Developed by NSTU NETI graduates, alternating voltage normalizers reduce electricity consumption. Novosibirsk engineers have created a new intellectual module, upgrading the device for its use with heating supply equipment. Testing of the updated normalizer will take place in one of Novosibirsk schools. In comparison with standard stabilizers, which have an energy conversion efficiency of no more than 95.0%, the efficiency of the normalizer of Novosibirsk developers is no less than 99.7%, which reduces energy costs by an average of 10-20%.
In comparison with standard electricity regulators, the Novosibirsk engineers' normalizer allows not only reducing energy costs by an average of 10-20%, but also increasing energy conversion efficiency, (which shows the efficiency of the system and the ratio of the useful power to the consumed power) from 95.0% to 99.7% in comparison with standard stabilizers.
The normalizer's circuit is fundamentally different from the technical solutions used in stabilizers, where the regulation of their output data is carried out by multi-stage transients. Single-phase dry-type transformers of various capacities (from 0.25 to 10 kW) are used in the power part of the normalizers. Depending on the values of the input phase voltages, transformers commutate in three different ways which correspond to the main operating modes. The normalizer ensures stable operation of the electricity consumers connected to it.
"As you know, consumers of electric energy anywhere in the world connect to the electric grid whenever it is convenient for them. There can be no systematization in this process. Therefore, the parameters of the electrical grid such as voltage, current, frequency are often far from the standards because the standards are technically very difficult to maintain in such conditions of ambiguity. I think, a lot of people are familiar with the situation when the voltage in the socket is significantly less or higher than the nominal. But all the parameters are interconnected and affect one another," said Alexander Klavsuts, a graduate of NSTU NETI, owner of the research and production company OOO AVEK.
Now scientists have supplemented the device with an intelligent unit that allows collecting and processing additional data. This is necessary in order to improve the process of heat consumption control. The first experiment of an improved normalizer with an intelligent system will be held at school No. 115 in Novosibirsk. The experiment will last until spring. Similar tests are planned in the field of gas supply, water disposal and other life support systems for enterprises and facilities.
The aim of the experiment is to use a digital voltage normalizer to improve the operation of heat pumps. The researchers will compare the operating modes without a normalizer during the heating period 2019-2020 and those with a normalizer during the heating period 2020-2021. Currently, 54 parameters data is transmitted from school No. 115 in Novosibirsk to a server in the Netherlands. Data processing will be performed in the NSTU Cloud. The ultimate goal of the project is to create a single complex of rational resource supply, i.e., controlling the resource consumption of all objects (venues or buildings) using normalizers.
"We have introduced four upgrades during the development of normalizers. These updates are mainly related to expanding the functions of the data collection, processing and control system by expanding the functionality of proprietary industrial controllers. As a result, we are about to launch the mass production of the device with advanced functionality which will enable the control over the other resources consumption, such as heat, gas or water," said Alexander Klavsuts.
"The experiment will be aimed at improving the operation modes of heat pump equipment using a normalizer. The results of the experiment are planned to be broadcast in open access on the website of NSTU NETI and city administration. Thus, anyone can evaluate the efficiency of the normalizer on existing equipment and in real time," said Alexander Dvortsevoy, Associate Professor of the Heat and Power Engineering Department, NSTU NETI.
Previously, the use of normalizers in industrial applications has shown that the devices can level out transients that cause jumps in parameters in the power supply grids. It has a positive economic effect by reducing the consumption of electric power, increasing the service life and stable operation of equipment and, as a result, reducing the number of defects in production. For example, the use of the normalizer in the practice of JSC "Russian Railways" reduced the cases of lamps replacement in lighting devices by 30%, and the electric energy consumption in places where the normalizer is installed lowered by18.7%.
As the eleven-year experience of using several thousand normalizers at enterprises in Russia, the CIS, the EU and the USA shows, the total economic effect in some cases reached 78%. For example, PJSC Sberbank, FTS Pyaterochka, MUP Novosibirsk Metro, Tyumen Cardiology Research Center, OOO Tsentralny Rynok, AO Russian Aircraft Corporation "MiG", JSC "Russian Railways", Regional Electric Networks JSC and other large organizations widely use the equipment of Novosibirsk engineers.
According to Novosibirsk experts, the payback period of NORMEL alternating voltage normalizers is no more than 1.5-2 years, and its price is lower than that of all known indirect analogues. The normalizer is available in a metal case. It is connected to the power grid of the factory or building. In comparison with the existing indirect analogues, its price, weight and size are 2-4 times lower on average.
"The normalizer pays off quite quickly, from two years to a few minutes, depending on the situation. Then it becomes an investment for its owners. In my opinion, normalizers are investments, both for those who acquire them and for humanity in general. This is primarily due to the fact that the wide use of technology allows saving the planet's resources, and therefore solving economic, social and environmental problems," said Irina Klavsuts, Associate Professor of the Management Department, NSTU NETI and Foreign Trade and Innovation CEO, OOO AVEK, research and production company.
NSTU NETI and Research and Production Company OOO AVEK signed a perpetual cooperation agreement with provisions for joint projects on energy efficiency, as well as for research, training and staff development and industry-based learning for bachelors, undergraduates and graduate students of the University at the sites of RPC OOO AVEK.
The research and production company OOO AVEK and NSTU NETI hold R & D works to widespread the operation of normalizers of alternating voltage in electric power systems of the Russian Federation, the CIS, the EU and other countries of the world.
Alexander Klavsuts is a graduate of the Faculty of Power Engineering NSTU NETI, author and owner of the research and production company OOO AVEK which is an official owner of intellectual property for the production of normalizers in the world and has patent in 38 countries of the EU, USA and CIS. The technology is included in the state program for improving energy efficiency of Russian enterprises, as well as in the national project "International cooperation and export" as a part of the Presidential Executive Order No. 204 dated May 7, 2018 "On National Goals and Strategic Objectives of the Russian Federation through to 2024".
According to Novosibirsk specialists, the company plans to obtain new patents for the invention in China, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Vietnam, Ireland, UK, Portugal and Spain, as representatives of the company visited these countries, made scientific reports at international conferences and presentations in relevant departments with the participation of representatives of the authorities, scientific and business communities who expressed interest in using this technology in their countries.