Improving the quality of maintenance of buildings and industrial complexes has led to the widespread use of sources of electricity and related infrastructure. In modern enterprises, the functions of energy supply systems assume the greatest responsibility, since the slightest failure in the power supply of equipment can lead to disruption of production processes. And this is only part of the risks that must be minimized even at the stage of development of the draft power supply system. No less significant are the issues of optimizing this infrastructure, since the cost of energy resources, as a rule, become the most expensive item in the budget for the maintenance of enterprises.
Purpose of power supply systems
Usually, specialists along with the primary tasks of such systems highlight their composition and characteristics. But the separation of these parameters will more accurately determine the components and tasks of power supply systems. Their main purpose is to provide consumers with energy. The latter can be a small private facility or a large-scale enterprise of regional significance. By and large, the power supply system acts as a connecting component between the source and receivers of energy.
Structure and components
The power supply complex can be represented as a three-part system. It is a direct source of power, distribution infrastructure and means of supplying electricity. For the relationship between these components, the device of the power supply system provides a wide range of equipment and auxiliary elements:
- power lines (provide energy transfer to receivers);
- step-down substations (carry out the primary conversion of energy from its sources);
- distribution stations (perform an important function of network energy distribution for supplying several consumers);
- conversion plants (they prepare the electric flow for final use);
- overhead lines and cables (connecting elements that form the network in the power supply infrastructure);
- conductors (provide the final supply of energy to its receivers).
Varieties of generators
Power plants are more designed for autonomous power supply systems of various types. These are devices that include a current generating motor. Modern power plants operate on three main types of fuel - gasoline, gas and diesel.
Gasoline-fueled generators are typically used as backup systems and are designed for short-term operation. Such stations are cheaper and easier to maintain, but high fuel costs do not allow them to be used in intensive modes. A more powerful diesel power supply system is beneficial for low maintenance costs (20% less compared to gasoline counterparts), but the equipment and installation are more expensive. Gas power supply has found its place in servicing large industrial facilities - the advantages of such infrastructure include the affordability of fuel and durability.
Design
In the process of creating a model of a future power supply system, several steps are required, including the development of a power electrician plan, tracing, determination of the location and parameters of equipment. Modern design of power supply systems includes the following works:
- creating a plan for the placement of equipment;
- drawing up schemes of power and distribution networks;
- selection of cables, calculation work regarding their parameters;
- creating cable reporting;
- wire tracing ;
- specification development;
- preparation of the layout of electrical wiring and related equipment.
When performing most of the design operations, specialists must determine the electrical load and calculate the power network, which will serve for the transmission and distribution of electricity between its receivers. Demand factors and installed capacity are also taken into account.
Equipment selection
When the project is ready, specialists proceed to the selection of technical means that implement the power supply system. The basic data on the basis of which the equipment is selected is provided by the design of power supply systems based on calculations and operating conditions. The components of the complex will determine its durability and reliability. To date, the list of equipment for such purposes includes cable and wire products, high-voltage equipment, explosion-proof electrical equipment, lighting products, generators and power plants, transformer plants, power electronics and various components.
Installation
This is the final stage in creating a power supply complex, which includes the assembly and installation of equipment. Installation is carried out taking into account the project data and the characteristics of the enterprise - so, in the case of the implementation of the task at production facilities, experts take into account the possibility of phased installation of individual components without the need to stop the work process. At the same stage, automation of power supply systems is carried out at the expense of control panels and special controllers. Next, commissioning operations are carried out and the necessary amendments are made to the maintenance and operation regulations.
Management Principles and Operation
When considering the operation of power supply systems, it is important to take into account the fact that serving energy sources and related electrical equipment must produce as much resource as consumers need. In other words, the work of power plants and networks is calculated on possible changes in the loads of receivers. The rational operation of power supply systems provides for the special training of dispatch center personnel who can accurately track the demand of receivers for electricity. Guided by these indicators, the service selects the optimal number of generators while reducing loads or, conversely, launches backup stations with increasing energy needs.
It is important to consider that the productivity and safety of work processes in the enterprise depend on the quality of service provided by the power system. Disruptions in the power supply can cause accidents, downtime on conveyors and other unpleasant situations and phenomena, as a result of which the occurrence of victims and under-release of manufactured products is not ruled out.
Performance criteria for power supply
The responsibility of the systems providing power to enterprises' energy resources necessitates the maintenance of sufficient indicators of their performance. In this regard, the maintenance of supplying plants is based on the following principles:
- Ensuring uninterrupted operation of generators, networks and related components of power supply. By the way, the reliability of power supply systems is one of the primary assessments of its quality, as is maintainability with longevity.
- Stability of the implementation of the plan for the generation of electricity and its subsequent distribution with the coverage of the required maximums for consumer loads.
- Maintaining the quality of energy supplied to receivers. It must meet the requirements of the supplying electrical equipment in frequency and voltage.
In order to achieve optimal working conditions, the power supply system is controlled by control panels. The latter, in turn, are provided with tools, through which control, adjustment, management of power plants, power lines and step-down substations are carried out.
Operating modes
Any power supply complex provides personal protective equipment in case of emergency situations. As a rule, these are relay protection systems, which determined the separation of the operating modes of power systems into three types: normal, emergency and post-emergency. The first mode is characterized by uninterrupted power supply. In such working conditions, the power supply system of industrial enterprises supplies a resource in sufficient quantity and of the required quality. In emergency mode, the normal operation of the system is violated and lasts until the damaged component is also disconnected. The post-accident format of the power supply system continues until the normal operation of the entire complex is restored.
Classifications of Power Supply Systems
There are several principles for separating power systems that supply consumers with electricity. Depending on the source, the power supply system can be electrochemical, diesel-electric and nuclear. Such complexes are also different in configuration, for example, there are centralized, decentralized and combined. No less significant in the classification and characteristics of current, direct and alternating.
Power supply systems are used in different conditions and at various facilities. In this regard, it is worth considering their mobility (stationary, wearable and portable) and belonging to the consumer. But perhaps the main division relates to the destination. So, there are duty systems, backup and emergency. The standby power supply system of the enterprise performs its functions in a regular manner and, as a rule, is the main source of electricity. Backup systems, on the contrary, more often act as an auxiliary energy supply infrastructure - to replace the main complex. Emergency power supply usually provides the ability to service the most critical facilities within a few hours or days.
Autonomous power supply systems
The concept of autonomous systems comes from the need to insure power supply from possible malfunctions in trunk networks and other force majeure situations. Typically, autonomous power supply systems are used in enterprises with an established production process and the need for uninterrupted power supply. In essence, it is an electricity supply with independent control. It is important to note that autonomous power supply is durable, but at the same time requires higher costs for installation and maintenance. On the other hand, this approach justifies itself in view of the reliability and stability of energy supply.