Analysis and comparison of premium power park performances

Premium power parks (PPP) are one possible answer to the need for high quality power supply for sensitive users. A few pilot plants based on Custom Power devices have been realized, but their cost and complexity are so high that they have not been widely adopted. However, the quality of the power supply can be improved with simpler solutions. This paper compares the performances of different PPPs by calculating the annual number of production process halts (PPH) due to the most impacting power quality (PQ) disturbances (interruptions and voltage dips, the latter classified according to the latest edition of EN 50160). The calculations are based on a large data set from Italian Medium Voltage (MV) networks. Aiming to look for practical PPP solutions, suitable assumptions are used to point out the efficacy of a relatively simple solution arrangement.

► We examine the power quality (PQ) improvement provided by premium power parks (PPP).
► Technical comparison among the main premium power parks realized/proposed until now.
► Calculation of annual production process halts (PPH) for sensitive customers.
► Individuation of an effective and relatively simple PPP solution.
► Deeper calculation of the PQ improvement obtainable through the individuated solution.