Energy Savings with SVG: A Comparison of CAPEX, OPEX and TCO

The production and supply of standard SVGs using traditional silicon components (conventional IGBTs) are more widespread in the market, particularly for imported products of Asian origin.

Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Comparison

The production and supply of standard SVGs using traditional silicon components (conventional IGBTs) are more widespread in the market, particularly for imported products of Asian origin.

·         Standard SVG (IGBT): Based on the initial purchase cost, it may have a starting price (CAPEX) that is between 15 per cent and 25 per cent cheaper than that of AHA Teknoloji.

·         AHA Teknoloji Varmatik SVG (SiC Module): The initial purchase budget is higher due to the high raw material cost of integrated Silicon Carbide (SiC) power modules.

·         Hidden CAPEX Advantage (Modularity): Whilst standard systems require multiple switchboards to be installed side by side to achieve high power ratings (e.g. 300 kVAr), incurring additional costs for busbars, labour and switchgear components, AHA Teknoloji’s ability to achieve 300 kVAr in a single compact module reduces the costs associated with in-cabinet installation and space requirements, thereby balancing the total project CAPEX.

Energy Loss and OPEX Calculation: A 100 kVAr Example

The key factor in the investment is the active energy consumed by the equipment due to its internal losses. Let us calculate the annual energy consumption loss for two units with a capacity of 100 kVAr, operating 24/7 without interruption in an industrial facility:

·         Standard SVG Efficiency: approximately 96.5 per cent (thermal loss rate of 3.5 per cent)

·         AHA Teknoloji SVG Efficiency: over 99.1 per cent (thermal loss rate below 0.9 per cent)

Let’s compare this with a quick calculation:

·         A standard SVG consumes approximately 2.5 kWh of active energy per hour as internal loss at a power of 100 kVAr.

·         The AHA Teknoloji Varmatik SVG loses only 1 kWh per hour under the same conditions.

·         The net savings difference amounts to 1.5 kWh per hour.

Annual Financial Impact (based on 8,760 hours of operation)

·         Total annual energy saving: 1.5 kWh × 8,760 hours = 13,140 kWh

·         Annual financial gain: Assuming an average industrial electricity tariff in Turkey of 6 TL/kWh, 13,140 kWh × 6 TL equals approximately 78,840 TL per year. This is for just one 100 kVAr module.

If your facility has a higher power requirement, such as 300 kVAr or 600 kVAr, the annual direct financial saving rises to between 235,000 TL and 475,000 TL.

Maintenance, Breakdowns and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

It is not just energy loss that must be taken into account, but also the costs incurred by the equipment throughout its operational life:

In-Cabinet Air Conditioning / Fan Consumption

·         Standard SVG (Conventional IGBT): As the unit generates a great deal of heat, the air conditioning required to cool the cabinet imposes an additional OPEX burden

·         AHA Teknoloji Varmatik SVG (SiC Module): As thermal loss is 60 per cent lower, the cost of additional in-cabinet cooling is minimal

Warranty Period

·         Standard SVG (Conventional IGBT): Standard 2 years

·         AHA Teknoloji Varmatik SVG (SiC Module): 2 years unconditional + 8 years under a maintenance contract (total 10 years)

Component Lifespan

·         Standard SVG (Conventional IGBT): The risk of failure (MTBF) is higher due to high temperatures and current imbalances

·         AHA Teknoloji Varmatik SVG (SiC Module): Long component lifespan thanks to its integrated modular design and low operating temperature

The additional CAPEX difference you pay to AHA Teknoloji at the outset is fully recouped within approximately 1 to 1.5 years through the electricity savings achieved by the device’s reduced internal losses.

When comparing investments in a standard SVG (silicon IGBT-based) with the AHA Teknoloji Varmatik SVG (based on an integrated SiC power module) at a scale of 100 kVAr, the balance between the initial investment cost (CAPEX) and operating cost (OPEX, energy loss) changes completely.

Thanks to the advanced technology it has developed, AHA Teknoloji breaks the perception that ‘the investment cost is high but it is cost-effective’, offering a far more profitable financial model over the entire operational lifetime (TCO).