What Is a PLC? — Definition and Role in Automation
A Programmable Logic Controller, commonly known as a PLC, is a specialised industrial computer designed to automate electromechanical processes. Unlike a standard desktop computer, a PLC is built to withstand rugged conditions, including vibration, electrical noise, and wide temperature ranges, which are common in...
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Why Grid Stability is Becoming More Challenging?
Australia’s power system is undergoing the fastest transformation in its history. Coal-fired generators are retiring earlier than originally planned, and almost all new generation is renewable. Inverter-based resources, which include wind, solar, and batteries, now dominate new connections, and distributed energy resources, such as...
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Maximum Limits for Voltage Drop and Voltage Rise
Section 3.6 of AS/NZS 3000:2018 states that a maximum limit for a maximum value of voltage drops should not be more than 5% of the rated supply voltage between the source and a point in the electrical system. This is quite necessary for ensuring...
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Transient Analysis and Power System Studies
Transient Analysis is a branch of study of the response of a power system during abnormal conditions, including those caused by faults, a change in load, or switching operations. This focuses on the dynamic response of stability, protection mechanisms, and power quality. Characteristics of...
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Understanding Load Flow Study – Key Concepts
A load flow study, often known as a power flow study, determines the voltage, current, power flows, and losses in an electrical power system under steady-state conditions. It’s really important for understanding how the power transmits throughout the network, for system performance evaluation, and...
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IEC 62116 – Test Of Anti-Islanding Protection
IEC 62116 is the test procedure used to evaluate whether a grid-connected PV inverter has adequate anti-islanding protection. Its full title is “Utility-interconnected photovoltaic inverters – Test procedure of islanding prevention measures.” In plain English, that means it sets out how to test an...
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What is Fault Current – Understanding kA Ratings in Electrical Systems
Fault current is the huge rush of electric current through a circuit in the event of a fault. The fault could be short circuit between phases, line-to-earth fault, or phase-to-neutral fault. In a fault, the resistance (or impedance) within the circuit is reduced to...
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Load Factor – What’s the Best Value for Electrical Systems?
Whether you’re an electrical engineer or simply interested in how electricity is utilized, load factor is the key to maximizing energy consumption, reducing costs, and enhancing system efficiency. In this article, I’ll take you through what load factor is, why it’s important, and how...
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Insulation tester – What is the purpose? Explained!
An insulation tester, also called an insulation resistance tester or megohmmeter, is a specialized electrical instrument that measures how well insulation resists electrical leakage. In electrical systems, insulation surrounds conductors, cables, and equipment to prevent current from flowing along unintended paths. Effective insulation allows...
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Power Data Logging – How to Provide a Technical Report
Power data logging entails the processing of carrying out the continuous measurement and permanent registration of electrical values like voltage, current, active, reactive, and apparent power, energy consumption, power factor, frequency, harmonics, and events like sag and swell. The exercise can be carried out...
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