On the importance of the electrical grid power quality for astronomical observatories

Michael Mann; Thorsten Döhring; Manfred Stollenwerk; Sebastian Wenzler; Theodor Pribulla; Richard Komžík; Peter Sivanič

doi:10.1117/12.2627227

25 August 2022 On the importance of the electrical grid power quality for astronomical observatories

Michael Mann, Thorsten Döhring, Manfred Stollenwerk, Sebastian Wenzler, Theodor Pribulla, Richard Komžík, Peter Sivanič

Proceedings Volume 12186, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems IX; 1218617 (2022) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2627227
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2022, Montréal, Québec, Canada

Abstract

To provide results of high quality, the operation of astronomical observatories faces multiple dilemmas: Observations need to be precise, hence requiring for both stable measurement conditions and long measurement durations while external disturbance needs to be kept at minimum level. Astronomical observatories are typically set up at remote locations. The electric grid which is required to operate the observatory contains power electronics to a high degree, e.g. for acquisition, storage and transport of measurement data. This distorts sinusoidal current and voltage signals within the whole installation. The sensitivity of measurement electronics relies on voltage and current signals not to be distorted above a certain extent so that the instruments may differentiate weak measurement signals from signal noise. This contribution assesses the state of health of the electrical power grid and points to effects on the operation of astronomical observatories supplied by the grid.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Michael Mann, Thorsten Döhring, Manfred Stollenwerk, Sebastian Wenzler, Theodor Pribulla, Richard Komžík, and Peter Sivanič "On the importance of the electrical grid power quality for astronomical observatories", Proc. SPIE 12186, Observatory Operations: Strategies, Processes, and Systems IX, 1218617 (25 August 2022); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2627227

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