CAPACITOR STUDIES

Capacitors are normally installed at industrial sites or on electrical distribution systems to correct the power factor of the specific concentrated loads. Capacitors can be installed in pole-mounted racks, metal enclosures, or in substation banks, depending on the site criteria. Capacitors supply a sufficient amount of leading current to counteract or cancel inductive current required by the load served. Properly applied capacitors improve the efficiency of the power system as follows:

• Voltage Improvement

• Power Factor Improvement

• Loss Reductions

• Increased Power Factor Capability

• System Capacity Release

• Deferral of Investment

• Energy Savings

• Eliminate Power Purchase Penalties

Using a power flow computer program, ICPE can prepare a comprehensive capacitor study on all large electrical facilities. From this study the optimum size, type, and location of capacitor banks are determined. Capacitor installations which require switching as loads increase or decrease are specified and located to maintain an optimum power factor.

MOTOR START STUDIES

The starting of large motors can cause significant voltage drops on the electrical system throughout the entire facility served as well as back onto the utility serving the facility. The starting current for an induction motor can be anywhere from three to twenty times full load current. The impact of the motor starting voltage drop can range from causing lamp flicker or computer failure to causing the utility circuit breakers to open resulting in power outages.

ICPE can prepare a comprehensive motor start study as part of the design effort for all large motors to be installed. For motors with potential motor start problems, the required amount of compensation is calculated, which must be added to the motor, in order to limit the starting current and reduce the voltage drop to an acceptable level.

MOTOR CONTROL CENTER DESIGN

Motor control systems can range from a simple toggle switch to a complex system consisting of relays, timers, switches, push buttons, and the like. The common purpose in all cases is to control operational functions of an electric motor such as starting and stopping, overload or overcurrent protection, reversing, staging, changing speed, etc.

ICPE has the capability to design motor control systems to whatever degree of sophistication that is required to satisfy the operational parameters.

VOLTAGE DROP STUDIES

Each lamp, motor, heating device, or other piece of electrical equipment is designed to operate at a particular voltage level. Its performance and efficiency are adversely affected if operated at a voltage level lower than the design voltage. Motors are particularly sensitive to reduced voltage and the subsequent increased current levels.

Voltage drop in conductors also contributes to increased system losses which increase energy costs and increased temperature rise in conductors which deteriorate the insulation.

With these adverse conditions in mind, ICPE can prepare a comprehensive voltage drop study on every installation to ensure that conductors are adequately sized for the necessary lengths and for the loads to be served. This ensures that the voltage levels and line losses will be kept within acceptable operating ranges.

LIGHTING SYSTEM DESIGN

ICPE can provide a complete range of lighting design services. Lighting design must provide adequate light to an enclosed, protected space as well as be balanced and blended with the functional, formal, and emotional factors. The following major items can normally be included in the lighting design effort:

• Space Function

• Quality and Quantity of Illumination

• Selection of Lighting Systems, Sources, and Lumination

• Lighting Control Systems

• Economic Considerations

• Coordination with Mechanical and Acoustical Systems

• Coordination with Decor

Space Function. The function of space greatly influences the way in which lighting is applied. The design of a lighting installation must be related to the particular occupant work task for the space it is to serve.

Quality and Quantity of Illumination. The quality and quantity of lighting must be commensurate with the degree of severity of the viewing tasks which will exist in the area, must aid performance, and must minimize the fatigue resulting from visual effort.

Selection of Lighting Systems, Sources, and Luminaires. A wide range of types and sizes of light sources, luminaires, lighting equipment, and lighting components are available. Professional judgment, personal taste, and economic analysis must be exercised to come up with one of several solutions. Local conditions such as vibration, ambient temperatures, dust and dirt control, continuity of service, color influence, maintenance, etc., also affect the ultimate solution and must be considered.

Lighting Control Systems. Lighting control systems range from simple photoelectric controls for a single luminaire to sophisticated micro processor controls for a multi-building complex. Switches, dimmers, timers, photocells, and other controls can be simple or complex, but are necessary as they must provide flexibility to the lighting design and contribute significantly to energy conservation.

Economics. The design of a lighting system is affected by both initial and operating costs. Life-cycle costing is often the best way to look at lighting costs. Lighting design must balance the costs against the attainable results while relying upon experience from comparable problems.

Coordination with Mechanical and Acoustical Systems. Electrical and mechanical components must be compatible with all other elements in the same building system so that the resulting assembly is an efficient and economical operating unit and an architecturally coordinated design necessary for an integrated system.

Coordination with Decor. In open office plans consisting of work stations and room dividers, lighting must be carefully designed to cover all of the key work areas while minimizing ceiling reflectors. Supplemental ambient lighting may be required in various forms. Lighting must be correctly located with ample provision made for future flexibility.