The Invisible Threat of EMC in Airport Security

Schiphol's electrical infrastructure is immense, with an annual consumption of 200 million kWh and a diversity of users comparable to a medium-sized city. However, the biggest technical challenge is in the security lanes. This is where hundreds of sophisticated scanners and detection gates converge. Although individual devices comply with CE standards, the convergence of all these non-linear loads creates a complex Power Quality issue. Installation managers faced inexplicable risks: from accelerated ageing of expensive equipment to unwanted tripping of circuit breakers.

For an airport of this calibre, uncertainty about the availability of security gates is unacceptable. An outage immediately leads to queues, delays and reputational damage. The fear of failure due to invisible EMC contamination was real. As Ton Baltus, Installation Manager at Schiphol, outlines the urgency:

"When large numbers of passengers have to pass through security lanes on their way to their destination, we really can't afford outages and delays!"

Standard inspections and standards fall short in this area, and with the data we uncover with HyTEPS, we can properly highlight the importance of EMC and Power Quality.

Ton Baltus Manager Installation Manager Schiphol Full story
Engineer with Power Quality monitor

From Measuring to Knowing: Power Quality in Map

To identify the exact cause of the disruptions, HyTEPS initiated an in-depth measurement process in collaboration with Deerns, Engie and Scarabee. Our analysis of the current and voltage quality showed that harmonic currents were accumulating in the neutral conductor. This phenomenon posed a direct threat to fire safety and the continuity of the installation.

Manager of Technical Engineering Christan van Dorst confirmed through simulations that the three-phase circuit had become unbalanced due to the protection devices. The data showed conclusively: without intervention, these EMC risks led to unavoidable hardware damage and failure. We based the solution not on assumptions, but on hard measured data.

Targeted Approach: 7 Active Filters for Maximum Stability

Our engineers implemented seven Active Harmonic Filters (AHF) on the distributors feeding the security lanes. These filters continuously measure contamination and directly inject a counter current to neutralise harmonics. Despite the 24/7 operation at the airport, we planned the installation so that passenger flows were not hindered for a moment.

The result is a stable installation with drastically reduced harmonic load (THD). The sine wave has been restored and zero currents have been reduced to safe levels. In doing so, we have removed uncertainty and ensured long-term security of supply for Schiphol Airport.

Engineer monitor

Security in every kilowatt

Power quality problems are complex, but the solution does not have to be. HyTEPS takes responsibility from measurement to solution. Prevent risks in your critical processes.

HyTEPS

Beemdstraat 3

5653 MA Eindhoven

Similar projects

Production outages eliminated by stable Power Quality at Mannesmann

HyTEPS solved the failure of air compressors at Mannesmann by immediately eliminating harmful harmonic contamination. With active filtering and continuous monitoring, precision tube production is now fully stabilised.

5MW plant safely expanded without grid congestion risk

To prevent downtime at the new 5MW plant, HyTEPS preventively implemented two Active Harmonic Filters. This assures ARN Recycling of a stable energy network and maximum business continuity.

Grid analysis at PLB Group prevents unnecessary battery investment

An independent Power Quality measurement at PLB Group exposed unused spare capacity. Through targeted optimisations, we avoided the purchase of an expensive battery storage system. This provides the customer with enormous cost savings, while maintaining security in every kilowatt.

Maximum operational reliability for offshore giant: ground loops eliminated

HyTEPS eliminated years of cable insulation damage on the Bumblebee due to a hidden ground loop in the complex offshore installation through a focused Power Quality. This proactive approach restores operational continuity and provides Allseas with the maximum reliability their operation requires.

Preventing unplanned downtime by eliminating harmonic pollution at Nyrstar

HyTEPS eliminated high-risk harmonic contamination at Nyrstar. Our specialist measurements provided an exact diagnosis and a guaranteed stable production environment.

550 Amp released power: from capacity problem to growth space

Nijsen was struggling with high costs and lack of capacity due to reactive power. Our active capacitor banks eliminated the penalties and immediately created 550 amps of extra space on the transformers.

Fault-free LED transition for De Kuip stadium

In an environment where tens of thousands of spectators count on continuity, downtime is not an option. HyTEPS secures Power Quality at Stadion Feijenoord, so that the transition to LED lighting leads directly to guaranteed performance without invisible risks.

75% Faster shutdown times for safe battery storage at iwell

For iwell's battery system, HyTEPS conducted an Arc Flash Compliance study to ensure electrical safety. The new settings reduced shutdown times by 75%, reducing dangerous arc flash energy to safe levels.

Maximum operational reliability for Amphia: 100% grip on Power Quality

Our engineers analysed Power Quality with continuous waveform recording to ensure maximum safety. Thanks to continuous monitoring, all risks are now under control and care continuity is guaranteed.

Structural cost reduction through elimination of reactive power penalties at VDL Parree

By deploying a 300 kVA capacitor bank, HyTEPS stopped monthly reactive power penalties at VDL Parree. This intervention increased efficiency and created additional capacity immediately, so the investment paid for itself within a year.

100% Proactive Reliability for the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier

For absolute operational reliability of the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier, our engineers carried out a proactive Power Quality analysis on behalf of Heijmans. Through strategic measurements, we mapped the electrical installation, preventing potential problems and ensuring that this crucial Delta work is always ready.

National security of supply secured with large-scale Power Quality monitoring

HyTEPS continuously analyses and validates Power Quality data from the entire Dutch power grid. Our customised software transforms this complex data stream into reliable control information for optimal security of supply.

500 amp extra capacity and complete elimination of blind current penalties at Mauser

Through targeted measurements and active filtering, HyTEPS eliminated grid contamination and blind current penalties at Mauser Packaging Solutions . This immediately provided 500 amps of extra capacity, allowing production to scale up safely without investing in a heavier grid connection .

From unexplained outages to maximum operational reliability: Power Quality at Vencomatic Group

Conservation at Vencomatic inadvertently led to harmonic contamination and failure of critical equipment. After a proactive Power Quality measurement, our engineers implemented Active Harmonic Filters, which successfully stabilised the plant and ensured operational reliability.

Optimal operational reliability through data-driven energy monitoring

HyTEPS implemented an advanced monitoring system that gives CurTec real-time grip on energy consumption and Power Quality. This data-driven solution prevents blind power penalties and ensures a stable, climate-neutral future.

Optimisation of grid capacity and operational reliability at OVET B.V.

Grid congestion and complex Power Quality issues threatened to stall OVET B.V.'s expansion plans. HyTEPS implemented an advanced monitoring system that provides exact insight into consumption and peaks. This allows OVET to safely expand and make maximum use of existing capacity without the risk of outages.

100% operational reliability for taxiway lighting at Schiphol Airport

HyTEPS identified the risks to the taxiway lighting at Schiphol Airport through accurate measurements. With the subsequent solution, the continuity and safety of this critical installation is fully guaranteed.

Communication stability ensured by elimination of EMI at Schiphol Airport

HyTEPS eliminated electromagnetic interference in the Schiphol T2000 network after an integral EMC study. This approach restored system integrity and guaranteed uninterrupted communication for emergency services.

Sustainable expansion without grid reinforcement at Clondalkin Flexible Packaging

HyTEPS ensures continuity at Clondalkin with a system that combines energy insight with automatic HACCP recording. This eliminates risky manual checks and maximises operational reliability.

Rijkswaterstaat ensures tunnel safety with 40% spare capacity

HyTEPS eliminates harmonic pollution in the Ruhr Tunnel by implementing four active filters. Thanks to 40% spare capacity, technical safety for Rijkswaterstaat is guaranteed under all circumstances.

Continuity in passenger flows through EMC control

Harmonic contamination threatened the continuity of Schiphol's security lanes. HyTEPS analysed the risks and installed seven active filters to restore grid quality. The result is a stable installation and guaranteed operational security for millions of passengers.

No room for error: how Zentrys guarantees 24/7 continuity

HyTEPS ensures the operational reliability of Zentrys through targeted arc scanning and selectivity testing. With digital simulations, we eliminate invisible risks for maximum continuity and a safe working environment.

Extra production capacity through Cos Phi optimisation at Naber Plastics

HyTEPS increased installation capacity at Naber Plastics by targeting reactive power. With a 400kVAr capacitor bank, our engineers immediately created space for additional machinery. This results in optimum power utilisation and maximum operational reliability.

Maximum grid capacity through targeted reactive power compensation at Xella

HyTEPS restored installation capacity at Xella by targeting reactive power with capacitor banks. The solution offers Xella an immediate cost reduction and sustainable security in every kilowatt.

Safe innovation: Arc calculation for the world's fastest charging battery

Our engineers performed specialist arc simulations to ensure the safety of InMotion's unique battery pack. Thanks to this concrete analysis, the team is now working on ultra-fast charging technology with the right protective equipment and complete certainty.

Real-time Power Quality insight secures production of 290,000 tonnes of zinc

By tackling unexplained outages with high-end monitoring, HyTEPS ensured continuity at Nyrstar. Real-time insight into Power Quality now prevents unnecessary downtime.

100% care continuity through optimal Power Quality at Rivierenland Hospital

Hospital Rivierenland ensures safe care by working with HyTEPS to eliminate harmonic contamination in the installation. The deployment of Active Harmonic Filters now guarantees optimum Power Quality and maximum operational reliability.

Halving harmonic contamination increases operational reliability at Thialf

Thialf was struggling with unexplained failure of critical variable speed drives. HyTEPS implemented Active Harmonic Filters, which successfully reduced the harmonic pollution (THDu) present to below 4%. Supplemented by permanent monitoring, this now ensures an extremely stable and reliable installation.

4MW solar panels integrated without grid pollution at KLM

HyTEPS integrated 4 MW of solar panels at KLM Schiphol without risk. By eliminating grid pollution with Active Harmonic Filters, we ensure maximum operational reliability and a stable installation in Hangar 14.

Direct cost savings and extra capacity for Van Munster Recyclers

Van Munster Recyclers eliminated the reactive power penalty and immediately created additional capacity with a HyTEPS capacitor bank. Thanks to the immediate cost savings, this solution paid for itself within one year.

Full operational reliability through elimination of grid contamination at Sappi Maastricht

Sappi Maastricht eliminated costly production downtime by targeting harmful harmonics with a Power Quality diagnosis and active filtering. This investment fully restored operational reliability and paid for itself within a year due to the guaranteed continuity.

1.75 MW of power released and direct cost reduction at SNB

Despite own generation, SNB was struggling with high costs due to reactive power. HyTEPS optimised the installation with capacitor banks. The result: 1.75MW less grid load and a payback time within one year.