Paper machine
and printing
equipment

Customer challenges with
paper machine and printing equipment

Paper machines and printing equipment are crucial for producing a range of paper products, from newspapers to packaging materials. However, they can disrupt power quality in several ways, leading to complications in the electrical system. These disruptions include harmonic distortion, voltage fluctuations, and low power factor.

Harmonic distortion occurs when these machines draw large currents, producing voltage and current signals at multiples of the base frequency. This can lead to overheating in transformers, motors, and other electrical components. Voltage fluctuations, often resulting from inrush currents or variable load demand, can cause issues like flickering lights.

Merus^® Solutions improving power quality for paper machine and printing equipment

Continuous operation without downtimes
Longer lifetime of equipment and components
Improved energy efficiency and operational stability
Reduced maintenance costs and need for emergency repairs
Compliance with IEEE 519, G5/4, EN 50160, and other power quality standards and regulations
More consistent machine performance and enhanced product quality
More reliable service commitments to customers

Additionally, the operation of motors and pumps in these machines creates inductive loads, consuming reactive power and resulting in a low power factor. A low power factor indicates an inefficient system that requires more current to deliver the same amount of power. Power factor correction, often involving the installation of capacitors, is needed to improve system efficiency and reduce reactive power.

Poor power quality can result in several issues, including unexpected downtime, which is costly for any business but especially for industries like printing houses where continuous operation is often essential. Therefore, it’s crucial for printing houses to prioritize maintaining high power quality. Failure to do so can lead not only to equipment malfunctions and inefficiencies but also to significant operational setbacks, including unplanned stoppages. By addressing power quality issues like harmonic distortion, voltage fluctuations, and low power factor, printing houses can improve their system’s reliability and efficiency, thereby minimizing the risk of downtime and other operational difficulties.