Schneider Electric has successfully implemented an advanced power quality and energy efficiency optimization project for HS BACO Panels SRL, part of HS Timber Group, delivering significant reductions in operational energy costs while improving the performance of the company’s electrical infrastructure.
The initiative follows HS BACO Panels’ investment in photovoltaic systems to increase renewable electricity generation and reduce dependence on conventional energy sources. While the solar installation boosted active energy production, it also led to higher reactive energy costs due to a lower power factor, particularly during periods of peak solar generation.
Following a comprehensive assessment by Schneider Electric’s specialists, the existing reactive power compensation system was found to be technologically outdated and no longer capable of meeting the company’s evolving operational requirements.
To address these challenges, Schneider Electric designed and deployed a hybrid reactive power compensation solution combining:
- PowerLogic AccuSine EVC+ ultra-fast electronic compensators;
- PowerLogic PFC capacitor banks.
The project included the installation of 21 integrated devices within an intelligent system designed to deliver high operational flexibility and performance while maintaining an optimal cost-to-benefit ratio.
The hybrid solution enables real-time, dynamic reactive power compensation, rapidly adapting to load fluctuations and the integration of renewable energy sources. At the same time, traditional capacitor banks provide long-term system stability, ensuring reliable and efficient operation.
The implementation was completed over a three-month period and covered every stage of the project, from analysis and engineering design to installation and continuous system optimization. The process involved the correlation of extensive electrical data and the integration of the solution across the company’s entire power distribution network.
“Through this project, we demonstrate that advanced Power Quality technologies can transform the challenges associated with renewable energy integration into tangible business benefits, reducing costs while improving operational efficiency,” said Alexandru Cojocaru, Services Director at Schneider Electric.
Following the implementation, HS BACO Panels has achieved:
- more than 90% reduction in reactive energy costs;
- improved power quality;
- lower network losses and reduced electrical equipment loading.
The investment is expected to achieve a return on investment within a maximum of three years, with the potential for payback in approximately two years.
“Investment in renewable energy is a key pillar of our sustainability strategy, and our collaboration with Schneider Electric has enabled us to maximize the performance of our entire electrical infrastructure. The results confirm a positive impact on both efficiency and operational costs,” said Alexandru Agache, Administrative Mill Manager at HS BACO Panels.