence the choice.
• Breakdown Torque (BDT):
• Highest torque a motor can produce before stalling.
• Considered a critical parameter for motor selection, as it needs to be greater than the maximum load torque
the motor will encounter.
• Occurs at a specific speed on the torque-speed curve.
• Acceleration Torque:
• Average torque developed by the motor while accelerating from standstill to full speed.
• Varies depending on the load and motor characteristics.
Operating
condition
As it
can't
reach
sync.
speed
Other important factors:
• Duty Cycle & Cooling: TEFC motors may have insufficient cooling at low speeds.
• Ambient Conditions: Special motors are needed for corrosive, dusty, or high-temperature
environments.
• Switching Frequency: Frequent starts/stops impact selection.
• Electrical System Impact: Large load variations can cause voltage drops affecting other
equipment.
• Reliability vs. Oversizing: Oversizing reduces efficiency; a better understanding of process
needs prevents this.
• Inventory & Availability: Standardized motors simplify maintenance and reduce downtime.
• Cost vs. Efficiency: Energy-efficient motors may have higher upfront costs but save money in
the long run.
Energy efficient motors
1. Stator & Rotor I2R Losses (55-60%)
• Caused by resistance in stator and rotor conductors.
• Reducing resistance (using copper conductors) and operating closer to synchronous speed lowers these
losses.
2. Core Losses (20-25%)
• Due to hysteresis and eddy currents in magnetic steel.
• Reduced by using low-loss silicon steel and thinner laminations.
• Not ideal for intermittent loads (hoists, cranes, punch presses, etc.).
• Designed for continuous duty cycles with standard mounting dimensions for easy replacement.
• Key Takeaways
• Proper sizing and consideration of voltage/frequency variations are essential for maximizing
benefits.
Field Tests for Determining Efficiency
% Voltage unbalance = (417 – 411.7/ 411.667) x 100 = 1.29 % (should be within 3%)
Power Supply Quality
Common Causes of Voltage Unbalance
• Unbalanced incoming utility supply
• Unequal transformer tap settings
• Large single phase distribution transformer on the system
• Open phase on the primary of a 3 phase transformer on the distribution system
• Faults or grounds in the power transformer
• Open delta connected transformer banks
A blown fuse on a 3 phase bank of power factor improvement capacitors
• Unequal impedance in conductors of power supply wiring
• Unbalanced distribution of single phase loads such as lighting
• Heavy reactive single phase loads such as welders
Power Supply Quality
• Voltage unbalance causes extremely high current imbalance. The magnitude of current
imbalance may be 6 to 10 times as large as the voltage imbalance. A motor will run hotter
when operating on a power supply with voltage unbalance. The additional temperature rise is
estimated with the following equation
• Additional temperature rise = 2 x (% Voltage unbalance)2
• For example, if the voltage unbalance is 2% for a motor operating at 100oC, the additional
temperature rise will be 8oC. The winding insulation life is reduced by one half for each 10 0C
increase in operating temperature.
• The options that an Energy Manager can exercise to minimize voltage unbalance include:
o • Balancing any single phase loads equally among all the three phases
o • Segregating any single phase loads which disturb the load balance and feed them from a separate
line / transformer.
Motor Loading optimization
Step 1: Measuring Load
Understanding motor load is key to improving efficiency, but measuring it accurately is challenging. It requires
assessing power, current, voltage, frequency, speed, and stator resistance under both load and no-load
conditions. No-load measurements help estimate fixed losses, enabling efficiency calculations. Proper
instrumentation is essential.
Step 2: Reducing or preventing underloading
Under-loading is a major cause of motor inefficiency, leading to lower efficiency, poor power factor, and
unnecessary costs. It occurs due to oversized motor selection, under-utilization, or voltage issues. Evaluating
motor load can optimize selection, but replacing motors operating at 60–70% capacity may not always be
beneficial. For motors running below 50% load, switching to star mode can improve efficiency by reducing
voltage. Delta-Star starters can also help adjust motor operation based on load requirements.
Step 3: Sizing to Variable Load (avoiding sizing to rated load that occurs for short time span)
Industrial motors often face variable loads, and selecting a motor based on peak load can be inefficient and costly.
A better approach is to use the load duration curve to choose a motor with a slightly lower rating that can handle
short overloads while maintaining safe temperature limits. However, this method is unsuitable for applications
with frequent starts, stops, or high inertia loads, as it may underestimate heating effects.
Power Factor Correction
• Induction motors have low power
factors, reducing efficiency and
increasing costs. Power factor
correction using parallel capacitors
lowers kVA demand, reduces
losses, improves voltage regulation,
and enhances system efficiency. The
required capacitor size is based on
the motor’s no-load reactive power,
typically not exceeding 90% of it to
avoid over-voltage risks. Maximum
efficiency is achieved by placing
capacitors at motor terminals.
Maintenance
• Where f is the frequency in Hz, and p is the number of poles in any multiple of
2.
• Therefore, if the frequency applied to the motor is changed, the motor speed
changes in direct proportion to the frequency change. The control of frequency
applied to the motor is the job given to the VSD.
Speed Control of AC Induction Motors
Principles of VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives)
VFDs control motor speed by adjusting the frequency and voltage of the power supplied. The system
consists of power electronics (IGBT, MOSFET), a central controller, and optional sensors. The VFD converts
AC input to DC, then synthesizes DC into three-phase AC with variable voltage and frequency.
• Base Speed Control: Speed is proportional to the supply frequency. The motor's torque remains constant
up to base speed by keeping the voltage and frequency in a constant ratio.
• Beyond Base Speed: Increased frequency beyond the base speed weakens the field, reducing torque.
• Constant V/f Control: Ensures smooth operation, reduces starting current, and provides over-current
protection, especially in high-inertia loads.
• Energy Efficiency: The VFD allows speed adjustment based on load requirements, improving energy
efficiency, especially in applications where power is proportional to the cube of speed.
• Multiple Motors: A single VFD can control multiple motors and is adaptable to various operating
conditions.
Speed Control of AC Induction Motors
Precautions for Using Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Low-Speed Operation: Install thermal sensors for motors running at low speeds to prevent overheating.
• Wiring: Keep speed control wiring (4-20 mA or 0-5 VDC) separate from other wiring to avoid interference.
• Installation: Improper installation accounts for 50% of VFD failures. Use the VFD start-up sheet for initial checks.
• Environmental Conditions: Avoid corrosive environments, humidity >95%, temperatures >40°C, or conditions with
condensation.
• Load Start-Up: Starting VFD with a spinning load can cause high current and trips unless specialized VFDs are
used.
• Power Switching: Most VFDs cannot switch from grid to emergency power while running; include this capability if
needed.
• Disconnects: Interlock the run-permissive circuit to electrical disconnects.
• Rated Load: If the motor runs at rated load continuously, VFDs may increase power use due to internal losses
Soft Starters
Soft Starter / Energy Saver for A.C. Induction Motors
• Function: Soft starters reduce the starting current to 1.5-2 times the full load
current, compared to 5-7 times with conventional starters. This gradual
acceleration eliminates motor starting shocks.
• Working: Solid-state devices control current and voltage to smoothly ramp up motor
voltage, allowing for a controlled start.
• Advantages:
• Reduced power consumption, lowering energy bills.
• Continuous power factor improvement.
• Reduced motor starting current and peak demand.
• Lower motor temperature, extending motor life and reducing maintenance.
• Enables more equipment operation when using a generator by lowering motor start and run
currents.
From Module 4
• Determining Motor Loading:
o Input Power Measurements: One of the most used method
o Line Current Measurements: The line current load estimation method is used when input
power cannot be measured and only amperage measurements are possible. In the low load
region, current measurements are not a useful indicator of load. However, this method may
be used only as a preliminary method just for the purpose of identification of oversized
motors.
o Slip Method: In the absence of a power meter, the slip method can be used which requires
a tachometer. This method also does not give the exact loading on the motors.
Input Power Measurements
Example" The name plate details of a motor are given as power = 15 kW, efficiency, η = 0.9. Using a power meter the
actual three phase power drawn is found to be 8 kW. Find out the loading of the motor.
Input power at full-rated power in kW, Pir = 15 /0.9 = 16.7 kW Percentage loading = 8/16.7 = 48%
Slip method
Slip method
• Example 4.5
• a) In a 75 kW four pole induction motor operating at 49.8 Hz and
rated for 415 V and 1440 RPM, the actual measured speed is 1470
RPM. Find out the percentage loading of the motor if the voltage
applied is 428 V.
• b) A 6 pole, 415 volt, 3 ø, 50 Hz induction motor delivers 22 kW
power at rotor shaft at a speed of 950 rpm with PF of 0.88. The total
loss in the stator including core, copper and other losses is 2 kW.
Calculate the following. i) Slip ii) Rotor Copper Loss iii) Total Input
to motor iv) Line current at 415 V and motor pi of 0.88 v) Motor
operating efficiency