(Young Central Asian woman with a gray coat, white top, and long dark hair in a ponytail).
Boboqulova Durdona Sanjar qizi
Student of Shahrisabz State Pedagogical Institute
2nd year, Faculty of Mathematics
IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY: MAIN PROBLEMS AND THEIR SOLUTIONS
Abstract:
This article provides a detailed analysis of the main problems causing the decline in the quality of electrical energy. In particular, it examines factors such as voltage fluctuations, harmonic distortions, reactive power imbalance, and voltage unbalance, and their negative effects on the stability of the power grid and the operation of consumer electrical devices. The article proposes several modern technical solutions to overcome these challenges, including the reduction of harmonics through passive and active filters, methods for reactive power compensation, voltage optimization technologies, and real-time monitoring systems that allow continuous observation of the network’s condition. The research results hold significant scientific and practical value for improving power quality, enhancing energy efficiency, and ensuring the reliability of the power supply system.
Keywords: power quality, voltage fluctuations, harmonics, reactive power, filters, voltage optimization, monitoring system, energy efficiency, reliability
Introduction
In recent years, the rapid development of industry, transport, information technologies, and services, along with the introduction of new technologies and global economic growth, has led to a sharp increase in the demand for electrical energy. Consequently, there is a growing need to ensure the stable and uninterrupted operation of power supply systems, maintain high energy quality, and use existing resources efficiently.
Power quality has become a crucial factor in providing continuous energy supply to both industrial and domestic consumers. A decline in power quality is mainly manifested through voltage fluctuations, harmonic distortions, excessive reactive power consumption, and voltage asymmetry. These negative factors seriously threaten the stability and efficiency of the electrical network. For instance, voltage fluctuations and harmonic distortions can lead to improper operation of industrial equipment, accelerated wear, energy loss, and reduced production efficiency. Similarly, excessive reactive power and voltage asymmetry cause uneven distribution of voltage and current across the network, potentially damaging consumer equipment.
Therefore, technical and technological solutions aimed at maintaining and improving power quality are essential. This article analyzes these issues in depth and presents a number of modern methods and technologies to address them. These include passive and active filters, reactive power compensation systems, voltage optimization technologies, and real-time monitoring systems. Applying such methods can improve power quality, ensure the reliability of power supply systems, and enhance energy efficiency. The article also provides practical recommendations for the application of these solutions.
Main Part
Power quality refers to the degree to which the supplied electrical energy meets established standards (such as GOST, IEC, and PQ norms). The demand for high-quality power is increasing, as it is essential for the smooth operation of technological processes across different sectors.
The main indicators of power quality include voltage level and stability, frequency stability, harmonic content, temporary voltage changes (such as dips or surges), voltage asymmetry, and reactive power. Each of these indicators must be maintained within optimal limits to ensure reliable and efficient operation of electrical equipment.
Voltage stability in the power grid is crucial for ensuring continuous and quality power supply. Sudden voltage drops, rises, or interruptions can cause industrial machinery shutdowns and failures of information systems, leading to significant economic losses—especially in high-tech industries and critical sectors such as healthcare and banking.
Nonlinear loads such as digital devices, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and computer systems generate harmonics in the system. These harmonics lead to overheating of transformers, electric motors, and cables, thereby reducing overall system efficiency, increasing energy consumption, and shortening equipment lifespan. Harmonics are assessed according to IEC 61000-4-7 and IEEE 519 standards, and corrective measures are applied accordingly.
Excessive reactive power reduces the ability of the power system to transmit useful (active) power, leading to overloads at power stations and decreased energy efficiency. To mitigate this, technologies such as Static VAR Compensators (SVCs), automatic capacitor banks, and shunt reactors are used to improve system efficiency.
In three-phase systems, uneven load distribution results in voltage asymmetry, which causes motors to overheat, vibrate, and operate less efficiently. Maintaining voltage balance is therefore essential.
To eliminate harmonics, passive LC filters and active power filters (APFs) are widely used today. Active filters detect harmonic currents in real time and inject counter-phase currents to cancel them out. This method provides high precision and fast dynamic response, allowing the system to adapt to varying loads.
Voltage stabilization is achieved through Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVRs) and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems. AVRs control voltage fluctuations to maintain stable output, while UPS systems ensure continuous power supply—especially vital in fields like medicine, IT, and finance.
Smart grid technologies, Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring systems, and power quality analyzers enable continuous observation of network parameters in real time. They help identify disturbances early and take corrective action promptly. By collecting and analyzing real-time data, potential problems can be detected and addressed before they cause major issues.
Power quality analyzers measure voltage, frequency, reactive power, and harmonics, providing accurate diagnostics of network conditions. These tools are crucial for maintaining stable, reliable, and high-quality power supply.
Conclusion
The article has analyzed the key factors that degrade power quality—voltage fluctuations, harmonic distortions, reactive power imbalance, and voltage asymmetry. These issues negatively affect the stability of power systems and the efficiency of electrical equipment, leading to production interruptions, increased energy losses, and reduced overall system performance.
Modern technical solutions are proposed to address these challenges, such as reducing harmonics using passive and active filters, compensating reactive power, optimizing voltage, and employing real-time monitoring systems. The use of active filters, reactive power compensators, and smart monitoring technologies (such as IoT-based systems and power quality analyzers) significantly enhances system reliability and efficiency.
Improving power quality leads to higher energy efficiency, reduced losses, and extended equipment lifespan in industrial and domestic systems. Moreover, the adoption of modernized technologies ensures a stable and reliable power supply. Such technological approaches contribute to the sustainable use of global energy resources, reduction of environmental impact, and overall economic growth, promoting the implementation of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient technologies.