When manufacturing transfers between the UK and Japan, it is usually a story of British job losses and Far East gains. However, powerPerfector is a company that is bucking this trend as it has confirmed that all of its voltage power optimiser units are now manufactured in the UK
Over the last ten years, powerPerfector has grown into one of the UK’s most successful ‘green tech’ companies by distributing Japanese built energy efficiency technology to government departments, councils and numerous FTSE 250 corporates. As a result, the company was last year named as the UK’s fastest growing ‘green’ company.
powerPerfector completed the acquisition of the global IP, manufacturing and distribution rights to VPO technology from its Japanese supplier in June 2011 when it began a tech transfer project to manufacture the fixed ratio (Standard powerPerfector Unit) technology, completing earlier this year.
The launch of the next generation powerPerfector Plus means that the entire product line is now manufactured in the UK or assembled in the UK, utilising parts from the EU for its Automatic Voltage Controller.
Director of Engineering Michael Robertson Lambert, said, “It is often said that the only way for the country to get back on its feet financially, is to start building things again and we’re working with one of the world’s leading companies in the design and manufacture of wound power components for the rail and defence industries to hand build VPO units.
Product launch
powerPerfector used Energy Solutions Expo, the UK energy management event, to launch its latest VPO technology.
There are two fundamental types of voltage optimisation technology. Fixed ratio units alter the incoming supply voltage by a set percentage, and are suitable for most buildings. Optimisation settings can be fine tuned (within one percent or 2.3V from nominal) to your supply and can be altered should conditions on-site change over time.
Dynamic voltage optimisation equipment adapts automatically to changing voltage conditions to give an optimised output in a fixed band.
The new style dynamic powerPerfector Plus unit, which has greater usability and an improved interface, goes on sale this month.
The new unit features a UK built optimiser and a European built Automatic Voltage Controller (AVC). Each unit is equipped with five optimisation settings, which are automatically selected by the AVC.
Having analysed voltage levels and balance at over 10,000 sites, powerPerfector has established that the optimum equal incremental number of minus setting levels is three, together with a 0% and ‘boost’ setting, which is able to raise the incoming mains voltage if it drops below the optimum range. This makes it ideal for sites with critical equipment, or those which suffer from an unstable supply.
Robertson-Lambert continued, “The new powerPerfector Plus takes the technology on to the next level. The AVC can be controlled remotely online through our web-based bureau service and adjustments can be made exactly as if the user was stood in front of the unit. The AVC can also be connected to communicate with a BMS.
“The bureau service also has the ability to monitor key power components, such as running currents and voltages, coupled with the ability to customise the user experience, giving energy and estates managers greater control.
“With BMS, smart meters and a more joined-up electrical set-up, it will be second nature for energy managers and electrical engineers to be able to control what their electrical infrastructure is doing. The new powerPerfector Plus integrates perfectly with these technologies and will help to demonstrate the effectiveness of voltage optimisation.
“The technology can be integrated into the energy efficiency plans of organisations ranging from SMEs to the largest government departments.
“powerPerfector is the UK’s leading provider of voltage optimisation technology. Our powerPerfector Plus technology features unique, embedded power conditioning benefits which increases the cost and CO2 savings you make.”
GMFRS case study
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is the second largest fire service in the country covering ten local authorities. The associated carbon footprint is large – in 2008/2009 the baseline was calculated at 8880 tonnes of CO2.
A significant proportion of these emissions come from energy consumption and the fire service has recognised the need for action. Projects from rain water harvesting to designing more effective exhausts are reflections of the progressive stance the service is taking on sustainability. It has recently been described as a ‘pioneering authority’ by the Audit Commission.
The fire service initiated a project in May 2010 to evaluate the effect of VPO at 18 sites (20 electrical supplies) which each consumed over 100,000kWh. VPO was selected for its financial and environmental savings but also because of its ability to remove spikes in the incoming supply, thus protecting electrical equipment. In the civil protection arena the security of electrical supply and associated electrical equipment are essential to supporting the vital services performed.
Following powerPerfector’s evaluation process, two sites were discounted due to low voltage (low savings opportunity) and two sites were discounted due to installation difficulties. VPO is not suitable for every site and it is the depth of the evaluation which is key to finding which sites are viable.
The programme includes four dynamic powerPerfector Plus units and will save the service nearly 330,000kWh, over £32,000 and 179 tonnes of CO2 annually. This goes a long way to meeting the legally binding sustainability targets that the service is dedicated to achieving. The kWh reduction means that the effect of future energy price rises will be mitigated and financial savings will increase for years to come. Just as importantly the sites will benefit from the security of having VPO safe guarding their electrical supply.
Adam Hebden, corporate environmental manager, said, “The VPO units will provide valuable protection for our critical sites while the financial savings help protect our budgets. The guarantee provided security when choosing VPO as a solution and following through with the guarantee attests to the integrity of the company.”
powerPerfector
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