Voltage Optimisation
Voltage optimisation is an energy-management technology designed to regulate or reduce the incoming electrical voltage supplied to a building or facility, where the existing supply is higher than the voltage required by suitable equipment.
In the UK, the nominal low-voltage supply is 230 volts, with an allowed range of variation. Some premises may receive a supply voltage higher than certain equipment needs. A voltage optimisation system can be designed to reduce that voltage to a suitable level, provided the connected equipment can operate safely and reliably at the optimised voltage.
Some electrical equipment uses more power when supplied with a higher voltage, while other modern equipment regulates its own power consumption and may see little or no benefit. This means the effectiveness of voltage optimisation depends on the types of equipment in use, the incoming supply voltage and how your business operates.
Strategies
Voltage optimisation is often discussed in terms of percentage savings, but the results can vary significantly. The most important factors include your existing supply voltage, the proportion of voltage-sensitive equipment, your electricity consumption and the cost of installing the system.
Our approach is to help you understand the potential financial opportunity before making an investment. A suitable assessment may consider:
Electricity consumption: Reviewing how much energy your premises uses and identifying the equipment responsible for the largest loads.
Incoming voltage: Measuring voltage levels over a representative period to understand how your supply behaves.
Equipment suitability: Identifying which electrical loads may respond beneficially to voltage reduction and which may not.
Potential savings: Estimating possible reductions using measured data and realistic assumptions, rather than relying on generic industry figures.
Installation and maintenance costs: Considering the total investment and any ongoing costs associated with the proposed system.
Return on investment: Comparing the estimated financial benefits against the project cost to help you assess whether it makes commercial sense.
Benefits
Cost savings: Where a site has suitable voltage-sensitive equipment and an incoming supply that can be safely optimised, reducing unnecessary electricity consumption may help lower energy bills and operating costs.
Improved energy efficiency: By matching the supply voltage more closely to the requirements of suitable equipment, voltage optimisation may help reduce avoidable energy use and improve the efficiency of certain electrical loads.
Support for sustainability goals: Lower electricity consumption can reduce the emissions associated with the electricity your organisation purchases, helping support wider environmental and sustainability objectives.
Optimised electrical infrastructure: Depending on the equipment and system selected, voltage optimisation may help manage supply voltage and reduce unnecessary electrical stress on certain suitable loads.
Long-term operational planning: Voltage optimisation can be considered alongside other energy-efficiency measures, helping businesses make informed decisions about energy use, infrastructure and future investment.
Equipment benefits: In suitable applications, operating equipment at an appropriate voltage may help limit unnecessary heat and electrical stress. Any expected equipment-life benefits depend on the equipment and operating conditions.
Ready to explore voltage optimisation?
Before considering an installation, it is important to establish whether your equipment can safely operate at the proposed voltage, whether measurable energy reductions are likely and whether the expected benefits justify the investment. Specialist assessment is particularly important where facilities use sensitive or critical electrical equipment.
Whether you’re looking to reduce electricity consumption, improve the efficiency of your premises or review opportunities across multiple sites, we’d be happy to discuss your requirements.
Let’s find out whether voltage optimisation could make a measurable difference to your business.
Get in touch!