Selecting a Right Voltage Regulator for Your Commercial Application

Voltage regulators are the electronic component used to maintain a constant flow of electric current within a circuit, thus preventing erratic fluctuations. It safeguards the electronic equipment against voltage swing to ensure smooth and proper functioning. The utility device forms an essential component of heavy industries and small manufacturing units.

 

However, when it comes to selecting a right voltage regulators for the commercial application confusion may persists between the variants of Automatic Voltage Regulators (AVR). Basically there are two types of Automatic Voltage Regulators; The Medium Voltage Mechanical AVR and Low Voltage Mechanical-Electronic AVR. Customers are always not conversant with the these two different technologies and their applications. Following is a small description of these technologies that will serve as a useful resource, helping you to identifying the right technology for your specific voltage regulation needs.

 

Medium-voltage mechanical / automatic regulators
Medium voltage regulators or stabilizers ensure desired level of voltage in a distribution network. This regulator allows the flexibility to adjust the voltage to keep the network stable. It adjusts the voltage in tiny increments after an adequate time has passed. The medium voltage automatic regulators are used to rationalize the voltage ratio and thereby alter output voltage. Such regulators are provided with electronic or mechanical controls that convey the unit when and how to tap the voltage.

 

Such units are equipped with adjustable automatic-delay timer, which functions to shunt the operation of the connected devices immediately after voltage deviation is detected. This setting can be adjusted between few seconds to several minutes. The delay allows the unit to flawlessly coordinate the operation of multiple regulators in line, thus maintaining the stability of the system.

 

Low-voltage automatic voltage regulators
Low-voltage automatic voltage regulators are designed to meet the needs of the customers who experience voltage regulation problems due to brownout conditions. This type of voltage regulators stabilize the voltage within the specified range to protect and permit smooth operation of the end user's equipment. The low voltage regulators are expected to correct the voltage surge problems within the shortest possible time.

 

For the end user, time is the most important factor when it comes to correcting voltage problems. Higher level of voltage may damage the printed circuit board, or low voltage may cause equipment failure, even shut downs. Introduction of sensitive and sophisticated electronic equipment in industrial applications and every facet of business has necessitated the use of low-voltage automatic regulators for voltage optimization.

 

Low voltage AVRs can be availed in both mechanical and solid-state electronic versions. The mechanical version is different from the medium voltage AVRs in two ways; it's does require oil and the miniature size permits better voltage correction. Also known as automatic voltage controllers, these regulators correct voltage within fraction of seconds and eliminates the need for regular maintenance.

 

While these two different technologies are adapted for voltage regulation, the differences in design clearly demonstrate the intended use in regulating the industrial power supply.

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