The important role of power quality analyzer MAVOWATT in aviation field

Power Quality Analyzer MAVOWATT Series 400 Hz Testing – Aviation Applications

Electricity in most of the world is either 50Hz or 60Hz. However, there are some specialized applications that use specific frequencies. Aviation, naval, and some other applications use higher frequencies of 400Hz to improve system efficiency, which is inconvenient for many users because most products only measure 50 and 60 Hz. Many users think that all AC applications are the same, but they do not consider the fundamental frequency of the power system. Their instruments claim to handle this different frequency application, but few can really do so. The misuse of 50/60 Hz instruments in 400 Hz applications is likely to result in inaccurate measurements, low repeatability, and lost time and money due to investigations that do not collect useful data. Dedicated 400Hz measurement equipment requires some hardware and instrument firmware enhancements to accommodate the 400Hz fundamental frequency and its associated measurement and synchronization requirements.

Power Quality Analyzer MAVOWATT Series Instruments

GOSSEN METRAWATT is one of the few manufacturers to offer power quality test instruments for 400Hz applications. The MAVOWATT 270-400 and its predecessor, the MAVOWATT 70-400, can be conveniently used in the 400Hz range as well as the traditional 50Hz and 60Hz range.

The high-quality 400Hz power quality tester versions offer the same powerful feature set as the traditional versions, but with the added functionality of the 400Hz region. They can meet almost all applications by accurately measuring traditional 50/60 Hz, 400 Hz circuits and DC systems. The power quality 400Hz dedicated devices include all the test functions of the MAVOWATT 270 and MAVOWATT 70, including high-speed transient measurements.

Power Quality Analyzer MAVOWATT Series Civil Aviation Application

400Hz power systems present the same issues as traditional 50/60 Hz power systems, but many users are unaware that there is a specialized tool to monitor them. Power quality, demand and energy are important in any application, regardless of the power frequency. With the powerful GOSSEN METRAWATT 400Hz, users can apply industry-leading GOSSEN METRAWATT monitoring technology to these more specialized applications. For example, aviation power distribution reliability consists of three main parts: aircraft, airports, and ground equipment/power. Any link in this chain that is not performing as expected can cause power issues, resulting in delays, lost productivity and lost revenue. Therefore, it is important to have the tools to quickly resolve any issues to reduce the economic impact of service interruptions. The MAVOWATT 270-400 is not only an indispensable tool for problem solving, but if applied proactively, it can help avoid problems altogether by understanding the dynamics of the power distribution system.

For example, the image below shows voltage sag displayed in Dran-View 7 software, which was recorded measuring 400 Hz aircraft power from a channel at a major East Coast airport.

Aviation power frequency distribution can also exceed 400 Hz, as aircraft power systems can distribute power at 50/60 Hz, 28V DC, and other levels. Whether the application is airborne or ground equipment troubleshooting, it is important to have the ability to measure the entire electrical environment. The MAVOWATT 270-400 has this capability, all in one easy-to-use instrument.

Power requirements and energy applications

An interesting new application is aircraft energy surveys. In many cases, airport gates are leased, or rented to airlines. The energy consumed by an aircraft while parked at the gate will be included in the fees charged by the airline. However, in many cases owners estimate energy usage and do not measure actual aircraft consumption in order to adjust charges accordingly. A Boeing 777 consumes more electricity than a regional jet and aircraft owners need to ensure that contracts and pricing are based on actual usage, not estimates. The demand and energy monitoring capabilities of the MAVOWATT 270- 400 can be used by airport authorities, ground maintenance teams and airlines to easily conduct power consumption surveys to measure actual usage, making the information readily available to adjust billing/contracts accordingly. These surveys can be short-term spot checks or long-term monitoring surveys.

Baggage conveyor energy efficiency

A major US airline planned to retrofit part of the baggage handling system at its hub in Texas to add 60 Hz energy-efficient drives. The airline wanted to prove the effectiveness of this upgrade and verify that the actual energy savings met the vendor's claims. They wanted a power monitoring tool to measure energy consumption before and after the upgrade, and they wanted to acquire a device for many other applications, including 400 Hz aircraft power applications, facility and terminal power quality, demand and energy monitoring applications.

The airline selected GOSSEN METRAWATT and its first application was to benchmark energy consumption before revamping its baggage handling system. After the revamp, they did a similar survey and positively confirmed that the energy savings were as expected and in line with the supplier's requirements.

in conclusion

Aviation power systems share the same power quality, demand and energy issues as traditional 50/60 Hz systems. However, due to the various power distribution methods (400 Hz, 50/60 Hz, DC), specialized instruments are required to accurately measure this environment. The MAVOWATT 270-400 is designed specifically for this type of application, yet retains traditional 50/60 Hz capabilities, making it an indispensable tool for any power system in any airport or aircraft environment.

MAVOWATT 270-400 Aviation Applications

■ Power quality inspection

■ True 50/60 or 400 Hz power monitoring

■ Power system performance test

■ Prevention and timely detection

■ AC and DC system testing

■ Power consumption, billing, allocation

■ Mil std 1399 test standard