Voltage optimisation technology for an Australian abattoir to reduce power quality impacts and increase energy savings

Optimising voltage levels to a controlled stable level at a facility can not only reduce the cost of energy but also enhance equipment performance, prolong equipment life, reduces maintenance costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Voltage optimisation (VO) technology has been widely used in a number of different industries locally and internationally but not yet to a large extent within the red meat processing sector in Australia to optimise the network voltage levels. Therefore, to determine whether VO can be implemented, and whether it is technically and economically viable for red meat processing sites, this study investigates the effectiveness of VO technology in an Australian abattoir through extensive case studies. The investigation explores the most suitable VO technology considering the implications for the plant and equipment under operation at a typical red meat processing plant by using the published literature and through rigorous analysis based on a case study at the meat processing site in Western Australia. From the case study analysis, it is evident that power quality issues such as under voltage, overvoltage, and harmonic distortion can be reduced as well as significant energy savings can be achieved with the optimum selection of voltage level and VO technology.