What is maximum demand?
Many companies in the mining, automobile, textile and paper industry have to pay an additional charge over and above the normal charge for units of electricity consumed as maximum demand charge. This charge often forms a large part of the bill which can be tracked at times to only one 30 minute instance of high power usage. This is because the utility company charges a penalty when the factory draws more power than the contracted maximum demand. The maximum power consumed in factories over a calculated period of time, which is normally anywhere between 8 to 30 minutes is known as maximum demand. In many countries, 15 minutes is considered as the most common time period.
What is a maximum demand controller?
A maximum demand controller is an energy-efficient electrical device which helps in controlling the kW demand during high power usage periods by shedding non-critical loads. A substantial amount on the electricity bills can be saved by controlling power usage and switching off non-essential loads during such periods.
How does a maximum demand controller work?
A value is preset in the maximum demand controller when it is connected to the power line. When the demand approaches this value an alarm is sounded. The alarm is a signal to take corrective action. If the necessary action is not taken then the controller switches off less important loads in a sequence. In some factories loads such as compressors, air conditioners, pumps, fans and extractors, packaging machinery and shredders can be disconnected. The order in which the non-essential loads are disconnected can be decided by the user and accordingly programmed into the device. The necessary equipments are then restarted at the appropriate time.
What are the benefits of a maximum demand controller?
In addition to saving costs the maximum demand controller is also beneficial in the following ways:
What are the methods to avoid excess maximum demand?
The Preventive method does not allow an automatic disconnection of the loads. The device merely sounds an alarm when the limit is about to be exceeded. An operator is expected to manually control the loads. The Predictive method automatically adjusts the loads without exceeding the preset limit. This method is popular with many companies.
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