Comparative Studies of Power Quality Issues in Offices and Residential Buildings

Abstract

This paper presents the results of measurements made in an office building and residential building, both located in the same site for a period of one week. It is estimated that more than 30% of the power currently being drawn from the utility companies is now consumed by sensitive non- linear load, and still increasing in both industrial and residential areas. Non- linear load is steadily increasing in residential areas also. The Power quality analyzer was installed at the Point of common coupling (PCC) to these buildings and was observed for 5 working days. The effect of continuous overvoltage was also considered even though the overvoltage was within the International Standards. The result was proved to cause unnecessary and unwanted over consumption. Effects of Compact Fluorescent Lamps with electronic gears (CFLs) were also investigated as a rising source of harmonic production in Modern buildings.