Accuracy Testing of PQ Analyzers Using the OMICRON CMC 356

This article deals with the accuracy check of the PQ analyzers using the OMICRON CMC 356 calibrator. This article describes the principle and concept of three applications used to test the accuracy of various quantities important in PQ measurements. Furthermore, the GUI of each application, its principle, and description of functionality, software architecture, and implementation in the LabVIEW graphical programming environment are described. The purpose of the applications is the automated generation of a three-phase voltage at the output of the OMICRON CMC 356 calibrator with parameters defined by the operator to test the accuracy of the PQ analyzers. The first application is used to generate the harmonic components according to EN 50160 with definable deviations from the standard and duration intervals. The second application is to generate defined sequence of events (overvoltages, undervoltages, faults) with a definable duration. The third application is used to simulate different types of voltage fluctuations called flicker at the output of the calibrator.

I. Introduction

With increasing demand, electronic appliances are becoming a part of the daily lives of more electricity consumers than in the past. These appliances improve living comfort and save time. However, such a massive proliferation of electronics will manifest itself in the form of deterioration of power quality throughout the distribution network. This deteriorated electrical energy is then given to other consumers, who further degrade it while their appliances suffer their lifespan being reduced. Disturbances and faults are created in the distribution network that affect the parameters related to power quality. These are disturbances caused by harmonic components of voltage and current, HDO signal, events (undervoltage, over-voltage, fault), flicker, etc. Without power monitoring and analysis, such disturbances and faults could cause damage of some distribution network components, which is associated with large financial costs.