Automatic Voltage Regulators: Application and Working Principle

Have you ever thought about why your equipment shuts down randomly and flickers? The problem must be with the voltage fluctuation in the power supply.

Automatic voltage regulators (AVR) control the fluctuation and give your device stable power.

What is AVR?

AVR is a machine that regulates voltage fluctuation and gives stable voltage to your devices. It works as a buffer between incoming voltage and stable voltage supply to your equipment.

Significance of Automatic Voltage Regulator

The reason for voltage fluctuation is due to various factors, including:

Loadshifting: An arbitrary shift in the consumption of power can put extra pressure on the power grid. It can cause fluctuation in voltage.

Remote power source: If you are far away from the power-supplying plant, the probability of you experiencing voltage fluctuation is higher.

Error in equipment: If the component of the power grid, like a transformer, can cause fluctuation in voltage.

Voltage fluctuation can have the following effects:

Decrease device durability: The equipment we use today is highly sophisticated and sensitive to irregularities in voltage supply. Regular fluctuation in power supply can damage the internal components of your devices and reduce their lifespan.

Loss of data: A sudden spike or dip in the voltage level can suddenly disrupt your computer and server operations and can lead to data loss.

Error in equipment: Unpredictable voltage level can lead to unpredictable functioning of your devices and can shut them down permanently.

Working mechanism of AVR

The AVR's working principle is very effective and simple; it includes regular observation and adaptation. The steps are as follows:

Checking voltage: The AVR consistently checks the incoming voltage levels.

Desired voltage: Every AVR has a desired output voltage recorded in it, and the AVR constantly seeks to attain the desired output.

Checking error: The AVR compares the input voltage with the desired voltage all the time. Any difference between the input and desired level generates an error signal.

Adaptation: After detecting the error signal, the AVR makes adjustments in the output voltage.

Regular watch: The AVR repeats the steps in cycle from detecting irregularities to regulating voltage levels.

Uses of AVRs

AVR can be used in different situations to protect devices from voltage irregularities. Here are some examples:

Residential and office use: AVRs protect your personal computers, televisions, home sound systems, theaters, and all the sensitive devices from peak and drop of voltage levels.

Industrial use: Important machines and control systems depend on AVR for constant and stable voltage supply.

Healthcare use: Many lifesaving machines are sensitive and need a stable power supply. AVR protects these devices, which are crucial for the safety of patients.

Generators: In areas where power supply is irregular, the AVRs are used for generators and other secondary power supply machines.

AVRs Types

There are two main types of AVR, as follows:

Linear regulators: This is a simple form of AVR used for general voltage fluctuation. It might not be helpful the flucuation happens in large range.

Switching regulators: These regulators are complex but very efficient in handling large voltage fluctuations.

Picking the right AVR

When selecting the right AVR, consider the following factors:

Requirements: First, determine what your power requirements are. Always pick the AVR with more capacity than your energy consumption.

Range: Select an AVR that can handle the fluctuation range in your area.

Response time: Buy AVR with fast reaction time to protect your equipment from sudden surges or dips of voltage.

Conclusion

AVR plays a critical role in protecting sensitive devices from voltage fluctuations. Understanding the working principle and application of AVR will give you better insights on how it protects your equipment.

So when you see the lights at your home lit up brightly, remember that the AVR is the silent hero protecting your devices.