onbalans

Onbalans (Dutch for imbalance) is a condition in which a system is not in equilibrium, resulting from unequal distributions, time delays, or external disturbances. The term is used in several domains, including mechanical engineering and energy management.

In mechanical engineering, onbalans describes a mass distribution that is not symmetric around the axis of rotation. This rotor imbalance creates centrifugal forces that vary with speed, causing vibration, noise, and bearing wear. Static imbalance is when a single plane has an offset weight; dynamic imbalance involves two or more planes. Balancing methods include adding counterweights, adjusting the mass distribution, or using balancing equipment and procedures to reduce the unbalanced force and moment.

In electricity networks, onbalans refers to the mismatch between scheduled or expected generation and actual consumption or production. System operators must restore balance in real time through the balancing market or ancillary services. Imbalances are settled financially with market participants, and persistent imbalances can affect grid reliability and pricing. In many markets, participants submit forecasts and deviations are charged at imbalance prices, encouraging accuracy.

See also balancing, imbalance (general).