KoCoS Blog

When distributing electrical energy, it must be remembered that poor current connections cause losses that must be compensated for by additional power from the power generator.

The power loss at the contact point depends on the current and the resistance: P = I²·R

When transmitting high currents, the aim must therefore be to achieve the lowest possible contact resistance at the connection points. The contact resistance is influenced by several variables and increases in the course of the operating time due to aging. By testing at the installation site, a faulty connection can be detected and eliminated.

The quantity for assessing an electrical connection is the resistance. The resistance of an electrical connection is in the micro ohm range. These small resistance values require special measurement technology, such as resistance measurement in four-wire technique (Kelvin method).

In order to assess the quality of a connection, the PROMET SE and PROMET R300/R600 resistance measuring instrument is able to determine the quality of a connection. Due to two voltage measurement inputs, a simple and quick determination of the quality, e.g. of screw connections on bus bars, is possible. The determination is made via the quality factor. This is defined by the ratio of the resistance of the connection over the overlap length to the resistance of the bus bar of the same length.

The quality factor K is the ratio of the resistance R_CON of the connection over the overlap length l_CON to the resistance R_REF of the bus bar of the same length l_REF.

     K = R_CON/R_REF

     R_CON: Resistance of the connection
     R_REF: Resistance of the bus bar

The vacuum inspection systems from KoCoS, which have been tried and tested in practice all over the world, monitor a wide variety of containers such as bottles, jars and cans for leaks in-line during the production process. Containers with insufficient vacuum are reliably detected and removed fully automatically. Highest reliability and easiest handling characterize the processor controlled inspection systems and are the first choice for many food manufacturers.

INDEC VD 100 vacuum testing systems are also increasingly used in Spain for cap inspection. In response to numerous requests by customers at this region, KoCoS decided to develop a Spanish user interface for INDEC VD 100 system and to integrate it as standard in the new firmware. This new Spanish user interface is now available for all new orders for INDEC VD 80 / VD 100 series since spring 2022. Of course, this software update can also be retrofitted in already delivered INDEC VD 100 units.

Users of the INDEC VD 100 can now simply choose their preferred language version between the four user interfaces in German, English, French and Spanish. This significantly simplifies the operation of this INDEC series. Even untrained personnel are now able to generate the relevant sensor parameters (recipes) on the INDEC VD 100. This measure also improves the safety of operation and the acceptance of the INDEC VD 100 series.

Monitoring power quality (PQ) in the distribution system is an important task for energy suppliers and their customers. In a distribution system, various types of faults cause power quality disturbances. Power supply operation can be improved and maintained by systematically analyzing power quality disturbances.
The power supply is designed to operate with a sinusoidal voltage at a constant frequency. Power quality disturbances occur when the magnitude of the voltage, frequency, and/or waveform deviation change significantly due to various types of faults such as nonlinear loads, switching of loads, weather conditions, etc.
The effects of poor power quality depend on the duration, magnitude, and sensitivity of the connected equipment. Poor power quality can lead to process interruptions, loss of data, malfunction of computer-controlled equipment and overheating of electrical equipment.
It is important to detect and classify power quality disturbances. A variety of waveforms can be generated by simulations and be useful for disturbance detection and classification.
The waveforms of the possible disturbances are created in this description by mathematical models. The EPOS 360 three-phase signal generator and EPOS operating software are available for modeling and generating signals to analyze the events in the power system.

Ideal voltage/current source
An ideal AC voltage source generates a continuous, smooth sinusoidal voltage.

Voltage fluctuations
A drop (undervoltage, voltage dips) or rise (overvoltage, swell) of the mains voltage of at least ½ cycle up to several seconds.

Voltage interruptions
A significant or complete voltage interruption. The interruption can be short-term but also permanent.
 

Harmonics
Distortion of voltage and current waveforms caused, for example, by operation of nonlinear loads.

Transients
A sudden disturbance in the line voltage that typically lasts less than one period and consequently the waveform becomes discontinuous.