System Compatibility of AFDs

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Last Revision - March 7, 1997

System compatibility refers to how well equipment performs when power line abnormalities exist. There appears to exist a belief that process functions should continue normally even if electrical power disappears. Momentary surges and dips in the ac line are part of any electrical system. Expecting electronic process control equipment (computers) and power electronic motor control equipment (VSDs) to ignore the temporary loss of electrical power is unrealistic. The System Compatibility paper presents an overview for system compatibility and a realistic approach in dealing with momentary electrical power quality events.

System Compatibility Testing 4/25/97

Interest in the System Compatibility of various types of electrical equipment has become of major interest to a number of utilities. Testing organizations are beginning to perform System Compatibility tests in hopes of establishing design and application guidelines to minimize problems associated with the momentary loss of electrical power. This paper comments on the suitability and applicability of these types of tests and provides some insight into the effectiveness of these types of tests.