Effect of Power Quality on Production Reliability and Stability of Water Treatment Plant at Vodovod-Osijek

Abstract

Power quality issues are pervasive in most industries. The system operator and the network user are responsible for the power quality at the point of common coupling (PCC). Since a water treatment plant must operate continuously, a reliable and continuous power supply of satisfactory quality is necessary in accordance with HRN EN 50160:2012. Additionally, the electromagnetic feedback of load consumption on the power grid must be within the permitted values prescribed by the Distribution System Grid Code (Official Gazzete nos. 74/18, 52/20). The low-voltage power grid of the “Nebo Pustara” water treatment plant contains sensitive electric and electronic loads. As such, the loads require a power supply of satisfactory quality. Moreover, these loads have non-linear voltage/current characteristics and as such negatively affect power quality. In order to prevent the effects of poor power quality on the water treatment plan operation and to reduce the impermissible effect of non-linear loads on the power grid, the “Nebo Pustara” power sub-station was outfitted with a PQube3 power quality analyzer. This paper presents the results of the power quality analysis. Additionally, the paper details the actions taken in the user and distribution power grid to increase effect production reliability and stability of the water treatment plant and water supply, with the aim of reducing the negative effect on plant operation and equipment and also reducing the impermissible feedback of non-linear loads. Key words: power quality, water for human consumption, production reliability and stability of water treatment plant and water supply, Nebo Pustara, PQube3