Voltage Optimisation

An added benefit of voltage optimsiation for your business can also be the reduced maintenance costs, which leads to increased operational lifespan for your electrical equipment. By stabalising and resolving any power flow harmonics issues which can be found in some buildings the lifespan on your electrical equipment can be considerably increased. An example of this can be found in our St Johns School and Sixth Form College case study.

Powerstar’s voltage optimisation solutions have online, remote monitoring capabilities, providing full visibility of asset performance, savings, and more. Unlike other providers, our solution uses a unique patented method for regulating the voltage.

Guaranteed Voltage Optimisation Savings

When we complete a voltage optimisation proposal for you we will give you a guaranteed savings amount. If your savings are below the guaranteed saving we will refund the difference. So with Powerstar, you are guaranteed to save!

How does this guarantee work?

We base our proposals on your site having a 242V supply, this is the national average supply voltage. We use this and the supplied usage data to work out how much you will save. If after the first year you don’t hit the percentage saving and all other conditions are met we will refund the difference.

We can also conduct an installation feasibility study to give you an even more accurate saving amount.

Why voltage optimisation is necessary?

Voltage optimisation, or regulation is necessary because the voltage of electricity supplied by the National Grid typically fluctuates. In order to meet their binding requirement of supplying users with 230V,  with a tolerance of +10% and –6%. This means that in practice, UK sites can be supplied with voltages ranging between 216V and 253V. The National Grid actually supplies a higher average voltage – typically around 245V – to ensure that the lowest value is still acceptable.

In the UK, electrical equipment is generally designed to work at 220V. This means that it is always operating at a higher voltage than necessary, which causes damage and reduces its working lifetime.

How does a voltage optimiser work?

We use our own patented technology to achieve the voltage reduction, which is far more efficient than other voltage optimisation or regulation solutions. Traditional solutions transform the entire voltage supplied to a site, and thus suffer large losses. The Powerstar solution transforms only the reduced voltage and therefore loses far less energy in doing so.

Voltage management also smooths out the peaks and troughs that can occur in voltage supply from National Grid, making your site more resilient by supplying equipment with a steady, reliable voltage and avoiding sudden surges or sags in the supplied power

The technology can either provide a set level reduction for high, but stable incoming voltage profiles, or can dynamically regulate a fluctuating voltage profile to maintain a desired, & optimum level.

For more technical information about commercial voltage optimisation view our technical specifications below.

Technical specifications

Voltage Optimisation in Microgrids

Voltage optimisation is used in microgrids to manage and regulate the voltage level of the electrical power supply to a facility. It involves reducing the voltage level of the power supply to an optimal level that meets the requirements of the equipment and appliances while minimizing energy consumption and reducing electricity costs across the microgrid site as a whole.

Which sectors & businesses benefit most from voltage optimisation?

Sites that are being supplied with overvoltage or undervoltage will see the most benefit from voltage regulation, but almost all sites will be able to secure savings via improved energy efficiency. Most infrastructure and equipment will operate more efficiently and with less need for maintenance at lower voltages.

Voltage optimisation is best suited to environments where there is sensitive or critical electrical equipment, with long operating hours and a high level of electricity consumption. This means it performs well in sectors such as manufacturing, defence, retail & leisure, distribution & logistics, and healthcare.

While voltage regulation offers both improved power resilience and potential energy savings, it is important to note that the benefits it offers vary significantly depending on-site, and in particular depending on the current voltage you are being supplied with by the grid. This means that an installation feasibility study from a reputable supplier is a vital first step when considering voltage optimisation technology.

We do not offer Voltage optimisation for domestic premises.