The role of voltage optimisation in the food and drink sector

Dr Alex Mardapittas, managing director of EMSc (UK), explains how voltage optimisation can provide a cost-effective engineering solution for many companies in the food and drink sector that are keen to reduce their carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency

Q. What are the benefits and typical savings on offer to companies considering the installation of voltage optimisation?

A. In the UK and across Europe, the optimum rating for all electrical devices is 220V. In the UK, the voltage supplied through the National Grid is, on average, 242V. This excess energy cannot be used productively and often manifests itself in appliances as heat and vibration. Despite the fact it offers no benefit, the excess energy will still be factored into a building’s electricity bill.

Q. What solutions are available?

A. There are two main variations of voltage optimisation available; fixed and electronic-dynamic (also referred to as variable).

A building that has a stable incoming voltage supply, but one that is still over and above the optimum rating for electrical devices, requires a fixed voltage optimisation system such as Powerstar, a British voltage optimisation system, fully designed and manufactured in the UK. Powerstar drops the incoming voltage by a fixed amount and matches the optimum voltage profile of the site.

Buildings with an unstable voltage supply, high night loading or secure, critical data, need a system that uses electronic-dynamic voltage optimisation technology, like Powerstar MAX, as it can systematically manage the peaks and troughs in the power supplied by the National Grid and ensure the voltage is supplied at a constant, stable level.

Q. Why might I need a Powerstar HV MAX?

A. Powerstar HV MAX is unique and can replace a building’s existing high voltage transformer to correct the voltage supply as it enters the site; providing optimum voltage for the entire site. Powerstar HV MAX combines the technology of a super low loss amorphous core transformer with EMSc’s electronic-dynamic voltage optimisation system. The result of the two technologies combined, means the expected savings from Powerstar HV MAX could range from 15% to 25%.

Q. Explain the benefits of installing a Powerstar system on energy consumption and carbon emissions.

A. Powerstar not only reduces energy consumption, saving on energy costs and lowering carbon emissions, but the real-time monitoring facility means energy consumption targets can be set and achieved, ensuring government penalties for high carbon emissions are avoided. All EMSc products in the Powerstar range; Powerstar, Powerstar Max and Powerstar HV MAX can be installed in a matter of hours with a payback period of usually under five years.

Q. How can Powerstar assist companies in the food and drink sector?

A. The Powerstar range can be installed in a wide range of commercial buildings, new and old, from processing plants, to warehouses, to cold store facilities. By conducting a full energy audit prior to installation – essential to ensure the right solution is recommended – Powerstar can deliver a tailored engineered solution to each individual site, ensuring the best product is installed and energy reductions are achieved. By installing Powerstar, companies also lower CO2 emissions, to improve their sustainability credentials and meet high efficiency ratings through LEED, BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) and the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.

Q. How does the stabilised voltage output offered by a Powerstar system benefit sites with critical loads and operations requiring high levels of reliability and security?

A. Powerstar not only optimises the voltage but also regulates the energy supply ensuring a constant level, eliminating energy peaks and troughs and protecting against dangerous transients that can have a damaging impact on electrical appliances. In an industry dependent upon a constant and reliable energy source to aid heating, ventilation, manufacturing and refrigeration – as well as maintain sensitive computer systems – Powerstar offers the reassurance that comes as standard with 100% proven reliability.

Q. What are the benefits of working with a company such as EMSc (UK)?

A. Each site and each client are unique. As the designer and manufacturer of the Powerstar system, EMSc has an intimate understanding of the technology and is in the best position to assist clients to select the most appropriate and energy-efficient system for their site. From the initial enquiry to completion, Powerstar engineers work with clients to ensure the best solution is installed to maximise energy savings. All work is carried out at the convenience of the client, with minimum disruption to business, and is backed by a 15 year guarantee and 100% guaranteed savings.

Q. What now for Powerstar?

A. Fully designed and manufactured in the UK by EMSc (UK) Ltd, Powerstar is already installed  worldwide, with clients that include government departments, blue chip companies, supermarkets, and leisure and hospitality venues. The company has received various accolades including the prestigious Made in Sheffield accreditation, the UKTI Exporter of the Year award and an Innovation in Action Award. We aim to continue to develop our international markets, to innovate and to provide award winning solutions for the marketplace. Whatever your business we believe we can adopt the best solution for your site.