Providing You With the Power to Save

Our savvy engineers have been yielding insightful findings for the power industry since 1982. The depth of our expertise with power systems, which is continually growing, includes a command of monitoring equipment and sophisticated analytical software. No matter how complex the problem may be, we are confident to offer elegant, original solutions.

Optimize Your Power System

We offer a complete range of power system studies, complemented with analysis and design for the effective use of electrical power and high voltage equipment. Areas of service include:

Arc Flash Study

Identifies the specific arc flash hazard for electrical equipment within a facility. It provides actual calculated short circuit currents, tripping times and incident energy (arc flash energy). It also reviews coordination to mitigate arc flash energy levels while focusing on eliminating nuisance tripping, both during a ground fault and/or phase fault condition.

Power System Short Circuit Study and Analysis

We look at the fault contribution currents during a short circuit. Though this is similar to an Arc Flash Study, in some cases an arc flash may not manifest, but fault currents will still be present and need to be analyzed for the best protective action of the system. This usually forms part of an overall Protection & Coordination Study where settings of protective devices are also modeled and optimized.

Protective Device Coordination

Aimed at reducing nuisance interruptions in electrical equipment operation and preventing unnecessary outages when a ground or phase fault condition occurs. Proper coordination with correctly sized protection devices also contributes to a more profitable operation.

Load Flow and Transient Flow Study / Voltage Drop and Motor Starting Analysis

Intended to review overall electrical system capability to adequately supply the connected load, thereby minimizing a failure due to buildup of heat or stress, and reduced voltage beyond equipment ratings. A review of the electrical system loading can result in recommendations to maximize output while lowering operating costs.

Harmonics Analysis

Essential for meeting Utility requirements at the point of common coupling (PCC), thereby reducing avoidable electrical utility charges. This review can reveal areas where preventable electrical losses are occurring, that lower efficiency and degrade electrical equipment insulating properties. Harmonics can be to blame for misoperation of certain electronics, as well as unexpected heating of transformers, motors, capacitors, etc.

Power Quality Measurement and Analysis

Similar in nature to a Harmonics Analysis (See above), a Power Quality Measurement & Analysis monitors how closely the power follows optimum characteristics.

Power System Failure Investigation and Analysis

Engineering analysis to identify why equipment failed or where a fault originated to prevent a similar future incident. It’s important to know that when investigating, there may not be an apparent cause for our investigating engineer, and in such cases we cannot commit to the client to identify a definitive root cause. This is usually acceptable for clients who want to know the most likely cause for future prevention.

Grid Interconnection / Power Generation Impact Assessment
This type of study takes many different names and variations, but essentially is an investigation on a Client’s behalf to determine the feasibility and costs of connecting to the grid (usually as a generating connection) and potentially to initiate the processes required with the AESO (Alberta Electric System Operator), AUC (Alberta Utilities Commission), and other involved regulatory bodies.

Ground Grid Design and Analysis

Ground grid design, particularly for substations, requires a sufficiently engineered ground grid so that during major faults the Touch Potential (such as voltage between the feet and a hand on a railing, for instance) and the step potential (voltage between feet during a stride) is low enough to meet regulatory and accepted standards. Factors such as soil/gravel resistivity, depth of grid, size of conductors, length of conductors, humidity, etc., can all be modeled (or calculated by hand) to ensure a grid design is sufficient for the expected power system or substation capacity.

This is why you may often hear about a downed power pole needing special precautions (ie: hop away with feet together) whereas at a substation a fault is more likely engineered… though still very hazardous!

Power Factor Correction Study

This study evaluates a system for an overly inductive loading, such as motors and transformers. Inductive loads cause power consumption in both real (kW) and reactive (kVAR) demand. Reactive power for inductive loads can be offset by installing appropriately designed capacitor banks. This type of study with recommendations can allow facilities to reduce their power consumption bills, since several factors determining utility billing rates can be improved by reducing the reactive power consumption of a site.

Scoping Study / Feasibility Study

This review is designed to determine the feasibility of a certain proposed project, specifically from an electrical perspective. Determining if the project is practical and achievable, scope limits, cost estimates for engineering/equipment/construction, etc., can form part of this study.

Computer Simulation and Analysis

Magna IV Engineering uses advanced computer models to perform complex calculations and evaluate the system performance through simulation, taking advantage of the latest and most appropriate software packages and computer hardware. Some of these include:

• SKM Power Tools

• EMTP

• ETAP

• CDEGS

Improving Your Energy Management

With the increasing demand to conserve energy, Magna IV Engineering can help you understand and optimize your system to meet energy management needs. Through the use of our own or market-leading computer applications, we add value through:

• Utility energy bill analysis

• Building energy auditing

• Energy savings and payback analysis

• Lighting and controls system evaluation

• Water/Gas usage evaluation

• Mechanical system evaluation

• Variable speed drive assessment

• Implementation design service