Abstract:In this paper, the main Power Quality (PQ) problems are presented with their associated causes and consequences. The economic impacts associated with PQ are characterized. Finally, some solutions to mitigate the PQ problems are presented.

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Purpose Taking into account the current relevance of the concept of smart city connected with the Internet of Things, this work aims to study the implementation of this concept by applying a new energy model in an existing public building. The purpose of this paper is to enhance the sustainability and energy autonomy of the building. Design/methodology/approach The building referred to in the case study is a library, and simulations related to the ongoing study are based on an energy audit, comprising a survey on electrical and thermal energy consumption. The innovative proposed model consists of a mix of energy production processes based on photovoltaic panels and biomass boilers. Economic analysis of the energy model has already yielded some results regarding the payback on investment, as well as avoided emissions in the context of development of a low-carbon economy with avoided emissions and socioeconomic advantages. Findings It is possible to enhance the sustainability of the library studied by the retrofit of the current energy system. With the integration of photovoltaic panels and the conversion or replacement of boilers from natural gas to biomass, the GHG emissions could drop around 121 t CO2 per year. Another benefit would be the inclusion of endogenous resources over imported energy resources. The payback period for the measures proposed ranges from 2.5 to 8 years, proving that the increase in environmental sustainability is viable. Originality/value The intention here is to implement the concept of smart city, in more sustainable buildings, bringing them to the lowest possible energy consumption levels, hence increasing performance and comfort. Also, taking into account that the energy-consuming buildings are already constructed, it is urgent to reconvert them to lower the use of energy and emissions using technologies based on renewable energy, boosting the use of local resources.

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Part 16: Operation Issues in Energy - IIInternational audiencePower quality issues have taken a more prominent role in power systems over the last years. These issues are of major concern for energy customers, primarily for customers with a widespread use of electronic devices in their manufacturing processes. Even though the quality of service is increasing, customers are becoming more demanding of the energy provider. This research aims to provide some industrial managers the technical support in deciding of investments in the mitigation of power quality disturbances, such as the use of less sensitive devices or the use of interface devices (UPS, DVR ...) In order to recommend an appropriate solution, the problem is characterized. The technical and economic influences of the PQ disturbances in the manufacturing processes are assessed resorting to power quality audits in the customer facilities. This research covered a significant number of facilities in several industrial activities

During the work conducted, several buildings were analysed, in terms of energy efficiency and power quality. Two case studies are here presented: an educational building and a museum. Most of the studies were conducted recurring to traditional measurement equipment, forcing the person to travel to the site to install equipment and every time he wanted to collect data. But one of the case studies, the museum, comprised the development of an analyser (hardware and software) able to measure electric energy, temperature and humidity. This analyser has the capability to register values on a database available in the internet and issue warnings to the building manager. This allows real-time information, supporting some energy efficiency actions. The objective is to improve this model and expand its use for several buildings, providing savings in terms of time and other resources, taking advantage of cloud-based systems.

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