The power of paper - Effects of power quality distortions on electrical drives and trasformer life in paper industries

The results of a one-year power-quality study (2004-2005) in the Mazandaran Wood and Paper Industries (MWPI) are presented in this article. The effects of voltage distortion on the operation of electric drives are discussed. To provide detailed analysis of the system, one of the DC motor drive systems is simulated using Matlab/Simulink in the presence of voltage sag and the results are presented. Additionally, the effects of harmonics on the loss of distribution transformers are described. Using the actual data, the LOL of distribution transformers is calculated. The results of power-quality monitoring at MPWI are also presented. These investigations reveal that active or passive power filtering is required for at least five supply transformers in the mill.