A voltage stabilizer is a device that delivers stable voltages. Every regulator is designed for a specific voltage band. As long as the input voltage is within that band, it will correct it and ensures constant voltage at its output. Thus, it offers protection to the devices connected to it from voltage fluctuation. It also enhances equipment lifespan.
Power coming from the utility grid is not always pure, stable, and safe. It has Sag, Swell, overvoltage, overcurrent, spikes, and surges. All these compromises power quality. Every machine demands a pure power supply. Thus, a voltage stabilizer helps to supply fluctuation-free voltages. It stops all power impurities and protects your load.
Based on the working principle, there are three types of voltage stabilizers. Servo, relay, and static systems are three types. Everyone has its advantages and disadvantages.
It is a voltages stabilizer working on the servo motor controlled mechanism. A servo voltage stabilizer consists of an autotransformer or dimmer, buck-boost transformer. Also, it has a servo motor with an electronic circuit. The primary side of the buck-boost transformer is fed by a dimmer.
A rotating arm with a carbon brush is connected to the servo motor, and it can change the number of turns of the dimmer. So, when low or high voltages are at the input, the electronic circuit gives a single to the servo motor. Servo motor moves the arm to increase or decrease the turn of the dimmer, and hence primary voltage of the buck-boost transformer changes. As a result, the buck-boost transformer can adjust the output voltage to keep it stable..
Unlike a servo motor-controlled unit, a static voltage regulator has a complete electronic design without moving parts. It has a power module, buck-boost transformer, and DSP controller. The power module is generally made up of IGBTs. Hence, it is also known as an IGBT stabilizer. Voltage correction occurs by adding or subtracting the privacy voltage of the buck-boost transformer connected to the power module’s output. And Power module can generate voltage with the help of the PWM method governed by the DSP processor.
It depends on the type of load you have. Thus there can be the following possibilities:
If you only three-phase load, then select 3 phase regulator.
If you only single-phase load, then you can choose a single-phase or three-phase unit. Make sure that 3 phase unit has independent phase control to avoid phase unbalancing.
If you mix single & three-phase loads, then you should choose a 3-phase stabilizer only. Single ph load needs to distribute on all phases equally.
It is regular static or servo voltage regulator that is housed in a weatherproof covering. This weatherproof covering protects the unit from water, dust, and heat. In short, it can fight harsh weather conditions without compromising performance. These outdoor cabinets are designed as per IP54 or IP55 protection standards.
In some applications, need to install equipment in the open space. For example, consider a case of telecom tower, traffic lights, airports, or advertisement holdings. All these applications need a stable power supply. But, there is no covered space to install the regulator. The unit needs to protect itself from weather and vandalism. Thus, we need an outdoor voltage stabilizer with robust weatherproof IP55 or IP55 casing in such cases.
It is nothing but a static voltage stabilizer that uses IGBTs in its power module. There are many advantages of using IGBTs over SCRs. For example, it offers low input THDi, high rating, and more reliability.
It is because of its electromechanical design. Even with a built-in AVR, a generator’s output constantly fluctuates. The voltage variation can damage the computer, ACs, and other home appliances. Thus, whenever using a Disele generator to supply temporary power, it is always an excellent practice to connect a voltage stabilizer at its output. The rating of the voltage regulator should be at least 30% more than the generator’s capacity. Also, the number of phases should match
To calculate the required capacity of the voltage regulator, we need to add up the KVA, KW, or Amp rating of all loads that you want to connect to that regulator. For single-phase load, we can calculate KVA capacity can by multiplying voltage to the current requirement of that load. Similarly, we can get a KVA rating for three-phase loads by multiplying line voltage to line current and multiplying the result by three. Once you calculate KVA for each device at your facility, add them to get the total required rating of the voltage stabilizer.
The primary difference is the mode of cooling. As the name suggests, an air-cooled stabilizer uses forced air to cool its components. On the other hand, the oil-cooled regulator used oil as a cooling medium. An oil-type voltage stabilizer needs regular maintenance to change its oil. However, an air-cooled system does not require any similar maintenance. An oil-type unit and robust but heavy and not environmentally friendly.
Voltage stabilizers have been used in all sectors, right from home to heavy industries. Most commonly, it is used in the following sectors:
At broadcasting and telecom stations.
For cold storage room equipment.
It is used along with the Disele generator used for a temporary power supply.
It helps to protect CNC machines from voltage fluctuations.
Lift and elevators need a servo voltage stabilizer.
Textile, Packaging, Hospitals industries need servo regulators.
Datacenter, server rooms, and other electronic equipment bases machines need static voltage regulators.