The electrical pollution screener: A simple tool for assessing disturbing installations

A new tool for screening the disturbing installations and loads is described in this paper. This tool is designed to run on commercially-available "personal digital assistant" (PDA) hardware. The tool performs basic power quality screening calculations for motor loads, harmonic-producing loads, and loads which may cause objectionable voltage fluctuations (flicker). System data is imported via XML database support whereby entire utility distribution company databases may be accessed and used in the calculations. The results of the tool are straightforward indications of "no problem," "proceed with caution," or "do not proceed without detailed analysis." This indications can allow field engineers to quickly make decisions regarding the majority of loads served with regard to potential electrical system pollution. Because the application tool is designed for handheld PDA devices, all calculations can be made in the field and immediate answers given regarding potential load service and interconnection.