Automatic voltage regulator: types, characteristics, purpose

Systems for stabilizing the characteristics of the electrical circuit can be regarded as an obligatory component in the energy supply complexes of enterprises, utilities, construction sites and responsible power supplies. For household purposes, the use of a voltage regulator has been practiced not so long ago, but this sphere is also being actively mastered by the manufacturers of these devices.

Developers of this type of model strive to simplify the methods of controlling the device as much as possible, offering digital interfaces and modern monitoring tools. Today, an automatic voltage regulator can be found in the families of household appliances, and in professional lines.

Purpose of the voltage regulator

The device is designed to perform a simple task - the normalization of the electric current in cases of deviation of its operating parameters from the optimal parameters in terms of power consumers. The fact is that the differences in the network can lead to the failure of an expensive device or equipment. Typical voltage regulator 220V can protect from unpleasant consequences of this kind of household appliances. But there are also models that work with a voltage of 380 V, which is already designed to fully protect the production and office equipment.

In fact, the stabilizer acts as a current receiver, at the output transferring an energy charge with acceptable parameters. However, do not confuse the automatic voltage regulator with network filters. They have fundamentally different tasks. The stabilizer is still in some way a transformer, or a current converter, providing a safe power supply.

Main characteristics of the voltage regulator

The performance of the device determines how much it is suitable for work in certain conditions. The main parameter is power. It varies from 0.5 to 30 kW. The segment of household stabilizers rarely represents devices with a potential of more than 10 kW. Most often for the house a voltage regulator 220V with a power of 1-3 kW is purchased.

For industrial needs, on the contrary, devices with a voltage of 380 V, whose power exceeds 12 kW, are more often used. Each stabilizer has both limiting values for the input and output voltages. Thus, the lower threshold varies on average from 70 to 140 V, and the upper limit in the case of household models usually reaches 270 V.

Varieties of the device

Virtually no longer used, but has many advantages of the classic electromechanical stabilizer. It is characterized by a smooth voltage regulation, which allows you to expect high accuracy of correction of the parameters of the electrical circuit. These models are still used to service sensitive audio equipment and lighting systems. The automatic voltage regulator of relay type is more common, the adjustment in which occurs due to the mechanical switch.

This option is appropriate to use in private homes, cottages and apartments. Also, the digital pulse stabilizer is growing in popularity. The concept of this device completely fits into the idea of modern compact home appliances. Pulse models have displays with the menu of control, provide for the possibility of programming the function of the stabilizer, are characterized by rapid adjustment and a high degree of reliability.

Additional Functionality

The main function of voltage stabilization is not the only one that should be paid attention when buying this equipment. Another thing is that the rest of the option in most cases will be focused on supporting the task of normalizing the operating parameters of the power grid. Anyway, a high-quality modern device of this type has a system of protection against overheating, overloads and short circuits and is equipped with fuses from electric shock. An example of a combination of low cost and rich functional content is the Luxeon voltage regulator in the modification of the LDS 500. This device, which also includes thermal protection, digital indication of performance, servo motor, etc.

Manufacturers

Leading positions in the segment are held by Elitech, Huter, Sturm, Powerman, etc. These manufacturers develop devices in different directions, offering innovative developments and maintaining the basic quality of the element filling. This Luxeon voltage regulator can be classified as a budget category, but it also incorporates new features, including security systems.

Qualitative domestic models with a low price tag are offered by Caliber, Shtil and Bastion. These are devices that reliably perform the main task, but do not differ in high technology. The exceptions can be attributed only to the automatic voltage regulator "Resanta", which in premium versions does show a new level in terms of work opportunities. These include a smooth start function and a shorter response time at times of voltage drop. Also the manufacturer pays a lot of attention to the external execution of the device, strengthening the case and making the design more and more ergonomic.

How to choose an automatic voltage regulator?

In choosing a stabilizer, the main attention should be paid to the required power and operating conditions of the device. Power is calculated by summing up the potentials of all consumers with which the device will operate. To the value obtained, 20% should also be added to improve reliability. So, the automatic voltage regulator of single-phase electronic type with a power of 0.5 kW is quite suitable for servicing the function of the air conditioning system or even a productive boiler. If you want to protect against voltage surges the whole house, then it can be a potential of 5-7 kW. Regarding the conditions of use, the most important thing for them is the filling of the device with safety systems.

Conclusion

The home appliance market is increasingly filled with offers, whose dignity and purpose are unknown to a large number of consumers. Until recently, such products included automatic voltage regulator, but today the situation has radically changed.

As the technology became more sophisticated and the requirements for the safety of its power supply increased, the responsibility of the average consumer to maintain the reliability of the operation of the instruments also increased. The presence of a voltage stabilizer in the house is not just a way to protect the computer or refrigerator from breakage, but also often a means of preventing a fire hazard at home, as indicated by the manufacturers of electrical appliances themselves.