Voltage Optimisation Explained

Interested to know more about voltage optimisation? You’ve arrived at the perfect place. Taking steps to become more energy efficient has never been more important, so we’ve pulled together this handy guide featuring everything you need to know about voltage optimisation. 

What is voltage optimisation?

An effective electricity-saving technique designed to ensure that the power delivered to a building is regulated, cleaned and optimised, a voltage optimiser prevents business electricity from exceeding its optimum level. In order to alleviate electricity wastage, all electricity-related equipment is rigorously assessed to determine how its power use can be streamlined for a more cost-efficient business.

This electricity-saving technique boasts multiple benefits, including the extended life of electrical equipment. In turn, this helps lower carbon emissions and reduce electricity costs. 

How can voltage optimisation help save electricity?

The electricity supplied by the National Grid tends to have a higher than necessary voltage. Voltage optimisation technology has been expertly engineered to minimise these excess voltage levels by regulating the incoming supply. This helps to maximise electricity savings.

How does voltage optimisation work?

Voltage optimisation technology varies depending on the provider, but as a general rule of thumb, the system works by using the required voltage from the National Grid and then returning the surplus to avoid wasting electricity. This process generates negative power, which boosts supply voltage and streamlines electricity consumption.

Voltage can be minimised in the two following ways:

• The voltage can be reduced to a pre-planned, fixed level via variable electronic, dynamic voltage optimisation.

• The voltage can be reduced by a specified amount which is set in relation to the incoming supply. This is known as ‘fixed voltage optimisation.’

There used to be a level of debate regarding the effectiveness of voltage optimisation but advances in technology have enabled trial and testing to prove its value.

Homes and businesses alike can benefit from voltage optimisation, so long as they receive their electricity supply at a higher voltage. There are many businesses all over the country using excessive amounts of electricity, and voltage optimisation targets this problem directly without impacting the business electricity supply itself. 

Be aware

Voltage optimisation isn’t an electricity-saving method that can be purchased. The organisation supplying the hardware must carry out a survey of the site to accurately determine what type of equipment is required. The two prime factors are whether or not the business has its own dedicated HV/LV distribution or a low voltage supply. Also, it can be easy to confuse voltage optimisation with step-down transformers or voltage stabilisers. These reduce the supply voltages, but they do not improve electricity efficiency.

How much does voltage optimisation cost to install? 

Smaller domestic voltage optimisers cost much less. For business and commercial grade voltage optimisers, you can expect to pay around £1,500. 

Voltage optimisation: pros VS cons

To help provide a greater insight into the various pros and cons of voltage optimisation, we’ve drawn together the following list:

Pros 

• Helps to significantly streamline power consumption, which can encourage electricity reduction costs, as well as lowering electricity bills and carbon footprint
• It can provide payback within 1-2 years
• This tried and tested method has been used for more than 100 years, so you can rest assured that optimal voltage levels only are being delivered to equipment
• Can be installed at the distribution level or the low voltage incomer

Cons 

• Costs can be high to begin with
• The setup process can result in a temporary disruption to power supply

Is voltage optimisation a worthwhile investment?

If the electrical equipment in your business is voltage dependent, optimisers are worth considering. Voltage optimisers are devices installed between the customer unit and the main meter installation point. 

If, however, your electricity consumption derives mainly from voltage-independent loads, it’s probably not the best option.

If you’re unsure as to which items at your home or premises are voltage independent, speak to an expert for more help.

In the meantime, be sure to check out our content hub for more guides and advice.