A  Power Quality Symposium (PQS)  was successfully held on 13th and 14th July 2010 at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur. The conference was jointly organised by Technical Committee of Power Quality Malaysia (TCPQ), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia – Centre of Electrical Energy Systems  and managed by Asia iKnowledge.

The conference was supported by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Institute of Engineers Malaysia, The Institution of Engineers Singapore, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, Standards Malaysia, SIRIM Bhd, Energy Commission Malaysia (ST), Syarikat Sesco Bhd, Advanced Power Solutions, Texas Instrument and TEEAM.  It was sponsored by Fluke, Tenaga Nasional Berhad and Mahkota Technologies Sdn Bhd.  The Deputy Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Honorable Hajah Noriah Kasnon officiated the conference on 13th July 2010.

Electrical equipment has become increasingly complex in term of functions.  As a result of increasing complexity, many types of electrical equipment today are more sensitive to deviations of the supply voltage. Industries, commercial interest and public utilities can be significantly affected by problems in Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and these issues have created a need for EMC standards. In industry, standards compliance can ensure proper functioning of sensitive equipment while limiting the level of disturbances and interferences. For utilities, compliance will help ensure compatibility among different customers within the supply system, resulting in lesser distortions and enhanced power quality (PQ).

Poor PQ can dramatically increase the cost of doing business which may  run into in hundreds of billion dollars worldwide. For many businesses, the cost of poor PQ is higher than the electricity bill.  The results are lost production, equipment damage, idling personnel, data loss, revenue postponed, negative impact on cash-flow, loss of goodwill from customers and possibly even loss of market share. ST has recognised 20 PQ Standards as voluntary standards.  ST is currently undertaking a study to assist in making the decision of certain standards to be made into regulatory requirements such as harmonics limits of low voltage equipment, as this may have substantial impacts and benefits on Malaysian energy customers. Thus, PQ Symposium 2010 was held to bring together PQ experts from New Zealand and Singapore to discuss the most recent and significant innovations, technologies and policies regarding power quality.  The experts shared their experiences in their countries and their international experiences.  They presented research work of academic and technical excellence in the area of PQ and welcomes paper submissions.

This symposium also gathered specialists in the field of electric PQ for the exchange of scientific and technical information as well as to provide a platform for sharing the latest developments and experience in the field of PQ.

The symposium aimed to familiarise PQ stakeholders with the Malaysian and International Standards on PQ; to share experiences by discussing PQ problems from the aspects of technical, legal and financial incentives; to exchange and disseminate research findings and discuss recent developments in the areas of PQ; to develop and enhance networking as well as to strengthen the collaboration among regulators, researchers, electric power industries, and Malaysian universities in the field of PQ.

All delegates were invited to attend the PQS 2010 Gala Dinner which was held on 13th July 2010 to mark the 10th anniversary of the TCPQ. The evening consisted of a formal banquet-style dinner and a programme of keynote speeches from the TCPQ and Standards Malaysia. The book launching of the PQ monograph by TCPQ was commemorated at the celebrated social event, attended by VVIPs, dignitaries, and media representatives.

Over a full 2-day period, the PQS 2010 delivered on the first day critical tutorials and workshops and on the second day 35 technical presentations held in three parallel sessions. The TCPQ has developed a great line-up of topics and speakers which include experienced trainers, top academic professors, developers, engineers, and end users from across the country.  The 2-day symposium was entitled to 12 CPD hours approved by the Board of Engineers Malaysia.

There were also some exhibiting booths displaying products and services included PQ monitoring equipment, test and measuring equipment, testing technology, computer equipment, analytical instruments, research and development required for the industry and books.  Participating companies included Power Quality Engineering Sdn Bhd, Tritan Engineering Sdn Bhd, ADC Power Concept Sdn Bhd, LKE Electric (M) Sdn Bhd, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Advanced Power Solutions Sdn Bhd, Dataran Berlian Sdn Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, SIRIM Berhad, CETM Electrotest Sdn Bhd, KVC Industrial Supplies Sdn Bhd, Trastech Sdn Bhd, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, TEEAM, The Malay Mail, E-Plan Competence Centre SEA and Standards Malaysia.

Group photo – Delegates at the PQS 2010.