Decision path for investments on solutions to power quality problems

During the last decades, power quality (PQ) related disturbances in the electricity networks have got increased attention. The customers have become more aware of the power quality of the electricity supply. They use more sensitive electronic devices that demand undistorted power supply. On the contrary, these devices often cause PQ disturbances into the network themselves. Some of the PQ problems (such as voltage dips, transients etc.) can cause large techno-economical inconveniences to the customers while some other PQ problems (such as harmonics) can have adverse impacts on the operation of the network components. As PQ problems are mostly originated from the customer side, the network operators do not want to take full responsibility of delivering an undistorted supply voltage waveform at the customer’s terminals without current quality regulation. Hence, PQ related disputes among the customers, the network operators and the equipment manufacturers have increased. A number of PQ mitigations methods, with varying cost and effectiveness, are available to solve different PQ problems. PQ disturbances can cause large financial losses while PQ mitigations might need significant investments. So, the decision of investment for solving PQ problems requires a detailed cost-benefit analysis for all parties involved