Skip to main content

UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLIES

Static inverters are used to convert DC voltage into AC voltage. The simplest forms of inverters produce an output waveform that is rectangular, as a result of the simple switching, rectangular waveform can be used to feed some types of AC equipment e.g. incandescent lamps, domestic equipment such as kitchen mixers and kettles. Equipment that contains electronic devices may not function properly if their supply waveform is non-sinusoidal.

Their timing circuits and pulse generating systems may be disturbed by the shape of the waveform or its derivative.

Harmonics in the voltage waveform may create harmonic currents in the equipment that could give rise to excessive heat dissipation and ultimately damage may be caused.

All but the smaller ratings of inverters used in the oil industry require a sinusoidal output waveform. The quality of the waveform is typically defined as, being that no greater than 5% total harmonic distortions should be present. In order to achieve a sinusoidal output it is necessary to include a filter in the output circuit. The output of the inverter usually has a double wound transformer so that the required line voltage is obtained. The filter is placed on the load side of the transformer; its leakage reactance of the transformer contributes to the filtering process.

Inverters are fed from a battery bank that has sufficient cells to optimize the output voltage of the inverter and the performance of the rectifier or charger. The inverter is shown in Figure below, which provides an uninterruptible supply (UPS) that also has an off-load bypass supply.


Some of the equipment in a plant requires a source of power that is extremely reliable and does not become interrupted during an emergency. For example if all the main generators on a production platform trip for some emergency reason then it is necessary to maintain supplies to vital services such as communications, public address, emergency lighting, navigational panels, fire and gas systems. Many of these loads can tolerate a short break and can be supplied by the emergency diesel generator once it is ready for service. Some loads cannot tolerate an interruption at all e.g. data processing systems, instrument panels, safety shut-down systems.

Inverters can be arranged to operate in various ways to provide an uninterruptible supply.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF CORONA

Corona has many advantages and disadvantages. In the correct design of a high voltage overhead line, a balance should be struck between the advantages and disadvantages. ADVANTAGES (i) Due to corona formation, the air surrounding the conductor becomes conducting and hence virtual diameter of the conductor is increased. The increased diameter reduces the electrostatic stresses between the conductors. (ii) Corona reduces the effects of transients produced by surges. DIS-ADVANTAGES (i) Corona is accompanied by a loss of energy. This affects the transmission efficiency of the line. (ii) Ozone is produced by corona and may cause corrosion of the conductor due to chemical action. (iii) The current drawn by the line due to corona is non-sinusoidal and hence non-sinusoidal voltage drop occurs in the line. This may cause inductive interference with neighboring communication lines.

ADVANTAGES OF PER UNIT SYSTEM

PER UNIT SYSTEM The per-unit system expressed the voltages, currents, powers, impedances, and other electrical quantities basis by the equation: Quantity per unit (pu) = Actual value/ Base value of quantity ADVANTAGES OF PER UNIT SYSTEM While performing calculations, referring quantities from one side of the transformer to the other side serious errors may be committed. This can be avoided by using per unit system. Voltages, currents and impedances expressed in per unit do not change when they are referred from one side of transformer to the other side. This is a great advantage. Per unit impedances of electrical equipment of similar type usually lie within a narrow range, when the equipment ratings are used as base values. Transformer connections do not affect the per unit values. Manufacturers usually specify the impedances of machines and transformers in per unit or percent of name plate ratings. Transformers can be replaced by their equivalent series impedances. ...

ABSOLUTE AND SECONDARY INSTRUMENTS

The various electrical instruments may, in a very broad sense, be divided into (i) Absolute Instruments (ii) Secondary Instruments. Absolute Instruments are those which give the value of the quantity to be measured, in terms of the constants of the instrument and their deflection only. No previous calibration or comparison is necessary in their case. The example of such an instrument is tangent galvanometer, which gives the value of current, in terms of the tangent of deflection produced by the current, the radius and number of turns of wire used and the horizontal component of earth’s field.  Secondary Instruments  are those, in which the value of electrical quantity to be measured can be determined from the deflection of the instruments, only when they have been pre-calibrated by comparison with an absolute instrument. Without calibration, the deflection of such instruments is meaningless. It is the secondary instruments, which are most generally used in ev...