Case Study

Micron Group Australia

Innovation - Delivery - Performance

ASIC — Power Quality Upgrade

Power Factor Correction & Harmonic Mitigation

Advanced Static Var Generator (ASVG) Solution

Client

ASIC NSW

Location

Sydney, NSW

Project Type

Power Quality Upgrade

Delivered By

Micron Group

+65%
Efficiency Gain
Power Factor Improvement
490%
Harmonic Reduction
THDI Improvement
Achieved
Voltage Stability
< 240V Steady
AS/NZS 61000
Compliance
Standards Met

Power Factor Improvement

Power factor correction from 0.6–0.9 to 0.99 (Unity), achieving a 65% efficiency gain

Before

0.6 - 0.9

After

0.99

Improvement

+65%

Harmonic Distortion Mitigation

Total Harmonic Distortion (THDI%) reduced from up to 500% on Neutral to less than 8% across all phases

Before Installation

Status

Critical - Non-Compliant

All phases exceed AS/NZS limits

After Installation

Status

Excellent - Fully Compliant

All phases below AS/NZS limits

Peak Before

500% (Neutral)

Avg Before

92% (Phases)

After

< 8% (All)

Compliance

AS/NZS 61000

Load Balance Optimization

Phase current balancing and neutral current reduction achieving optimal electrical distribution

Before Installation

Status

Unbalanced - High Neutral Current

After Installation

Status

Perfectly Balanced

Neutral Before

107 A

Neutral After

40 A

Reduction

-63%

Balance

Optimized

Project Phases

Three-phase approach to power quality optimization

1

Power Analysis & Engineering

  • • Detailed onsite power analysis of ASIC Main Switchboard (MSB)
  • • Identified power factor as low as 0.6–0.9 (ideal: 1.0)
  • • Measured harmonic distortion up to 37% THDI across phases and 500% on Neutral
  • • Documented out-of-balance phase currents and voltage spikes exceeding 257 V
  • • Assessed risks of non-compliance with AS/NZS 61000 harmonic limits
  • • Evaluated impact on energy demand, peak load, and equipment lifespan
2

Collaboration & Design Development

  • • Collaborated with Gary Emmerton, IT Facilities Delivery Manager
  • • Designed high-precision, fully engineered correction system
  • • Developed coordinated building shutdown and UPS monitoring strategy
  • • Performed detailed harmonic simulation and system modelling
  • • Enabled accurate tuning of VAR modules for reactive power and distortion control
  • • Aligned design with ASIC's operational and ESG objectives
3

Custom Engineered Solution

  • • Supplied Advanced Static VAR Generator (ASVG) solution
  • • Dual-module configuration: 100 kVAr Power Factor + 100 kVAr Harmonic Mitigation
  • • 650 A circuit protection device with 185 mm² V110 Superflex cables
  • • Custom steel tray work and fire-retardant support structures
  • • Current transformers integrated into switchboard for continuous load feedback
  • • Full ASVG integration with ASIC MSB via master controller
  • • Completed under controlled shutdown with FCR monitoring

Results & Performance

Comprehensive electrical system transformation

Parameter

Power Factor

Before

0.6 – 0.9

After

0.99 (Unity)

+65% Efficiency Gain

Optimized

Parameter

Harmonics (THDI%)

Before

Up to 500% Neutral

After

< 8% All Phases

> 490% Reduction

Compliant

Parameter

Load Balance (A)

Before

L1: 338 / L2: 369 / L3: 364 / N: 107

After

L1: 335 / L2: 322 / L3: 336 / N: 40

Perfect Balance

Achieved

Parameter

Voltage Stability

Before

257.2 V Spikes

After

< 240 V Steady

Stabilised

Controlled

Key Achievements

0.99

Unity Power Factor

<8%

THDI All Phases

-63%

Neutral Current

100%

AS/NZS Compliant

Delivered by

Micron Group

Project Type

Power Quality Upgrade