February 5, 2016 – Schaffner has introduced PQS, a power quality simulation tool, which it says allows planners, consultants and application engineers to accurately model and simulate low voltage 3-phase network topologies.

This online tool allows users to select medium and low-voltage transformer parameters (voltage, power, short circuit current, and impedance), specify cable (length, diameter, and material), and then add loads and harmonic filters. Schaffner says with drag and drop convenience, users can select common loads such as furnaces, motors, resistive loads, DC motors/battery chargers and variable frequency drives.

When these elements are added to the circuit, the company explains that PQS prompts the user to fill in applicable parameters for each component. If the system design will not support the load, for example, a message will be generated suggesting that a larger transformer may be required, and then stay illuminated until the power supply issue is rectified. PQS supports all Schaffner harmonic mitigation technologies, including active and passive harmonic filtering, and chokes, as well as power factor correction.