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Voltage fluctuations caused by rapidly changing loads, such as arc furnaces, can propagate to different parts of a power system. Although the flicker level at its origin can be high, levels that are measured at other sites are subject to attenuation, a process that is influenced by fault levels, transformer impedances, line impedances, and composition of the connected loads. This paper presents the methodology, measurement results, and data analysis in relation to synchronized flicker measurements carried out in a high-voltage (HV)/medium-voltage (MV) power system which contains an arc furnace supplied by a dedicated feeder connected to the HV busbar. The flicker transfer coefficients derived from measurement results clearly indicate that flicker transfer from the arc furnace site to the upstream HV busbar is governed by the fault levels at the two locations. However, the transfer of flicker from the upstream HV busbar to other downstream busbars is dependent on the downstream load composition. These flicker transfer coefficients are vital in the application of methodologies described in many reports and standards in relation to establishing planning levels at various voltage levels and in the allocation of flicker emission to customers. Index Terms--Flicker, flicker measurement, flicker transfer coefficient.

In Australia and many other countries, distribution network service providers (DNSPs) have an obligation to their customers to provide electrical power that is reliable and of high quality. Failure to do so may have significant implications ranging from financial penalties theoretically through to the loss of a license to distribute electricity. In order to ensure the reliability and quality of supply are met, DNSPs engage in monitoring and reporting practice. This paper provides an overview of a large long-running power-quality monitoring project that has involved most of Australia's DNSPs at one time or another. This paper describes the challenges associated with conducting the project as well as some of the important outcomes and lessons learned. A number of novel reporting techniques that have been developed as part of the monitoring project are also presented. A discussion about large-volume data management, and issues related to reporting requirements in future distribution networks is included. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Voltage dips are considered to be one of the costliest of all power quality disturbances due to their disruption of industrial and commercial operations. The ability to characterise the voltage dip performance of distribution networks has many benefits for industry. There is considerable potential for industry to make large economic gains if voltage dip behaviour can be better understood and planned for. To put strategies in place to deal with voltage dips, there is a need for extensive data collection and analysis so that correct planning decisions can be made. This study details the characteristics of voltage dip data which has been collected at low-voltage sites in Australia over a 9 year period. The data is displayed in a number of different formats to aid analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ITI curve developed by the Information Technology Industry Council (USA) describes an AC input voltage envelope, which typically can be tolerated by most information technology (IT) equipment supplied by nominal 120 V 60 Hz electricity networks. Although the curve ostensibly applies only to IT equipment supplied at 120 V 60 Hz it is often used throughout the electricity supply industry, including at other nominal voltages and frequencies, without modification or consideration of applicability to provide an indication of the input voltage tolerance of a wide range of equipment. This paper details a preliminary study aimed at developing an ITI style curve to suit 230 V 50 Hz electricity networks. A range of domestic and industrial equipment has been tested to determine voltage sag susceptibility. Overall, results for domestic appliances show that equipment connected to the Australian 230 V 50 Hz electricity network has voltage sag immunity considerably better than that defined by the ITI curve. The same may be said for the majority of industrial equipment tested. As such, the suitability of the ITI curve in describing a sag immunity envelope for individual pieces of equipment connected to 230 V 50 Hz electricity networks is highly questionable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]