Understanding key terms and concepts is essential for ensuring reliable and resilient energy systems.
This glossary provides clear and concise definitions of critical power terminology, whether you’re an industry professional, a facility manager, or simply interested in power infrastructure.
This guide covers everything from essential equipment like generators and UPS systems to the studies and analyses that optimize system performance. Use it as your go-to resource for navigating the complexities of modern power solutions.
A
AC Circuit: A circuit in which the electrical current alternates direction periodically, commonly used in power distribution systems.
Apparent Power: The total power in an AC circuit, including both real power and reactive power, measured in volt-amperes (VA).
Arc Flash Study: An analysis to determine the risk of arc flash hazards in electrical systems and to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS): Devices that automatically switch the electrical load between primary and backup power sources to maintain continuous power supply.
B
Batteries: Energy storage units that provide backup power for critical systems during outages.
Battery Cabinets: Enclosures designed to house and protect batteries used in critical power systems.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Advanced systems that store and manage energy using rechargeable batteries for grid stabilization and backup power.
Black Start Capability: The ability of a power system to restart independently without relying on the external power grid.
C
Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM): Maintenance is performed based on the actual condition of equipment rather than predefined schedules.
Critical Infrastructure Power Systems: Power systems designed to provide uninterrupted service to essential facilities, such as hospitals and data centers.
Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure: Measures taken to protect power systems from cyber threats and ensure system integrity.
D
Decentralized Energy: Energy generation located close to the point of use, such as rooftop solar panels or local microgrids.
Diesel Generators: Machines that generate electricity using diesel fuel, often used as backup power sources.
Demand Response: Programs that encourage consumers to reduce energy use during peak demand periods to stabilize the grid.
Dynamic Voltage Regulation: Technology that adjusts voltage levels dynamically (according to the time of day) to improve system efficiency and reliability.
E
Electrical Grid: The network of power lines and systems that distribute electricity from generation facilities to consumers.
Electrical Load: The total amount of electrical power required by devices and systems connected to a power source.
Electrical Switchgear: Equipment that controls, protects, and isolates electrical circuits in power systems.
Emission Compliance: Ensuring that power systems adhere to environmental regulations and emission standards.
Energy Storage: The process of storing energy for later use, often through batteries, flywheels, or other technologies, to ensure reliable power supply during outages or peak demand periods.
Energy Storage Applications: Energy storage systems have various uses, including grid stabilization, peak shaving, renewable energy integration, and backup power.
Energy Management Systems (EMS): Systems that monitor, control, and optimize energy generation and consumption.
Engineered Design: Custom-designed power solutions tailored to specific site or system requirements.
F
Fuel Cell Generators: Generators that produce electricity through an electrochemical process using hydrogen or other fuels.
Fuel Services and Management: The delivery, storage, and monitoring of fuel for generators and other power systems.
Fuel Tanks: Storage containers for diesel, natural gas, or other fuels used in power generation.
G
Generator Application Study: An analysis to determine the appropriate generator size and configuration for a specific application.
Grid Parity: The point at which renewable energy becomes as cost-effective as traditional grid energy sources.
H
Harmonic Analysis: A study of distortions in electrical systems caused by harmonic currents or voltages.
Hybrid Power Systems: Systems that combine multiple energy sources, such as solar, wind, and diesel, to enhance reliability and efficiency.
I
Industrial Diesel Generators: High-capacity diesel generators designed for industrial applications.
Industrial Natural Gas Generators: High-capacity generators powered by natural gas for industrial use.
Industrial UPS Systems: Uninterruptible power supplies designed for industrial-scale operations, providing backup power during outages.
Inverters: Devices that convert DC power from batteries or solar panels into AC power for use in electrical systems.
Island Mode Operation: The ability of a part of the grid to operate independently from the main grid during outages.
L
Load Bank: A device that simulates electrical loads to test the performance, stability, and capacity of power systems, including generators, UPS systems, and transformers.
Load Bank Applications: The use of load banks to simulate real-world electrical loads for testing, maintenance, and system validation in power systems.
Load Bank Testing: The use of artificial loads to test the performance and reliability of power systems.
Load Flow Analysis: A study that determines voltage levels and power flows in an electrical system under normal operating conditions.
Load Shedding: The intentional reduction of power supply to prevent system overload or failure.
M
Maintenance Bypass: A feature in UPS systems that allows maintenance to be performed without interrupting power to the load.
Microgrid Solutions: Localized grids that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main grid to enhance resilience and reliability.
Modular UPS: Scalable uninterruptible power supply systems made up of multiple smaller modules.
Mobile and Standby Generator Rentals: Temporary power solutions for various applications, often used during outages or special events.
N
Natural Gas Generators: Generators powered by natural gas, offering cleaner emissions compared to diesel generators.
N+1 Redundancy: A reliability strategy that includes one additional component beyond the required capacity to ensure system availability.
P
Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs): Devices that measure electrical waves on the grid to monitor system stability.
Power Conditioners: Equipment that regulates voltage and filters electrical noise to improve power quality.
Power Distribution Units (PDUs): Devices that distribute electrical power to multiple connected loads.
Power Factor: The ratio of real power to apparent power, indicating the efficiency of an electrical system.
Power Infrastructure Solutions: Services and technologies designed to enhance and maintain critical power systems.
Power Quality Analysis: Assessing the stability and reliability of power supply, including voltage and frequency stability.
Predictive Maintenance (PdM): Using data and analytics to predict when equipment is likely to fail, enabling proactive maintenance.
Project Management: Coordinating the planning, execution, and completion of power system installations or upgrades.
R
Reactive Power: Power that supports voltage stability in AC systems but does not perform any actual work, measured in reactive volt-amperes (VAR).
Real Power: The usable power delivered to a load, measured in kilowatts (kW).
Remote Monitoring: Systems that allow operators to monitor and manage power systems from remote locations.
S
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition): Systems used for monitoring and controlling critical power infrastructure.
Short Circuit Study: An analysis to determine the electrical current flow during fault conditions in a power system.
Smart Grid: An advanced electrical grid that uses digital technology to improve reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.
Smart Meter: A device that records electricity usage and communicates it to utility providers for real-time monitoring and billing.
Static Transfer Switches (STS): Devices that ensure uninterrupted power by quickly switching loads between two power sources.
T
Turnkey Delivery: Comprehensive project solutions where all aspects, from design to installation, are managed by a single provider.
Transient Response: The ability of a power system to maintain stability during sudden changes in load or generation.
V
Virtual Power Plants (VPPs): Networks of decentralized energy resources that are managed as a single entity to provide grid services.
This glossary is a guide to critical power terms and concepts designed to help industry professionals and stakeholders understand the complex systems that ensure power reliability and resilience.