Page 28 - Energize October 2021

NEWS

Beyond the surge protection device

round 25% of the world’s electrical energy is consumed by electric
motors in industrial applications. However, as John Mitchell,
Aglobal business development manager at supply, installation
and repair specialist, CP Automation explains, installing
variable frequency drives (VFDs) and surge protection
devices (SPDs) are not the final steps in creating ultimate
cost-efficiency.
A VFD controls the frequency and voltage supplied to
an electric motor. By implementing VFDs, many businesses
experience an increased bottom line due to increased
efficiency and reduced energy costs. However, the VFD is not
without its problems — its normal operation can cause negative
effects.
Issues arise with VFDs due to power fluctuation. This could
be caused by an anomalous event such as a lightning strike to the The SineTamer eliminates the low level
grid, or by lower-level transient surges caused by VFDs countless switching transient events that a typical SPD
times a day. These transient surges are a change in fundamental will never see due to its design.
frequency in a microsecond time frame. If not accounted for, they can
lead to confusion in electrical systems, such as false zero crossings, false
triggering of diodes and timing issues. promised results, through no fault of their
A basic SPD may be used alongside a VFD to mitigate the own. It’s simply been due to the electrical
damaging impact of high-power surges, yet many users are still faced environments in which they were placed.
with unexplainable lockups, downtime and even some failures in surge If you are experiencing random
protection caused by low level switching transient events. downtime or would like to see a reduction in
This is because typical SPDs are voltage triggered only. Their clamping will only occur at a set electronic maintenance, e-mail sales@cpaltd.
point above or below the amplitude of the sine wave and will therefore not act upon low level net for a free consultation.
switching transient events.
While the sine wave has remained the same since the late 1800s, the sensitivity of equipment For further information contact: John
that is connected to the grid has increased. It’s time to bring surge protection up to speed. It’s Mitchell, CP Automation, john.mitchell@
clear that standard SPDs are not doing enough to protect valuable systems, whether this is in an cpaltd.net, www.cpaltd.net
elevator, factory conveyor or petroleum production equipment.
The next step is to eliminate these low level switching transient events. Surge and transient About CP Automation
protection systems such as the SineTamer, offer a new opportunity to protect valuable assets from CP Automation is a specialist in the repair
the transient events that can occur millions of times per day. The frequency attenuation network and replacement of automation equipment
of SineTamer does this by monitoring the frequency, not just the voltage. including electronic boards, PLCs and Ac and
Some businesses have already made this investment. In fact, one plant manager at a DC drives. It was established to provide an
packaging company was experiencing multiple electrical failures across seven plant areas independent maintenance service, without
related to programmable logic controllers (PLC) and power supplies. After implementing exclusive ties to any manufacturer. However,
SineTamer, the failures decreased from an average of 55% to zero. The improved production it does have strong relationships with the
saved over $3 million. principal inverter, encoder, resistors and
For too many years, investments made in process technology have failed to reach their motor manufacturers.

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