Paper: PROPER GROUNDING AND TVSS INSTALLATION REDUCES ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE BY 65

Artificial Lift Systems are under constant attack from storms, load and utility grid switching and internally generated switching. The associated voltage phenomena are cumulative in nature and degrade the integrity of these electric/electrical powered systems. The cost associated with adding equipment which is designed to protect system from this type of damage is far less than the cost encountered when attempting to recover from the damaging effects.
When using Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) in ESP and Rod Pump applications many benefits can be realized, however an increased level of awareness regarding a properly designed electrical system is needed. Input and output waveforms are distorted by the very nature of VFD technology (fixed speed AC input current / variable speed AC output current). The use of properly selected and coordinated protection, such a secondary surge suppression and chemical grounding, can effectively minimize the negative effects (increased system total cost of ownership, loss of production) of premature equipment failure due to voltage irregularities inherent to the system.