Impact of power quality degradation on energy consumption and temperature rise of office devices

Abstract In recent years, power quality has deteriorated due to the widespread use of modern electronic devices. Office buildings employ a variety of devices, such as computers and LCD monitors, contributing to a decrease in power factor and an increase in harmonic distortion. These commonly used devices, typically based on power electronic components, draw distorted current from the grid containing higher-order harmonics. This distorted current impacts the voltage at the point of connection, further degrading power quality. This article examines the impact of total harmonic distortion of voltage on the power consumption parameters and thermal performance of common office equipment. The study focuses on two types of computer power supplies and LCD monitors, evaluating how distorted voltage affects reactive power, power factor, and device temperature. Experimental measurements were conducted under varying levels of voltage distortion to assess changes in electrical parameters and thermal behavior. The results indicate that increased voltage distortion results in higher reactive power consumption, a decrease in power factor, and a significant increase in device temperature. These findings highlight the impact of power quality on the performance and durability of office equipment, underscoring the importance of managing voltage distortion in low-voltage networks.