The average supplied voltage in the UK is 242V; however the optimal supply that electrical equipment in the UK requires is much lower, at around 220V. Operating at this optimal voltage delivers benefits such as extending equipment longevity and crucially, reducing excess waste of energy consumption, resulting in significant financial savings.

When voltage optimisation technologies are implemented they can correct the over-voltage and reduce it to a more acceptable level, meaning a site can operate within the optimal levels and only pay for the amount of electricity they are actually consuming. 

Powerstar offers a range of voltage optimisation systems that target these issues at both the HV and the LV side. HV stands for high voltage and refers to the voltage coming directly into the site before it travels through a transformer and is converted into low voltage (LV) and safely supplied to the site.

One company that has benefitted from implementing Powerstar’s HV voltage optimisation technologies is Sheffield based Cutting & Wear Resistant Developments. The company manufactures hardfacing materials for the oil and gas drilling industry as well as downhole tools.

With a core focus on the environment as well as reducing and recycling waste, Cutting & Wear wanted to reduce energy consumption, control emissions and prevent pollution at its manufacturing facility.

Powerstar performed a full site evaluation, which included voltage profile measurement and an analysis of the sites electrical characteristics. Once completed, the Powerstar team recommended replacing the current HV distribution transformer with an 800kVA Powerstar HV MAX, which is a fully integrated HV system specifically developed for companies operating their own transformers. 

After installation, not only did the site reach its 100% guaranteed annual savings proposed by Powerstar of 9.5% on energy consumption (which equates to a kWh savings of 107,659), it is also saving 58.7t of CO₂ per annum, helping the company with their green initiatives.

These savings were achieved due to the combined solution Powerstar HV MAX offers. By replacing their existing transformer, in which efficiency naturally deteriorates over time, with an amorphous core, super low loss transformer there were significant reductions on the non-load core losses, providing the site with a more efficient and cost effective transformer. In addition, the electronic-dynamic voltage optimisation technology ensured savings were achieved through cleaning, optimising and conditioning the incoming power supply. 

The amorphous core transformers used in the Powerstar HV MAX systems already exceed the upcoming Eco Design 2021 efficiency specifications, providing a highly efficient solution which provides greater returns on investment over the transformers lifespan in comparison to conventional low-loss transformers, whilst contributing towards the 2020 EU legislation initiative to ensure the climate and energy targets are met.