The purpose of this project is to look at the power quality issues in the Potlatch paper drying system, as well as designing a system to fix the problems. This report is prepared to show my progress in the research of this problem.

[1] Learn About Paper Drying, Gas IR Paper Drying Consortium, [online] (2002), http:// www.energysolutionscenter.org/GasIRPaper/Learn%20About/Paper_Drying.htm (Accessed: Oct. 3, 2005).

Using infrared radiation (IR) to dry paper is a much more efficient way to dry paper compared to the typical steam or air drying. There are many advantages to IR drying including less space, less time, less energy, lower maintenance, and better quality. However, they are not a total replacement, just an efficient assistance. Drying can be achieved in a much more even manner by analyzing moisture content across the paper and adjusting the heating source in real time. All in all, IR drying has numerous benefits when properly integrated.

This article provides a fair amount of background as to why this technology is important. It gave me more of an idea what we are doing this for, and will provide information for the background of my proposal.

[2] B.M. Nacke, R.L. Schlake, "The Importance of Power Quality Management in the Pulp and Paper Industry," IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, vol. 38, no. 3, 758-762, May – June 2002.

This article discusses the need for power quality control measures in paper plants. In today’s plants, it is very important for paper lines to stay up as near to 100% of the time as possible. In addition, optimizing power quality is important to be more efficient, and, as a result, reduce costs. Problems can range from complete plant shutdowns to voltage sags, which can damage equipment. By optimizing the current waveforms and managing power quality, plant managers can reach more ideal uptime.

From this article, I have more information about how big of an issue power quality is to plant managers. It gives more background for the proposal.

[3] Michael Frost, Matthew Harvey, Kellen Lang-Gillming, Design and Implementation of an Improved Control Algorithm for Compact Engineering’s Infrared Paper Dryers (Mid-Project Report), May 11, 2005.

This paper was written by the team who has already worked on the project. Poor power quality was a big problem for Potlatch as a result of Compact’s paper dryers. The main issues were Total Harmonic Distortion and the Crest Factor. The team developed a new control algorithm and hardware to test a small scale proof of concept model. This proved to be successful and can serve as a basis for an expanded model.

This information will be very useful in my paper, as it provides a lot of information about what was done, as well as why it was. I can use it in my background, as well as the necessary ideas to build on to complete the project.

[4] Stephen J. Chapman, "Harmonic Problems," In Electric Machinery Fundamentals. Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2005, pp. 218-221.

Harmonic problems are becoming much more of an issue with today’s electronic controls. The fast switching speeds provided by these electronics causes spikes in current waveforms, especially in three phase power systems. As a result, damage can occur in equipment, as well as tripping of system protection unnecessarily. The total harmonic distortion of the numerous power electronics is the main cause of the problems. Standards now exist to help cut down on these issues.

Because we are having issues with the harmonic distortion causing power quality issues, this article gives more insight about the problems, as well as mentioning the IEEE standards that exist. I can use this information in my background, and, via the standards, some of the solution.

I have contacted the group previously working on this project and discussed what they have accomplished. They informed me of the control scheme they have developed, as well as the changes they still see as necessary. I will remain in contact with them for future information. In addition, I have looked at IEEE Std. 519-1992, "IEEE recommended practices and requirements for harmonic control in electrical power systems."

The research I have looked at so far has given me significant insight on what will be entailed in this project. I have plenty of information on the background, based on what the previous group has reported. At this point I should have enough information to complete the proposal.