The energy transition is forcing organisations to electrify. You replace traditional, fossil-based processes with electrical alternatives. This leads to a radical change in the structure of your electrical installation. Where linear loads (such as light bulbs and directly switched motors) used to be the norm, power electronics now dominate. This entails a fundamental change in the physics of your power grid.
Consider the inverters in your PV system, the variable-speed drives in your heat pumps and the rectifiers in EV chargers. These devices are highly efficient, but they work by ‘chopping’ the alternating current into segments to create the desired frequency or voltage. This switching process inevitably causes side effects: harmonic distortion, voltage dips, rapid voltage fluctuations and reactive current.
The result is polluted sine wave form. Your existing installation - including transformers, cabling and protective devices - was often not originally designed for this complexity. This creates Power Quality problems that initially remain invisible. Without intervention, these effects accumulate ("the bucket fills up"), until the limit of your installation is reached and operational reliability is compromised.
The impact of the energy transition on Power Quality manifests itself in various technical phenomena. For the technical manager and installation manager, it is crucial to distinguish them. Only with the right diagnosis can we eliminate the cause.
Modern inverters switch at very high frequencies to be more efficient and compact. These so-called supraharmonics behave differently from conventional harmonics.
Consequence: They can go right through capacitors and resonate in your installation. This often leads to failures in control electronics, PLCs, touchscreens and smart meters, resulting in inexplicable process stops.
Modern inverters switch at very high frequencies to be more efficient and compact. These so-called supraharmonics behave differently from conventional harmonics.
Consequence: They can go right through capacitors and resonate in your installation. This often leads to failures in control electronics, PLCs, touchscreens and smart meters, resulting in inexplicable process stops.
Many companies fear grid congestion on the public grid, but overlook the congestion within their own premises. Electrification is driving up energy demand, whilst the feed-in of solar energy causes peaks.
Consequence: Your internal transformers and main distribution boards become overloaded, even if average consumption appears to be within the standards. By reducing reactive power and harmonics, you can often free up capacity (‘Capacity Release’) and postpone costly system upgrades.
Switching large loads on and off – such as a fleet of electric vehicles starting to charge simultaneously or a heat pump coming online – causes dips and spikes.
Impact: Sensitive equipment in hospitals or data centres needs a stable voltage. A brief dip can be enough to cause systems to fall into failure, resulting in data loss or product failure.
Power quality issues often lie dormant for a long time before they escalate. However, once the limit is reached, the consequences are immediately felt in your business operations. For sectors with critical processes, such as manufacturing, healthcare and data centres, these risks are unacceptable.
At HyTEPS, we do not believe in trial and error or blindly fitting a standard filter. The complexity of modern installations requires a scientific, data-driven approach. We take over responsibility from problem definition to solution.
Our engineers start with a thorough analysis of your installation. We perform a Power Quality measurement and install advanced measuring equipment to record the quality of voltage and current over a representative period. We look beyond standard standards; we look for the specific interactions between your sources (PV, Grid) and your loads (EV, machines).
Data is just the beginning. With the collected measurement data, we build a digital model of your electrical installation in our advanced simulation software. In this 'Digital Twin' environment, we test the effects of possible solutions.
Based on the simulation, we implement the best solution from both a technical and economic perspective. This can range from adjusting transformers (taps) to installing Active Harmonic Filters (AHF) or capacitor banks. We do not simply supply hardware; we deliver a functioning system that ensures your operational reliability and brings your installation back into compliance with the standards.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
By tackling unexplained outages with high-end monitoring, HyTEPS ensured continuity at Nyrstar. Real-time insight into Power Quality now prevents unnecessary downtime.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Strict EMC requirements in the vicinity of a transmission mast necessitated additional measures for a new solar park. Using continuous waveform recording, we mapped the emissions precisely. Thanks to this measurement report, ProfiNRG now has the data to implement targeted solutions.
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.
HyTEPS eliminated high-risk harmonic contamination at Nyrstar. Our specialist measurements provided an exact diagnosis and a guaranteed stable production environment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As a person responsible for installations, you have to comply with strict standards. The energy transition makes compliance more complex.
HyTEPS not only helps you technically, but also ensures that you demonstrably comply with these regulations. We provide reports that you can submit to insurers and grid operators.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems generate direct current, which is converted to alternating current by an inverter (inverter). This switching process always causes some degree of harmonic contamination. In addition, when there is a lot of solar irradiation and low offtake, the voltage in the system can get so high that inverters fail to protect the grid. This leads to yield losses.
Electric vehicles charging at high powers. The simultaneous initiation of multiple charging sessions creates peaks in the load (inrush currents). Moreover, chargers contain rectifiers that generate harmonics and supraharmonics. Without filtering, this can lead to overheating of transformers, neutral conductors and faults in other connected equipment.
Grid congestion, simply put, is congestion on the power grid. At peak times, the demand for power (or the supply in case of feed-in) is greater than the cables and transformers can handle. As a result, grid operators refuse new connections or reinforcements to companies.
Yes, in part. Grid congestion often takes place on the grid operator's network, but you can optimise your internal capacity. By reducing reactive current and harmonic contamination, you reduce the useless current flowing through your cables and transformers. This frees up space ("Free capacity") for new equipment, such as additional charging stations or heat pumps, without you needing a heavier (and often unavailable) grid connection straight away.
LED lighting uses non-linear power supplies (drivers) that introduce harmonic currents. In large healthcare facilities with thousands of luminaires, this contamination adds up, leading to overheating of neutral conductors and transformers, and unexplained failure of other sensitive electronics.
The cos phi concerns only the phase shift of the ground wave, while the power factor includes the influence of harmonics. We analyse both values to determine the overall efficiency of your installation.
This is not always necessary. Heat pumps are large consumers that often use variable speed drives. This puts extra strain on the transformer, both thermally and through harmonics. By first carrying out a Power Quality measurement and simulation, HyTEPS can determine whether you can keep the current transformer by applying active filtering, for example. This saves considerable investment costs and lead time.
Supraharmonics are disturbances in the frequency range between 2 kHz and 150 kHz. They are mainly caused by modern inverters in solar panels and EV chargers. These high frequencies are notorious for passing right through capacitors. They cause communication failures in smart meters, building management systems and PLCs. They are often the cause of 'ghost faults' that cannot be explained by standard measurement equipment.
There are several standards such as EN 50160 (for voltage at the transfer point) and the IEC 61000 series (for EMC and Power Quality within installations). HyTEPS tests your installation against these standards through advanced measurements. We deliver a clear report that indicates in understandable language where you are at risk and how to become compliant again.
This is a common issue in sustainability. The filters in variable speed drives and inverters 'leak' a small current to earth as part of their operation. If you have many appliances on one group, these leakage currents add up and the earth leakage circuit breaker will trip without an actual fault. Harmonic currents can also cause this behaviour. An analysis of the leakage currents provides the answer here.
Investing in Power Quality is not a cost, but a business case. It delivers immediate returns: you avoid costly downtime, extend the life of your equipment and make maximum use of your existing connection capacity. It gives you the certainty that your sustainable ambitions will not come at the expense of operational reliability. It creates peace of mind in the organisation.
Don't let invisible pollution block your sustainable ambitions. Choose security and continuity. HyTEPS is ready to future-proof your installation.
Would you like to know the impact of sustainability on your specific situation? Do you have plans for expansion or are you already experiencing unexplained failures? Our engineers will be happy to think along with you about the right strategy.
