Cost estimation of voltage dips in small industries based on equipment sensitivity analysis

Voltage dip is one of the detrimental power quality problems that can lead to huge financial losses in industries. Its economic impact is not only associated with the quality of the supply but also with sensitivity of electronic controls and equipment of the industry which are susceptible to voltage dips. Mitigating solutions are available but the choice depends on the careful assessment of the economic impact of voltage dips and economic gains of solutions. This paper presents an approach for estimating the economic cost of voltage dips based on sensitivity analysis. The voltage-tolerance curves of the sensitive equipment are obtained from experimental tests under different conditions. From the behavior and interaction of process equipment, different failure modes and economic sensitivity density are determined for different types of voltage dips. Voltage events monitored in the MV-network for several years are assessed to determine the frequency and severity of voltage dips at the customer terminal. The economic values of equipment and processes are assessed to get insight into alternative solutions with more rewarding measures. Then, cost-benefit analysis is performed to compare the economic gains of solutions protecting equipment or processes showing more rewarding economic values.