Top 5 Features of Automatic Voltage Regulators

When to Use an Automatic Voltage Regulator vs. Conductors?

Typically, automatic voltage regulators function where voltage regulation can not be achieved by changing the size of the conductor or the source. In electrical equipment such as alternators, the load can shift suddenly. In this case, the excitation system must also change to provide consistent voltage under the new load condition. The automatic voltage regulator operates in the exciter field and changes the exciter output voltage, and the field current.

How To Choose An Automatic Voltage Regulator?

Below, we list the top five features of a high-quality, automatic voltage regulator to help ensure you find the best match for your application.

1. Voltage Regulation

Optimal voltage regulation is achieved when the value of voltage is equivalent to all electrical equipment loads. Several factors can affect voltage regulation, including wire and cable size and type, transformer reactance and cables, motor starter, circuit design, and power factor. Regardless of these potential obstacles, voltage regulation must be selectable to an accuracy of ±1%. This requirement eliminates three-phase unbalance problems and minimizes voltage deviations.

2. Input Voltage Range

The first step in selecting the best automatic voltage regulator is specifying your input voltage range. The input voltage range should be broad and shifted because line voltages drop more than they increase. This feature allows for more low correction, rather than high correction. It also allows the automatic voltage regulator to be more configurable to all buck or boost, giving it maximum voltage correction for extreme cases.

3. Low Impedance

Impedance is the resistance of a component to the flow of electrical current, measured in ohms. The goal of an automatic voltage regulator is to achieve low impedance. Interaction between the load current and source impedance can cause low voltage, harmonic distortion, and voltage unbalance. Ideally, your automatic voltage regulator would avoid all of this if it had low impedance.

4. Load Compatibility

Voltage regulation solutions must be compatible with the specified load to ensure its operation and to avoid interfering with the operation of other loads connected to the same power source. High performing automatic voltage regulators should be able to handle loads with high starting currents, all power factors, and high crest factors. To prevent instability, the regulator's speed of response must be designed to work with the electronic power supplies used in much of today's equipment.

5. Voltage Accuracy

The primary job of an automatic voltage regulator is to make voltage levels more accurate, but what is the optimal accuracy level for your application? Voltage accuracy is dependent on the critical load requirement. Typically, automatic voltage regulators function in circuits where voltage regulation can not be achieved by changing the size of the conductor. The five characteristics listed above are critical for an automatic voltage regulator to perform reliably in demanding applications. In applications where voltage impulses, spikes, and transients are a significant concern, you should also consider Transient Suppression as a critical feature.

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