Powering education with reliable power quality

Active harmonic filter PQactiF enables a quiet transformation at The Dewey Schools campus in Hanoi, Vietnam

The progressive digitalization of education is transforming classrooms into dynamic learning environments. From interactive whiteboards and digital textbooks to online collaboration tools and computer laboratories, technology can play a pivotal role in enhancing students’ engagement. As schools increasingly adopt digital technologies, the demand for energy has grown, necessitating an efficient and stable power supply. Additionally, the integration of ventilation systems, air conditioning, and LED lighting further underscores the importance of a robust and well-managed power infrastructure.

The Dewey Schools is a group of institutes offering world-class bilingual education in Vietnam. With four campuses across the country, these schools are educating 6500 students from kindergarten to higher secondary programs.

One of the campuses, located in Hanoi, faced a new, unique issue: a persistent humming sound emanating from the power cables throughout the school. This annoying noise not only affected students' concentration during classes but also signaled a deeper underlying power quality issue.

Electronic devices, lighting systems, and HVAC drives can introduce power quality issues such as harmonics and low power factor. These problems result in energy inefficiency, strain on the electrical network, equipment malfunctions, and unexpected outages. Power distribution utilities may also impose penalties on users who fail to comply with power quality standards.
Cable noise and flickering lights are common indicators that Hitachi Energy's experts encounter when investigating potential power quality problems in an electrical network. While at first glance these symptoms may seem minor, if left unaddressed, they can lead to more severe consequences.

In this particular case, after a comprehensive diagnosis, the Hitachi Energy’s engineers determined that harmonics in the school's power network were the primary cause of the noise issue. As a solution, they recommended the PQactiF low-voltage active harmonic filter.

Drawing on decades of pioneering experience in active filtering technology dating back to the 1990s, PQactiF offers a highly efficient solution for filtering multiple harmonics. Available in various configurations, including modular, wall-mounted, and floor-standing cabinets, PQactiF is a modular system capable of addressing a wide range of power quality problems such as low power factor and load unbalance. Designed with user convenience in mind, its standard Wi-Fi-based user interface and optional interactive touchscreen controller make it easy to install, expand, and operate. For this specific application, Hitachi Energy developed a customized PQactiF cabinet solution tailored to the local specifications and customer requirements.

“At The Dewey Schools, we prioritize creating an optimal learning environment for our students”, says Mr. Toshiyuki Takahashi, Mechanical, Engineering and Plumbing Manager, Toshin Development Vietnam Ltd, for The Dewey Schools. “Factors like lighting, temperature, and noise levels can significantly impact focus. With Hitachi Energy's PQactiF, we've successfully addressed our issues, eliminating cable noise and ensuring a harmonics-free network. This not only improves the performance of our educational equipment, lighting, and air conditioning systems but also extends the lifespan of these assets and creates a more conducive learning atmosphere."

As the adoption of technology in education continues to evolve rapidly, the demand for reliable power quality becomes increasingly essential. Compact, versatile, and efficient solutions like PQactiF support the power network, ensuring that it can reliably accommodate these technologies and deliver high-quality education to all.

By addressing The Dewey Schools power quality challenges, PQactiF has enhanced the overall learning environment, demonstrating that sometimes the most effective solutions work quietly in the background, making a profound impact without drawing attention to themselves.