ARTICLE: Power Quality Insights

The Economic Cost of Power Quality Problems

This article from Electrical Construction & Maintenance, highlights the financial impact of power quality issues (voltage sags, harmonics, and interruptions). These disturbances cause equipment failures, downtime, data loss, and maintenance costs, especially in manufacturing, healthcare, and IT industries. Poor power quality leads to immediate production losses but also long-term equipment damage.

To reduce these costs, the article recommends that businesses can deploy power conditioning, grounding, and real-time monitoring solutions. As well, adding UPS and surge protectors will help prevent unplanned shutdowns and data loss.

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Proximity To Data Centers Correlates with Poor Power Quality

Data centers are consuming significantly more electricity, straining power grids and affecting power quality. A Bloomberg analysis found over 75% of severe power distortions occur near data centers, which use three to five times more power than traditional facilities. This increased demand raises concerns about overheating electronics and potential fire risks.

To address energy demands, companies are turning to alternative sources. Google is developing small modular nuclear reactors, while Microsoft has secured a 20-year power supply from the revived Three Mile Island plant. These efforts highlight the industry's push for stable, clean energy.

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