Energy Efficient Transformers For Reduced Energy Consumption in Steel Industry

Due to its unique production methodology, the steel industry often requires customized transformers. Transformers are a vital component of the energy grid, besides other things they contribute to the efficient production and management of high-quality electricity.

Standard transformers, while under full load operating at 90% to 95% efficiency but their efficiency drops as load lightens. This is usually due to inefficiencies in the transformer's core. Losses in the core remain the same throughout the transformer's operating range, at 100% load, the amount of comparative loss is negligible, however, at reduced loads, and a higher percentage of energy is wasted.

As a matter of fact, transformer loads run between 34% and 50% of their total capacity on average. With most of the electricity used in the US being run through transformers at lower loads, massive amounts of energy are being wasted. This issue is of special relevance to the steel industry which already has a high demand for energy.

Adopting customized cost-effective solutions like NEMA-approved transformers and harnessing solar or wind energy to meet future energy needs can be a good idea to reduce energy consumption in the long run. Especially since alternate energy options will help steel companies avoid the uncertainty of fluctuating international fuel prices.

Keeping in mind that transformers in the steel industry have to operate in conditions of extreme heat, special attention needs to be paid to ensure the safety and reliability of the transformers it designs. Ensure required transformer protection equipment, such as cooling systems with redundancy is delivered and provided according to project requirements.

Most steel companies are under tremendous pressure to keep costs down and stay competitive and, using energy-efficient transformers seems to be one good way of achieving this. Choosing the right transformer can however be a complex task, especially as the needs of a steel company can be highly customized. It is here that experienced companies can partner you through the process of identifying your needs, choosing the right transformer as an energy-saving solution, customizing it to ensure you get the highest returns on your investment, and facilitating its use for the longest time possible.

Services such as power quality monitoring, offered by Icopower ESCO, also help with reducing energy consumption and maximizing savings. Visit www.icopower-esco.com to know more.

4 Significant Benefits of Power Factor Correction

 Power factor correction is one of the many measures that can be applied to electric and power management systems to increase their efficiency. Some of the most significant benefits of power factor correction are:

1. Preventing power factor penalties

Some industrial processing facilities utilize a large number of induction motors to function their pumps, conveyors, and other types of machinery. These induction motors permit the power factor to be intrinsically low for most industrial facilities. Many electric utility companies use a lower power factor to reduce the power factor penalty from your bill.

2. Reducing demand charges

Many electric utility companies charge for maximum metered demand either on the basis of the highest registered demand in kilowatts or a fraction of the highest registered demand in KVA, whichever is bigger. In case the power factor is low, the percentage of the measured KVA will be notably greater than the KW demand. Enhancing the power factor through power factor correction will, therefore, reduce the demand charge, helping to lower electricity bills.

3. The increasing capability of existing circuits

Installing power factor correction capacitors at the edge of existing circuits close to the inductive loads lowers the current flowing in each circuit. This lowered current flow, resulting from improved power factor, can allow the circuit to carry new loads. This prevents the expenses of renovating the distribution network when extra capacity is needed for additional machinery or equipment, saving individuals or companies thousands of dollars in redundant upgrade costs.

4. Voltage power optimization

A lower power factor would mean a higher current flow for any given load. As the line current increases, the voltage drop in the conductor rises at the same time, which could lead to a lower voltage at the equipment. With a better power factor, the voltage drop in the conductor is close to negligible, optimizing the voltage power.

Power factor correction is also one of the finest ways for power quality monitoring and also helps negate resistive losses in the circuit. For more information about power factor correction and energy efficiency financing, feel free to visit www.icopower-esco.com.

 

LED Bulbs - Emerging Energy Efficiency Solutions

 LED lamps have been in use for a very long time now, thanks to their energy efficient technology and longevity. They have largely been used as indicator lights fixed on sockets because of their faint glow and minimal power consumption. However, they have made a mark in the bulb industry for their energy efficiency technologies.

In the early stages of its invention, LED technology had restricted applications because of the limited illumination levels. Over the years, however, the technology has evolved dramatically, enabling the manufacture of high-powered LED lamps that produce light levels equal to incandescent light bulbs of various sizes. Not just that, these advancements have also allowed for diverse sizes of LED lamps, allowing for proportional similarity with traditional bulbs. Though they have made a successful debut in the energy-saving bulb market, their costs remain considerably high. However, their long-term performance and energy-conserving capacity outweigh the cost factor, also rendering a huge saving in electricity bills.

It is not surprising that LED bulbs are also becoming a sought-after option for commercial lighting because of their higher quality of illumination, better brightness, improved definition and lesser energy consumption when compared to their incandescent equivalents. They are also advantageous over energy-efficient CFL bulbs in terms of safety and environmental friendliness, and are considered the next generation lighting solutions as they provide environment-friendly illuminations and economical retrofitting solutions for existing buildings. 

Icopower ESCO can also be contacted for other energy efficiency solutions such as thermography services, installation and maintenance services, solar PV, measurement & verification services, energy monitoring, energy audits, and more. Feel free to visit www.icopower-esco.com to know more. You can reach out to them by dropping them an email at fm@icopower-esco.com or simply dialing +254 20 2330079. 

Get Your Facility Up to Date with LED Lighting Retrofits

Retrofitting a facility simply translates into adding something new to an existing setting. When it comes to lighting, LED lighting retrofits are the most common ones. 

Why? They replace traditional lighting technology across a wide spectrum of lighting applications and can be extremely useful in a variety of lighting applications used for interior lighting, exterior lighting, and small lighting in mechanical applications. 

The three significant reasons why facility owners are largely shifting to LED lighting retrofits are energy efficiency improvements, reduction in operating expenses, and improved lighting quality. However, it is important to understand that the LEDs work somewhat differently than the traditional lighting solutions, and thus, one needs to keep a few things in mind when considering getting a retrofit done. 

Who you turn to for getting the retrofit done matters too? Icopower ESCO, for instance, is known for providing reliable, high quality, high efficiency, and cost-effective lighting products. They use a combination of industry experience, manufacturing partnerships, and logistical capabilities, and design solution-oriented packages around each client's particular goals.

They have partnered with the world’s best manufacturers to deliver the very best in quality, installation and ongoing LED Lighting Retrofit services, and provide luminaires for both private and public infrastructure, namely: Street lights, building illumination (interior and exterior) and customization of the luminaries as per the client’s needs.

Other than LED lighting retrofits, Icopower ESCO can also be contacted for other services such as thermography services, installation and maintenance services, solar PV, voltage optimization systems, measurement & verification services, energy monitoring, energy audits, and more. Feel free to visit www.icopower-esco.com to know more. You can reach out to them by dropping them an email at fm@icopower-esco.com or simply dialing +254 20 2330079. 

The Only Guide You Need to Check Out Before Installing LED Lighting Retrofit

 If you have been holding yourself back from going for a LED lighting retrofit citing how costly it may get, this article is for you!

Contrary to the popular belief, an LED lighting retrofit is a rather efficient and affordable way of upgrading lighting in any facility without replacing the existing fixtures. These are more energy efficient, light up instantly, do not give off UV emissions, and are 100% recyclable. Here’s how!

• LED light bulbs are known to consume approximately 50% lesser energy than their traditional incandescent, fluorescent, or halogen lighting counterparts. This stands true especially when you keep the lights in your apartment or facility on for prolonged periods of time. Thanks to their directional lighting ability, no energy gets wasted and you get better returns on your investment.

• The fact that LED lighting solutions boast of a much better life span then fluorescent bulbs or traditional incandescent bulbs pretty much explains why they do not need frequent repairs or replacement. Statistically speaking, LEDs last for at least 30,000 hours while the fluorescent bulbs have a maximum life expectancy of 10,000 hours. While they offer flawless lighting, they help reduce energy consumption too.

• Considering the fact that LED lights are built with sturdy components, the chances of them being experiencing damage because of shock, vibrations, and external impacts are next to negligible.

• Rapid cycling, more often than not, results in shorter life expectancy for traditional light bulbs while LEDs remain unaffected by it. To conclude, LED lights are well-suited for daylight sensors and commercial flashing light displays too.

Icopower ESCO is a manufacturer-neutral provider of energy-efficient lighting solutions and thus, focuses entirely on reliable, high quality, high electric power efficiency, and cost-effective lighting products. They use a combination of industry experience, manufacturing partnerships, and logistical capabilities to design solution-oriented packages around each client's particular goals.

For more information, visit www.icopower-esco.com. You can also get in touch with them by dialing +254 729606562 or writing to them at fm@icopower-esco.com.

A Few Effective Energy Saving Solutions for Facilities

 Most businesses would be happy to save on their energy bills but don't have the time to research possible changes that would be worth their while. We have made the task easy for you by listing out some of the most popular energy saving solutions:

• Lighting

Switch over your lighting to LED lighting alternatives. LEDs use far less power than either CFLs or the old incandescent bulbs. They also last for 10 years or more, so will reduce the maintenance costs of changing light bulbs. While a complete retrofit of your whole business premises may be a considerable investment, it will pay for itself in less than two years, saving money then on for the next eight years or more. Consider finding a company that offers energy efficiency project financing.

• Heating and cooling

Statistics show that just one degree less on the heating thermostat can save you 8% of energy costs, so it's well worth turning down the heat just that little bit.

• Energy efficient equipment

Select new equipment with a view to energy efficiency. Bear in mind that laptops use up to 90% less energy than standard computers. Ink-jet printers use 90% less energy than laser printers. Choose the right sized copier to suit your usage. Keep all office machinery well maintained, as this will increase efficiency and reduce energy use.

• Movement sensor switches

Encourage people to switch off lights in rooms that aren't in use all the time, such as meeting rooms, toilets and store-rooms. If this doesn't work consider installing movement sensor switches which detect if the room is empty and switch off the light automatically.

Another effective way of saving energy is getting voltage optimization systems installed. Icopower ESCO’s mission is to analyze, design, and implement energy efficiency solutions that will create value for facility owners and operators across all sectors in East Africa and beyond. We work with clients to reduce operating expenses, upgrade and maintain infrastructure, stabilize energy costs, improve infrastructure efficiency, increase energy reliability and conserve the environment by reducing the carbon footprint. Visit www.icopower-esco.com to know more.

How Do Power Quality Analyzers Help Improve Electric Power Efficiency?

 When people who are constantly being bummed because of blackouts and burnouts, the rising price of electricity only adds to their worry. However, installation of equipment such as an electric power quality analyzer helps keep a check on electric power efficiency. In addition to curbing power wastage in a facility, these also help reduce the burden on your electrical supplier. 

A good quality analyzer can help you efficiently calculate the power cleanliness, demand, and actual consumption at a facility. Power cleanliness can be defined as the harmonics that are observed in the electric supply due to fluctuating loads. These harmonics result in the improper functioning of the electrical equipment that can lead to overheating, wear and tear, tripping of circuit breakers, and other dangerous situations that can cause fire hazards. Other than that, the equipment also helps accurately find out the average amount of power required by a device to work properly by taking into account the power needed during peak time, as well as low load phases.

After you are done with analyzing the electricity and the amount of consumption, you can also come up with a power factor. Low power factor suggests more power wastage and this is the very metric that assists the experts in taking corrective measures. You can find an analyzer designed for a single phase or three phase systems depending upon your requirement.

Icopower ESCO is an independent Energy Saving Company in Kenya which develops, implements, and arranges its own financing for projects designed to improve the electric power quality for facilities over a 3-5 years’ time period. They are a leading ESCO in East Africa and Indian Ocean, and they provide comprehensive energy efficiency solutions and project financing services for on-grid corporate, institutional or private business owners. They also help you acquire the best voltage stabilizers in Nairobi. For more information, feel free to visit www.icopower-esco.com. 

4 Reasons Why Switching to LED Lighting Retrofit Is A Wise Decision

 A lot of people believe that switching to an LED lighting retrofit is expensive when in fact it is a rather efficient and affordable way of upgrading lighting in any facility without replacing the existing fixtures. These are more energy efficient, light up instantly, do not give off UV emissions, and are 100% recyclable. LED lighting retrofits have a lot of benefits to offer but energy savings clearly top the list. Here’s how -

1. LEDs consume approximately 50% lesser energy than their traditional incandescent, fluorescent, or halogen lighting counterparts. They can work wonders when you keep the lights in your apartment or facility on for prolonged periods of time. Their directional lighting ability ensures that no energy gets wasted and you get better returns on your investment.

2. LED lighting solutions have a much better life span than fluorescent bulbs or traditional incandescent bulbs and hence, do not need frequent repairs or replacement. They last for at least 30,000 hours while the fluorescent bulbs have a maximum life expectancy of 10,000 hours. While they offer flawless lighting, they also help reduce energy consumption by a great extent.

3. LED lights are built with sturdy components and that explains why the chances of them experiencing damage because of shock, vibrations, and external impacts are next to negligible.

4. Rapid cycling often results in shorter life expectancy for traditional light bulbs while LEDs remain unaffected by it. Quite evidently, LED lights are just as well-suited for daylight sensors as they are for commercial flashing light displays.

Icopower ESCO is a manufacturer-neutral provider of energy-efficient lighting solutions and thus, focuses entirely on reliable, high quality, high electric power quality, and cost-effective lighting products. They use a combination of industry experience, manufacturing partnerships, and logistical capabilities to design solution-oriented packages around each client's particular goals.

For more information, visit www.icopower-esco.com. You can also get in touch with them by dialing +254 729606562 or writing to them at fm@icopower-esco.com. 

What Makes LED Retrofits the Best among All Energy Efficiency Technologies?

With energy consumption constantly on the rise, being efficient with the energy you use has become just as important as the rate you pay. By choosing an LED Lighting Retrofit program that is reliable, one can not only reduce their businesses’ energy consumption without any effect on their day-to-day operations but also do their bit for the environment. There are a number of companies these days who have taken to customizing turn-key LED Retrofit programs for client specific requirements to help businesses reduce their overall energy consumption by cutting lighting expenses by 60% on average.

LED retrofits are counted among the best energy efficiency technologies as they offer immediate benefits to the clients. However, it needs to be kept in mind that the company you choose to the get this task done can also make a lot of difference. Choosing a reputed company can bring along several significant benefits such as:

•They offer a warrant for periods up to 5 years.

•They install and maintain at their own cost.

•They will be willing to go beyond the simple retrofit solution.

LED lighting retrofits by Icopower ESCO are manufactured in premises that are certified in one or more of the following standards: ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, CE and RoHS, ENEC, TUV. They provide luminaires for both private and public infrastructure, street lights and building illumination services, for instance. Other energy efficiency solutions offered by the company include energy audits, energy monitoring, measurement and verification services, thermography services, installation services, maintenance services, solar PV, and more.

 For more information about the company we keep and the services we offer, feel free to visit www.icopower-esco.com. Additionally, you can write to us at fm@icopower-esco.com or kelvin@icopower-esco.com or simply dial +254 729606562 (office line).

How Can EPSCs Help in Integrating Energy Saving Solutions?

 If you are new to the concept of Energy Saving Performance Contracts (ESPCs), here is some information that might come handy. EPSCs allow organizations to accomplish power quality solutions and energy saving projects without up-front capital costs. Getting in touch with an ESCO can work wonders as they finance projects with their own capital and are paid through a portion of the savings achieved. An ESCO aims at delivering the best energy saving solutions to produce positive cash-flow for the client companies.

Through Energy Saving Performance Contracts, companies enable their clients to leverage green, scalable, cost-effective, and easy to deploy integrated power quality solutions in order to increase energy efficiency, make lighting and power systems reliable, reduce carbon emissions, and lower the operation costs. Once the savings achieved by an organization are measured and verified, the client can opt for a fixed monthly payment out of the savings or a percentage share of the savings to be calculated monthly based on the total energy consumption.

Icopower ESCO is one of the most reliable energy saving companies in Kenya. We implement energy-saving measures at our own cost and have an established methodology to measure and verify the savings achieved. Also, we have adopted the International Performance Measurement & Verification Protocol (IPMVP) to analyze the energy savings, a methodology based on a combination of historical data evaluation and real-time measurement. Other services we offer include energy audits, energy monitoring, measurement and verification services, lighting retrofits, thermography services, installation services, maintenance services, and solar PV. 

For more information about the company we keep and the services we offer, feel free to visit www.icopower-esco.com. Additionally, you can write to us at fm@icopower-esco.com or kelvin@icopower-esco.com or simply dial +254 729606562 (office line).

5 Problems That Can Be Solved Through Voltage Power Optimization

Voltage power optimization in a technique used for reducing the voltage applied to electrical equipment. In this process, the supply voltage is carefully matched to the needs of the electrical equipment for substantial energy saving and extending the equipment’s life expectancy. Some of the most common problems that can be addressed through voltage power optimization include:

1. Voltage

Overvoltage is the input of a higher voltage than required for a piece of electrical equipment to operate at. Overvoltage often results in reduction of the lifetime of equipment, increased power consumption, and performance issues.

2. Harmonics

Harmonics are waveforms of currents and voltages that come about as a result of non-linear loads such as variable speed drives and discharge lighting. High levels of harmonic can damage sensitive electrical equipment.

3. Transients

Brief but large destructive surges in the voltage are called transients. Even though they do not last for more than a second in most cases, the destruction they cause can be significant. Most voltage optimizers these days come with transient protectors, aiding in power factor correction.

4. Phase Voltage Ambience

The 3-phase electricity supplied to most commercial sites and industries needs to be balanced to avoid overheating and wastage of energy. The balancing can be done quite easily using a voltage regulator.

5. Power Dips

Reduction in voltage over a short duration is called a power dip. A power dip is capable of both causing the machinery to stop and dropping out of relays.

Known for offering the best and most reliable energy efficiency technologies in Kenya, Icopower ESCO can be reached out to for voltage power optimization for your facility. Take your first step towards energy efficiency with Icopower ESCO. Visit www.icopower-esco.com for more information about the company and the services being offered.

 

Things to Consider When Choosing Voltage Energy Optimization Solutions

Voltage energy optimization systems have a lot of benefits to offer in terms of solving problems such as overvoltage, harmonics, phase voltage ambience, power dips, and more. To get the best out of voltage energy optimization solution, it is important you give the below-mentioned factors due consideration:

• Efficiency

Try to make sure that the voltage optimization unit that you are looking forward to getting installed has an impeccable efficiency of at least 97% and it is constant during different load conditions. Also, avoid getting a unit which has wearable or consumable parts to ensure that you don’t have to undertake frequent maintenance or repairs.

• Fast Voltage Management

Choose a voltage optimization unit that is capable of managing the voltage independently and in a faster manner. Ensure that the chosen equipment have high speed stabilization as it would help be sure that the machines don’t fail, and as a result, the production rate does not get affected.

• Uninterruptable Functions 

It is highly recommended that you choose a voltage optimization system that can keep manufacturing operating even in case of a breakdown or an overload, for that matter. In that order, a system that can bypass these issues should be given a higher preference.

Choosing a suitable voltage optimization unit will not only make your machinery and electrical equipment last long but also reduce maintenance and repair costs. Taking a step towards getting the right voltage optimization unit will surely help you reap great benefits in the longer run.

Icopower ESCO is energy saving company in Kenya that offers the best and most reliable, voltage power optimization solutions for all kinds of facilities. Take your first step towards energy efficiency with Icopower ESCO. Visit www.icopower-esco.com for more information about the company and the services being offered.

 

How Does Voltage Power Optimization Benefit Your Site?

Voltage power optimization is an effective energy saving technology that helps ensure that the power delivered to a site or equipment is clean, regulated and optimized so that it does not exceed the optimum level. Some of the major benefits of voltage power optimization are given below: 

• Your equipment is supplied with the optimum voltage
• Reduction in the energy consumption & associated costs 
• Decrease in the indirect greenhouse gas emissions
• Overall increase in the lifetime of your equipment
• Potential reduction in the maintenance frequency, effort, as well as costs 
• Improvement in the overall electric power quality (depending on the type of voltage optimization technology implemented)

Prior to the installation of a voltage optimizer, it is critical to assess the present mains voltage level. As electricity supply companies charge users in kilo-Watt-hours (kWh) and kW used is related to the mains supply voltage, the higher the voltage, the more kWhs is used. Icopower ESCO is one of the companies in Kenya and Seychelles that would gladly measure your mains supply voltage and can also help correct situations, such as over-voltage, under-voltage or phase imbalances through highly cost-efficient voltage optimization solutions. Built around a proprietary and patented design, our voltage optimizers can be installed on your existing infrastructure to reduce the voltage supplied to your equipment. Our voltage optimization system works by minimizing energy consumption while remaining within the operating conditions specified by the equipment manufacturer.

Icopower ESCO is an independent Energy Saving Company in Kenya that develops, implements, and arranges its own financing for projects designed to improve the energy efficiency for business facilities over a 3-5 years time period. Apart from voltage power optimization, we offer power factor correction, energy audits, energy monitoring, thermography services, lighting retrofit, solar PV, and various other energy efficiency solutions. For more info, please visit https://icopower-esco.com/.

Everything You Should Know About Power Quality Problems and Solutions

Even though power authorities in all parts of the world work hard on supplying the best electric power quality that is free from corruption, local or unforeseen circumstances such as neighbouring industries, storms or accidents have often been reported to intervene and cause irregularities in the power quality and cripple the operations. With the technology evolving each day, a lot has been done to make electronic equipment less tolerant to transient voltages.

Some of the most common problems one has to experience because of poor power quality include: 

1. Under-voltage
2. Temporary over-voltage (TOV)
3. Transients
4. Power outages
5. Noise
6. Dropouts
7. Harmonic distortion
8. Frequency variations

Most of the above-mentioned problems can be dealt with efficiently by relying on power quality solutions such as

1. Surge Protection Devices (SPDs)
2. Filters
3. Line Conditioners
4. UPSs
5. Short Break or Standby
6. True on line
7. Hybrid
8. Isolation Transformers

While we try to gather information about the problems and solutions related to power quality, it is important to understand what causes fluctuations in the supply. Most power surges and disturbances are often a result of lighting and power switching transients. Switching of inductive loads such as motors, air conditioning plants, domestic appliances and more can cause huge transient spikes.

Icopower ESCO deals with problems related to power quality with the help of voltage optimization solutions, power factor correction, and harmonics. Our mission is to analyze, design, and implement energy efficiency solutions that will create value for facility owners and operators across all sectors in East Africa and beyond and we work with our clients to reduce operating expenses, upgrade and maintain infrastructure, stabilize energy costs, improve infrastructure efficiency, increase energy reliability and conserve the environment by reducing the carbon footprint.

Visit www.icopower-esco.com to know more.

Power Factor Correction Capacitors Explained!

Power factor is a measure of how effectively you are using electricity. Improving the power factor can increase current-carrying capacity, improve voltage supply to the equipment, decrease power losses, and cut down electric bills. If you have a large commercial site, one of the reasons you must correct poor power factor is to restore the (KVA) capacity of overloaded feeders within your building. One of the easiest ways to improve PF is to add power factor correction capacitors to the electrical system. These capacitors act as reactive current generators and help offset the non-working power that’s used by the inductive loads, and therefore improve the PF.

 
Power factor correction capacitors can switch on daily whenever the inductive equipment starts. Switching on a capacitor produces a brief “over-voltage” condition. In case you have problems with variable speed drives turning off because of “over-voltage” at almost the same time daily, you must check the switching control sequence. If you face the problem of fuses blowing on some of the capacitors, check for the harmonic currents.

Icopower ESCO is one of the companies that that have been providing excellent power quality solutions to businesses across Kenya and Seychelles from the past many years. We design and install high-performance capacitor banks tailored to a specific site’s requirements. These are usually installed at the incoming mains supply to a building, but can be installed on any specific plant equipment that needs power factor correction. Our experts can also help troubleshoot and fine tune existing power factor banks for maximum functionality. The units have been manufactured in Italy, using superior quality components and sturdy steel powder coated enclosures for preventing corrosion and exposure to harsh environments. So, if you have been looking for energy efficiency solutions, contact Icopower ESCO today! 

If you have any questions, you can write to us at fm@icopower-esco.com

The Effects of Overvoltage and Three Phase Imbalance on AC Motors

3 phase AC motors are typical three phase loads & are used in many different equipment, such as pumps, refrigeration, conveyers, and air conditioning. The effects of over-voltage and 3 phase imbalance on AC motors are that they lead to saturation of the motor iron core, which wastes energy through eddy currents, increase in hysteresis losses, and excessive heat. This stress caused due to over-voltage further decreases motor lifetime.

 
Voltage power optimization helps prevent overvoltage that saves energy & increases motor life, without reducing motor efficiency or affecting motor speed. This is apparent especially if the motor is operating under many different loading conditions, since motor efficiency tends to reduce in case of over-voltage as well as less-than-full loading – however both these situations can be well-managed through the use of voltage optimizers. Moreover, substantial savings can be made through both - direct consumption of less power and through extended equipment life.

If you want equipment at your three phase site to benefit from voltage optimization technology, contact Icopower ESCO today. They offer a broad range of voltage optimizers that deliver reliable and consistent savings to a number of businesses across Nairobi and surrounding areas. The optimizers can be installed on existing infrastructure to reduce the voltage supplied to equipment, and minimize consumption while remaining within the operating conditions specified by the equipment manufacturer.

Icopwer ESCO is an independent Energy Saving Company with extensive design and implementation experience in integrating multiple efficiency measures, mitigating technical and performance risks, and generating energy savings for their clients at almost no capital investment. Their remuneration is based on Energy Saving Performance Contracts whereby the payment is on a shared savings basis. For more information, feel free to visit https://icopower-esco.com/ or drop an email at fm@icopower-esco.com

Reasons for Low Power Factor and How It Can Be Corrected

What Is Power Factor?

Power factor is the ratio of the real power that’s used to do work and the apparent power that’s supplied to the circuit. In simple words, it is a way of measuring efficient power usage, or how effectively the equipment at your site utilizes electricity. It is expressed as a numerical value between 0 & 1. The closer the power factor is to 1, the more efficiently your business is consuming electricity.

Some Common Reasons for Low Power Factor  

• Inductive loading – Almost 90% of industrial load consists of single and three phase induction machines, which draw magnetizing current for producing the magnetic field and therefore work at low power factor.

• Harmonic currents – Harmonics increase the amount of power required by the system due to a reduction in electric power quality, and therefore contributes to a lower power factor.

• Variations in power loading – When the system is loaded lightly, the voltage increases and the current drawn by the machines also increases. This results in a low power factor.

• Improper wiring or electrical accidents – A condition called ‘3 phase power imbalance’ occurs as a result of improper wiring or electrical accidents that further causes low power factor.

When you have a low power factor, you aren’t able to fully utilize the electrical power you’re paying for. Utility companies often penalize the customers for low power factor to compensate for this inefficiency and that’s one of the reasons it is important to invest in power factor correction.

Icopower ESCO is one of the companies known for providing the best power quality solutions to businesses across Kenya and Seychelles. The company designs and installs capacitor banks tailored to a site’s specific requirements, and also troubleshoots and fine tunes existing power factor banks for maximum functionality. To know more, please visit https://icopower-esco.com/ or email @ fm@icopower-esco.com 

LEDs & CFLs – Leading the World of Energy Saving Technology

The large chunk of money that we have to let go as our electricity bills has always been a matter of concern and problem for most of us. The consumers have always craved for obtaining some easy to implement and effective energy-saving technologies to get rid of the heavy burdens of their electricity bills. The introduction of LEDs as a leading energy-saving technology has helped a lot of use for the greater good.

CFL is an energy saving technology that is obtainable in easy to use CFL bulbs. The incandescent bulbs that you use in your homes and offices are not only expensive but also consume larger volts to emit light. However, a CFL is much efficient in regard as it easily cuts 60-80% of your electricity consumption by providing much brighter light in just 22-watts as compared to a 100-watt incandescent bulb. They not only cost less but also eliminate the need of replacing it for a long time as it lasts 10 times longer than the incandescent bulbs. Apart from this, the startup time of these bulbs is also less and they are quite easy to use. CFLs are not only beneficial in cutting cost but it is also eco-friendly due to their power of decreasing half-ton of the emission of greenhouse gases in the air. 

CFLs are available in different size and shape and can easily be used for lighting areas like bathrooms, kitchen, basements, staircase, table lamps, ceiling lights, and many more.

Just like CFL, dimmable LED lights also provide energy-saving benefits at low costs. Dimmers provide the benefit of cutting electricity consumption even without switching to CFL or LED lights. They can be easily installed with the complete lighting system of your house, without changing the lighting technology already being used. You can save energy by dimming your lights down without compromising with the convenience, beauty, and electric power quality. These dimmers are also available with remote controls and are completely programmed to security.

Another effective way to cut down on your energy costs is by using voltage optimization systems. For more information on what can be done to minimize your electricity bills, feel free to visit www.icopower-esco.com.

4 Significant Benefits of Power Factor Correction

Power factor correction is one of the many measures that can be applied to electric and power management systems to increase their efficiency. Some of the most significant benefits of power factor correction are:

1.      Preventing power factor penalties

Some industrial processing facilities utilize a large number of induction motors to function their pumps, conveyors, and other machinery. These induction motors permit the power factor to be intrinsically low for most industrial facilities. Many electric utility companies use a lower power factor to reduce the power factor penalty from your bill.

2.      Reducing demand charges

Many electric utility companies charge for maximum metered demand either on the basis of highest registered demand in kilowatts or a fraction of the highest registered demand in KVA, whichever is bigger. In case the power factor is low, the percentage of the measured KVA will be notably greater than the KW demand. Enhancing the power factor through power factor correction will, therefore, reduce the demand charge, helping to lower electricity bills.

3.      Increasing capability of existing circuits

Installing power factor correction capacitors at the edge of existing circuits close to the inductive loads lower the current flowing in each circuit. This lowered current flow, resulting from improved power factor, can allow the circuit to carry new loads. This prevents the expenses of renovating the distribution network when extra capacity is needed for additional machinery or equipment, saving individuals or companies thousands of dollars in redundant upgrade costs.

4.      Voltage power optimization

A lower power factor would mean a higher current flow for any given load. As the line current increases, the voltage drop in the conductor rises at the same time, which could lead to a lower voltage at the equipment. With a better power factor, the voltage drop in the conductor is close to negligible, optimizing the voltage power.

Power factor correction is also one of the finest ways for power quality monitoring and also helps negate resistive losses in the circuit. For more information, feel free to visit www.icopower-esco.com.

Avoid Common Electrical Issues with Power Quality Monitoring (PQM) Before They Become Bigger

Power quality refers to delivery of the energy required by electronics to run efficiently. Any change (sudden or gradual) in the power greatly affects the power quality that in turn reduces the efficiency and causes other problems. The three main aspects of electric power quality are the voltage, frequency, and waveform. Good power quality generally exhibits the following:

• Steady voltage supply
• Steady alternating current/AC frequency
• Smooth waveform of the voltage curve

In order to check & make sure the power quality is always good, it is important to invest in power quality solutions such as power quality monitoring which helps measure the supply of power to AC power units. 

Some common electrical problems caused due to power quality issues are:

• Overheating of electrical systems
• Automatic Resets
• Circuit Board Failure
• Power Supply Problems
• Memory Loss
• Data Errors
• Software Corruption
• Equipment Failure

There are various things, such as power surges, voltage sag, interruptions, etc. that can result in fluctuations in the voltage and cause these issues. A power quality monitoring system works by identifying these issues early on so you can fix them before they turn into bigger problems. Nowadays, a number of facilities are implementing a power quality monitoring system as a part of a broader objective to trim down their operating costs. If you also want to benefit from this power quality solution called PQM, get in touch with Icopower ESCO today! It is a leading Energy Saving Company in Seychelles and Kenya known for providing a wide range of energy efficiency solutions for on-grid corporate, institutional or private business owners. To find out more about them or how they can help you fix power quality issues, feel free to visit https://icopower-esco.com/