Electrifying for changing times
Posted by: electime 25th September 2019
When REO UK opened its doors in 1989, it did so knowing that stable electrical supplies would be vital to an increasingly electrified society. However, the power electronics expert could not have truly predicted exactly how integral effective electrical engineering and electronic design would become to industry and society. As REO UK turns 30, managing director Steve Hughes reflects on the changing nature of the electrical industry and the challenges ahead.
In the grand scale of things, 30 years does not necessarily sound like a long time. Yet when we consider that, in the 1980s, computer-assisted design (CAD) was only just becoming commonly used and the world wide web was simply a conceptual proposal, it’s evident how quickly things have changed in that time. Today, we’re able to create complex simulations to assist in engineering design, and billions of people — as well as billions of machines and devices — are internet-connected.
These seismic shifts in industry have changed the approach that many engineers now take to projects, whether they are designing a new Internet of Things (IoT) enabled device or integrating electrical components into networks. Greater consideration is now often given to the interoperability of systems and how different devices interact with those around them.
This holistic approach is reflective of the fact that more industries are beginning to overlap and converge, with developments in one area having significant impacts on developments in others. For example, the rise in industrial robotics has created gearing unit shortages for other mechanical applications that require precision, and the increased prevalence of electric vehicles has strained the supply chain of key electronic components in other sectors.
Having spent years helping engineers of all disciplines to improve the performance and stability of electrical equipment and infrastructure, we at REO UK have gained a lot of insight into how different industries operate. And this insight puts us in something of a unique position, where we can see how developments in different industries can have knock-on effects in other areas.
In an increasingly electrified world, the role of electrical installers and engineers is to keep everything running smoothly. Power quality is integral to that and understanding the root cause of today’s electrical issues is imperative to achieving good power quality.
The past 30 years have seen a significant rise in the potential for power quality issues such as harmonic currents, radio frequency interference (RFI) and electromagnetic interference (EMI). This is due in no small part to the proliferation of devices and machinery that use switch-mode power supplies (SMPSs) or variable speed drives (VSDs). Similarly, the increased need for supply rectification at a grid level due to the rise of renewable energy sources has introduced further noise into electrical networks.
The impacts of these problems range from increased energy consumption to accelerated electronic component deterioration and unreliable power supply. This is particularly problematic for critical applications, such as hospital systems or process industry machinery, that require a safe and stable electrical supply.
Electrical contractors and technicians play an indispensable role in mitigating these problems and considering these electrical issues at an installation level has become an essential requirement of modern trade. This will only become more important in the years ahead.
Fortunately, REO UK was founded on the same principles innovation, tradition and consistent product development as its German parent company. These values have driven us to constantly develop new and effective power electronic components and power quality products that are suitable for an ever-changing industry.
It’s this adaptability and ongoing innovation that has served us well in our 30 years in business, ensuring that everything from our harmonic filters for network grids to our high-power compact braking resistors for industrial and renewable applications are fit for long-lasting operation.
Contributing to our adaptability is our ability to understand the needs of design and electrical engineers from a wide range of industries, and in turn understand where those industries are headed.
Recently, we’ve combined this insight with our own experience and power quality expertise to create an ebook, R30: The past, present and future of power. This ebook offers an extensive look at the development of design and electrical engineering to date, the current challenges and a projection of what is on the horizon. With this, engineers can widen their understanding of the challenges facing power across all industry segments, and how they can contribute to overcome them.
The book perfectly encapsulates the experiences we’ve acquired over 30 years in business. We’ve seen unprecedented change in the past 30 years that businesses are still racing to catch up with; now, we’re looking to prepare for the next 30.
REO UK’s book, R30: The past, present and future of power, is set for release in Autumn 2019. To register to receive a free copy of the book, click here: http://bit.ly/2NWTfzw
