Unified software approach to power quality assessment and evaluation

Many utilities have initiated aggressive programs to address power quality (PQ) issues in their systems. Power quality issues span the full spectrum of electric generation, transmission and distribution, and end-use. The major thrust in the utility programs on PQ is on system/customer interface. The utility engineer is responsible to customer problems and since there are too many factors in the equation, a unified approach based on software is not only essential but the most effective solution. The utility engineer should have the following tools to respond adequately to the various power quality concerns: a large database that is accessed quickly; expertise available in an expert system; and customized analysis software that will provide quantitative answers to device-oriented problems. Intelligent systems design provides a rational path to a unified approach to PQ problems.