POWER BOARD.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12879, 18 February 1935, Page 3

POWER BOARD.

A SPECIAL MEETING. CONDENSERS DISCUSSED. At a special monthly meeting of the Tar am a Electric Power Board at Eketahuna on Friday there were present: Messrs J. I). Wilson (chairman), J. B. Oa rruthers, J. G. Brechin, W. Britland, A. J. Perry, It. Judd and W. Simpson. Leave of absence was accorded Mr A. W. Bisset. Accounts amounting to £1057 Is 5d were passed far payment. Resolutions were passed in connection witli loan conversions. INSTALLATION OF CONDENSERS In respect to the information called for by the chairman of the Tarai’ua Power Board, the engineer reported to the meeting: “I am not able to state to what extent the condensors have improved the power factor. There cannot be a possible doubt as to their effectiveness in operation in individual cases because they are designed for this purpose and the adoption of them by other supply authorities is evidence that a general belief exists as to their useful features. “The fact that the power factor has not generally improved may not be used as condemnatory of the condensors. It may, and probably is attributable to other not fully ascertained facts that are causing me some concern. I will not mention several matters in this connection which have my attention. “Although the power factor during the last few years shows a slight decrease this is not because of the condensers in the circuit (the power factor would be even less without the condensors) but is attributable ;to other factors, the chief one being increased voltagfe. Voltage has been stepped up because of the resistance drop in our lines due to increasing loading. This high voltage, besides lowering our power factor, also tends to increase our revenue by giving tlie correct running voltage to consuming devices. “Take a lamp for demonstration: The light would be poor and the current used less if the voltage was not correct. We, therefore, have to pay for higher voltage on our peak load but we more than get it back in extra revenue.

“Another reason for lower power factor is additional transformer capacity. This is very slight in our case.

“The third reason is the additional load of a few commercial motors which have been changed to larger sizes. One factory has increased one 10 h.p. motor to 25 h.p., and two 71 h.p. motors to two 15 h.p. motors This is also a small matter in our case

“I think that the time has about come when we will have to consider the installation of another main condensor at the Mangamaire sub-sta-tion. It/ could be so arranged at the present moment to bring our power factor up to .93 or .94. The switch and protection gear could be installed of sufficient capacity to allow tor several additional units of condensors being installed in the future as circumstances proved necessary. 1 have not obtained prices yet so am unable at the moment to figur© out the exact proposition in point of cost. “ I give a concrete instance oi xhe function of a condensor on a h.p. motor. The test has been made since the body of this report was drafted. Power factor without condensor, .43; power factor with condensor, .89.

“Herein is shown an indisputable advantage to the Board.** Mr W. Simpson considered that parts of the report were contradictory.

Mr J. G. Brechin: “I think the clauses Mr Simpson refers to are qmite understandable.’ 5 The secretary-manager: “The position is that the power factor remains the same though 279 condensors have, been installed to 'improve the position. 1 ” Mr Brechin: “The engineer explains that.” Mr Perry; “It seems that the consumer is getting the advantage and the Board .is reaping the small advantage.” The engineer stated the true watts were registered on the meters but a number of phantom watts were not lec-orded or. the meter but on the k.v.a. principle was charged for by the Public Works Department. Mr Perry said they were not satisfied that the charge for a condensor wns j usti liable. The chairman: “On total consumption there does not appear to have been much improvement.” The secretary-manager suggested there must be some other causes.

The engineer: “If the voltage could be reduced it would improve affairs, but it cannot be lowered.” The chairman: “Would a main condensor at Mangamaire do away with the consumers’ condensors?” The engineer’s reply was qualified. Tt would bo a matter of Board poliMr (*; rruthers: “Why do we want such i high voltage?” lie engineer: “To give correct voltage at pent of supply.” Mr (Vi rruthers; “Does that imply too light lines?” Ihe engineer: “Not necessarily, voltage is normal for supply. here is a certain drop on all Mr Perry -. “Gould we cut the consumers out for a trial?” I lu* engineer: “Take a terrible amount of work.” M’ Brechin : “I can’t see your argument. Mr Perry.” ivlr Lorry: “My argument is that -f. consumers aro becoming dissatisfied. ” * T >- .Brechin: ‘‘l don’t hoar of them.” Mr Carruthers ,said he thought the enpiu- - had stated that individual condensors yr a, large one at. Mang a . maire v ould get over the power factor. Ihe individual condensors had not done the tnck and now the big condensor was suggested. Would that meet the case? Mr Brechin: “We are only going round the mulberry bush.” The report was then received.