pp calculator

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Power Purchase Calculator

Power Purchase Calculator

Enter baseline kW from meters
Match utility billing cycle
Utility rate per kWh
Average or highest kW in interval
Estimated Cost: $0.00

pp calculator

1. Project Overview

Purpose: The Power Analysis Toolkit for Niagara 4 Vykon Pro is designed to calculate real power (kW), reactive power (kVAR), apparent power (kVA), and power factor (PF) in real-time. This solution transforms raw electrical measurements into actionable insights for energy management, system optimization, and cost savings.

Platform: Built exclusively for Niagara 4 (N4) framework, leveraging its robust data processing capabilities and seamless integration with building management systems.

Toolset:

  • Vykon Pro for advanced analytics and visualization
  • Niagara Workbench for module development and configuration
  • BQL (Baja Query Language) for efficient data querying
  • Custom logic blocks for specialized calculations and processing

2. Inputs

The toolkit processes multiple electrical parameters to perform comprehensive power analysis:

  • Voltage (V):
    • Single-phase or per-phase measurements
    • Average voltage calculation for 3-phase systems
    • Input source: Power meters or CT/PT sensors
  • Current (I):
    • Per-phase or average current values
    • Continuous monitoring with configurable sampling rates
  • Power Factor (PF) (Optional):
    • Direct input from advanced power meters
    • Used when available for higher accuracy
  • Phase Angle (θ) (Optional):
    • Alternative input for PF calculation
    • Derived from voltage-current phase relationship

3. Core Calculations

The toolkit performs real-time computations using industry-standard electrical formulas:

Real Power (P):

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P = V × I × PF   (for single-phase systems)
P = √3 × V × I × PF   (for balanced three-phase systems)

Apparent Power (S):

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S = V × I   (single-phase)
S = √3 × V × I   (three-phase)

Reactive Power (Q):

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Q = √(S² - P²)   (power triangle method)
Q = V × I × sin(θ)   (phase angle method)

Power Factor (PF):

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PF = P / S   (ratio method)
PF = cos(θ)   (trigonometric method)

4. Components

The solution is architected using Niagara’s modular framework:

  • Input Blocks:
    • Analog input blocks for V, I measurements
    • Optional PF or θ input blocks
    • Signal conditioning for noise filtering
  • Math Calculation Blocks:
    • Custom blocks for real-time power calculations
    • Phase detection logic for angle-based computations
    • Vector arithmetic for 3-phase systems
  • Output Blocks:
    • kW (Real Power) output with configurable units
    • kVA (Apparent Power) output
    • kVAR (Reactive Power) output
    • PF (Power Factor) output as decimal (0.0-1.0)

5. Configuration Parameters

The toolkit offers flexible configuration:

  • Input Type Selection:
    • Single-phase (1Ø) or Three-phase (3Ø) toggle
    • Automatic phase detection capability
  • Calculation Methodology:
    • Direct PF input vs. calculated PF
    • Power triangle vs. phase angle method
  • Output Formatting:
    • Decimal precision control (0-4 places)
    • Unit scaling (kW, MW, etc.)
    • Data refresh rate configuration

6. Visualization

Integrated visualization tools enhance data interpretation:

  • PX Page Integration:
    • Real-time kW/kVA/kVAR numeric displays
    • Circular PF gauge with color zones (green: >0.95, yellow: 0.9-0.95, red: <0.9)
    • Historical trend graphs for power parameters
  • Power Triangle Visualization:
    • Dynamic vector diagram showing P, Q, S relationship
    • Interactive display with real-time angle adjustment
    • Proportional scaling of power components

7. Logging and Trending

Comprehensive data management features:

  • Historian Configuration:
    • Configurable logging intervals (1s to 1h)
    • Data compression settings for long-term storage
    • Tag-based organization of power parameters
  • Data Export:
    • Scheduled CSV exports for external analysis
    • Automated report generation (daily/weekly/monthly)
    • Niagara Analytics integration for pattern recognition

8. Alarms and Thresholds

Proactive monitoring capabilities:

  • Power Factor Alarms:
    • Critical: PF < 0.85
    • Warning: PF < 0.90
    • Configurable hysteresis to prevent alarm chattering
  • Reactive Power Thresholds:
    • kVAR exceedance alerts
    • Capacitor bank switching recommendations
  • Anomaly Detection:
    • Sudden kW drop detection (equipment failure)
    • PF degradation trending
    • Phase imbalance notifications

9. Optional Features

Advanced capabilities for specialized applications:

  • Demand-Based PF Calculation:
    • Rolling 15/30-minute interval PF
    • Utility billing simulation
    • Peak demand tracking
  • Utility Penalty System:
    • Cost projection for poor PF
    • Automated capacitor control signals
    • ROI calculator for correction systems
  • Efficiency Metrics:
    • kW/kVA ratio display
    • Loss calculation estimates
    • Energy cost per kVA

10. Testing and Commissioning

Robust validation methodology:

  • Simulation Mode:
    • Voltage/current waveform generator
    • Phase angle adjustment tool
    • Load profile simulations
  • Verification Process:
    • Side-by-side comparison with meter readings
    • Tolerance configuration (±1% default)
    • Harmonic distortion compensation
  • Deployment Protocol:
    • Staged rollout (test -> pilot -> production)
    • Automated calibration routine
    • Continuous validation during operation

Conclusion

The Power Analysis Toolkit for Niagara 4 Vykon Pro transforms raw electrical data into actionable intelligence, enabling facility managers to optimize energy usage, reduce costs, and maintain equipment health. By leveraging Niagara’s robust framework and Vykon Pro’s advanced analytics, this solution provides enterprise-grade power monitoring capabilities in an easily configurable package. The real-time calculations, comprehensive visualization, and proactive alerting make it an indispensable tool for moder1. Project Overview

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