What Is Voltage Optimisation?
VO is a form of voltage management technology that is installed to lower the voltage of the incoming grid supply to the specific equipment in a business premises. Be it for energy savings, carbon reduction or to extend the lifespan of industrial equipment, it provides a reduced supply voltage for the site’s equipment.
In the UK the average voltage supply is 242v, despite the equipment being rated between 207v – 253v, and designed to work most efficiently at 220v. If voltage levels are too high or too low, it can lead to operational issues or unnecessary energy consumption. When electrical equipment consumes greater levels of energy at higher voltages, VO becomes a commercially viable option.
In the UK the average voltage supply is 242v, despite the equipment being rated between 207v – 253v, and designed to work most efficiently at 220v. If voltage levels are too high or too low, it can lead to operational issues or unnecessary energy consumption. When electrical equipment consumes greater levels of energy at higher voltages, VO becomes a commercially viable option.
Does VO Suit Your Business?
When discussing VO, equipment can be split in to two categories — voltage dependent and voltage independent. Voltage dependent components vary with voltage changes, while voltage independent equipment remain unaffected by voltage fluctuations.
Put simply, the more voltage dependent equipment on a site, the higher the saving delivered by VO. When considering VO, companies often overlook the savings that are calculated over time and how VO operates on site. Although equipment, such as LED lighting and inverter drives, deliver low energy and financial savings from VO, over time a financial saving of – let’s say – eight per cent could equate to 60 per cent of a company’s entire consumption. To put this into perspective, we expect to see savings of between eight to 12 per cent on any site from VO, meaning that somewhere between 40 to 60 per cent of the consumption has been classed as voltage Independent. What’s more, even on sites where great efforts have been made to reduce electricity costs, with most equipment classed as energy efficient, VO is still expected to provide savings of between four to eight per cent.
How voltage optimisation supports renewable energy
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are inherently variable, with power output depending on weather conditions. This fluctuation can create challenges for grid stability. Voltage optimisation helps to smooth these fluctuations by ensuring that voltage levels remain consistent even when renewable generation varies.
This supports a more stable integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, reducing the risk of voltage spikes or dips. Voltage optimisation helps to maximise the efficiency of renewable energy systems. Solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable generation sources often operate more efficiently when the voltage is kept within an optimal range. By regulating the voltage, VO reduces energy losses and improves the overall efficiency of renewable systems, ensuring that more of the generated energy is effectively used.
