Energy quality refers to the characteristics of an electric power system that determine the suitability of the power for its intended use. It encompasses both the voltage and current waveform, frequency, and power factor.
A high-quality power supply has a consistent voltage, stable frequency, and a power factor close to 1.0. This means that the voltage is at the correct level, the frequency does not vary much, and the current and voltage are in phase. This type of power supply is essential for sensitive equipment such as computers and medical devices.
On the other hand, a low-quality power supply can have fluctuating voltage levels, power outages, and a low power factor. These power supply anomalies can cause equipment damage, reduce the efficiency of equipment, and cause power quality issues.
Energy quality can be affected by several factors such as, voltage sags and swells, harmonic distortion, power outages, and more. It's important to ensure the energy quality, to prevent equipment damage and ensure the reliability of the power supply.