ASIC NSW – Power Quality Upgrade
Project Overview:
Transforming Power Quality Through Innovation
Micron Group was engaged by ASIC NSW to resolve persistent power quality and harmonic distortion issues at their Sydney CBD facility. A detailed power analysis revealed several critical inefficiencies:
- Low Power Factor: Operating between 0.6 and 0.9 instead of the ideal unity (1.0).
- Severe Harmonic Distortion: Exceeding 500% on the neutral conductor, well beyond acceptable standards.
- Phase Imbalance and Voltage Spikes: Reaching up to 257 volts, causing equipment stress and instability.
These conditions resulted in equipment overheating, UPS instability, and excessive energy consumption, leading to high peak demand and potential non-compliance with AS/NZS 61000 power quality standards.
Engineering a Custom VAR Generator Solution
Working closely with Gary Emmerton, IT Facilities Delivery Manager, Micron Group engineered a custom-built 200 kVAr Advanced Static VAR Generator (ASVG) system designed to stabilise ASIC’s electrical network and deliver long-term reliability.
The system provides dynamic Power Factor Correction and Harmonic Mitigation through advanced digital control, improving efficiency and protecting sensitive building systems.
Key installation features included:
- Dual ASVG modules – 100 kVAr Power Factor Correction and 100 kVAr Harmonic Filtering for full reactive power control.
- 185 mm² V110 Superflex cables with 650 A circuit protection for high-current stability and durability.
- Custom fire-retardant traywork and steel support structures fabricated onsite to ensure compliance and long service life.
- Precision current transformers (CTs) installed for continuous real-time monitoring and accurate load measurement.
- Full integration with the Facility Control Room (FCR) for live supervision, diagnostics, and performance reporting.
A carefully planned controlled shutdown allowed Micron to integrate the system safely while maintaining full operation of UPS and communication infrastructure.
The installation was executed seamlessly with zero downtime and immediate performance improvement upon commissioning.
Outstanding Results
Micron’s solution delivered measurable and immediate improvements in power quality, energy efficiency, and system balance across ASIC NSW’s electrical infrastructure.
- Power Factor: Improved from 0.6–0.9 to 0.99 (unity), achieving near-perfect efficiency and reduced reactive losses.
- Harmonic Distortion: Reduced from up to 500% to below 8% THDI, ensuring full compliance with AS/NZS 61000 harmonic standards.
- Load Balance: Optimised from L1 338 A / L2 369 A / L3 364 A / N 107 A to L1 335 A / L2 322 A / L3 336 A / N 40 A, delivering even distribution and reduced neutral heating.
- Voltage Stability: Improved from 257 V spikes to stable operation below 240 V, protecting sensitive electronics and automation systems.
These results lowered ASIC’s peak demand, eliminated grid penalties, and reduced energy losses, while significantly improving reliability and compliance across the entire site.
Enhanced Building Performance and Longevity
The ASVG system now provides continuous reactive-power compensation and harmonic filtration, protecting every connected system within the building.
Key outcomes include:
- Lighting automation systems now operate more efficiently, delivering extended lamp life and smoother dimming performance.
- Sensitive communication equipment and computers run cooler, quieter, and maintain full voltage stability.
- UPS and Facility Control Room (FCR) hardware experience lower operating temperatures and reduced maintenance requirements.
- Energy savings are achieved through balanced electrical loads and optimised system efficiency.
- Improved system longevity and sustainability, reducing future maintenance costs and preventing unplanned downtime.
Client Feedback
“Wow – what a difference. Always my pleasure working with the Micron lads.”
— Gary Emmerton, IT Facilities Delivery Manager, DD&T Project Services, Australian Securities and Investment Commission
People, Transformation and Technology, ASIC NSW
Conclusion
The ASIC NSW Power Quality Upgrade highlights Micron Group’s expertise in delivering advanced electrical engineering and power quality solutions that enhance Power Factor, reduce Harmonics, and boost energy efficiency across major commercial facilities.
By installing a custom VAR Generator (ASVG) system, Micron Group achieved measurable and lasting results:
- Near-unity Power Factor and perfectly balanced load conditions.
- Reduced energy costs through improved efficiency and elimination of network penalties.
- Extended equipment lifespan with enhanced reliability and reduced thermal stress.
- Long-term sustainability outcomes aligned with modern ESG performance targets.
Micron Group continues to lead Australia’s power quality improvement sector—combining innovation, precision engineering, and proven results to deliver efficient, compliant, and sustainable electrical infrastructure for the nation’s most critical buildings.
