Assume 15-min demand interval.
| Mistake | Consequence | |---------|--------------| | Using instantaneous peak instead of averaged demand | Oversized equipment, higher capital cost. | | Ignoring power factor | MD in kVA may exceed kW MD – paying for reactive power. | | Wrong demand interval | 30 min vs 15 min changes MD significantly (shorter = higher). | | Not updating diversity factors | Older buildings have different load patterns today. | | Forgetting seasonal variation | Summer MD (AC) vs winter MD (heating) can differ 2x. | max demand calculation
for cost-saving potential, 7/10 for ease of accurate manual calculation. Assume 15-min demand interval
| Tool | Type | Best for | Accuracy | Cost | |------|------|----------|----------|------| | | Spreadsheet | Simple estimates, learning | Low | Free | | ETAP / DIgSILENT | Professional power system | Complex industrial MD & load flow | High | $$$ | | Ecodial (Schneider) | Free tool | LV installation & MD estimation | Medium | Free | | PowerLogic ION Setup | Meter configuration | Real MD from meters | Very high | Varies | | OpenDSS | Open source | Distribution ADMD studies | High | Free | | | Wrong demand interval | 30 min
Tools like ETAP, PowerFactory, or even specialized Excel templates can automate these calculations for complex industrial grids.
Assume 15-min demand interval.
| Mistake | Consequence | |---------|--------------| | Using instantaneous peak instead of averaged demand | Oversized equipment, higher capital cost. | | Ignoring power factor | MD in kVA may exceed kW MD – paying for reactive power. | | Wrong demand interval | 30 min vs 15 min changes MD significantly (shorter = higher). | | Not updating diversity factors | Older buildings have different load patterns today. | | Forgetting seasonal variation | Summer MD (AC) vs winter MD (heating) can differ 2x. |
for cost-saving potential, 7/10 for ease of accurate manual calculation.
| Tool | Type | Best for | Accuracy | Cost | |------|------|----------|----------|------| | | Spreadsheet | Simple estimates, learning | Low | Free | | ETAP / DIgSILENT | Professional power system | Complex industrial MD & load flow | High | $$$ | | Ecodial (Schneider) | Free tool | LV installation & MD estimation | Medium | Free | | PowerLogic ION Setup | Meter configuration | Real MD from meters | Very high | Varies | | OpenDSS | Open source | Distribution ADMD studies | High | Free |
Tools like ETAP, PowerFactory, or even specialized Excel templates can automate these calculations for complex industrial grids.