The supply voltage to your home or business will vary over the year, and is controlled by the local Network Operator, to ensure that the distribution network works effectively in accordance to European regulations.
The agreed Pan European statutory range for voltages is 230V +/- 10%(208V to 253V). Historically the UK grid has operated domestically at around 240V. What this means in today's terms is that may of your domestic electrical products may be operating at a voltage significantly higher than is necessary.
Image courtesy of Vphase
Household appliances must be designed to operate satisfactorily within the modern statutory range. Most appliances will use less energy at lower voltages. These include Fridges, Freezers, lighting, white goods, TVs, Computers, and some entertainment products. The amount of energy that will be saved depends on the specific device and the level of voltage reduction and can typically vary from a few percent to 15% and beyond.
By placing a Voltage conditioner between the incoming grid feed and the local load, and lowering the supply voltage supply from 240V to 220V can realise to 10% per annum energy savings on many appliances.
Voltage conditioning equipment comes in a range of varying technologies and If installed at the same time as a renewable energy installation, the benefits and investment returns can be very attractive and significantly supplement the micro generation technology. This is achieved by lowering the properties energy consumption, hence saving on imported electricity, and increasing the level of electricity generated locally that can be exported to the grid. As we would be working on a renewable energy installation, the additional work to install voltage conditioning equipment is minimal, as we would be on site.
Ardenham Energy has experience and capability to advise and select the following technology solutions:-
- Domestic Smart Voltage Management limiting loads below 20A to 220V
- Electro mechanical voltage stabilisation up to 1MVA single or 3 phase
- Electronic auto transformer tap change control technology
- Ferro resonant transformer voltage regulation
