Introduction
The automatic voltage regulator operates in such a way that the output voltage remains constant irrespective of the load even in situations where the input voltage keeps varying. It uses electrical signals to regulate both AC and DC voltages to convey information as well as control energy flow in various systems. The actual load voltage could vary but the input voltage remains constant. The difference in voltage between the two could then be amplified to regulate an electrical system without remarkable surge current damages to a circuit (Patchett, 53).
Methods by Which Electrical Signals Convey Information
Voltage regulation allows for use of an operational amplifier to facilitate the transfer of the regulated voltage in signals that are comparable to the load changes within the minimum and maximum voltage ranges (Meriep, 30). Converting their signals to sound or data can then amplify electrical current. The amplifier is then linked to communication circuits with reliable saturation and proper coupling to the integrated circuit using the regulated signal.
Methods by Which Electrical Signals Control Energy Flow
Electrical signals are equally applicable in the regulation of the speed of generation of electric current from power generators. This utilizes both the linear and non-linear algorithms as a function of the amount of power required to sustain a particular load (Patchett, 70). The speed is determined by the load voltage requirements that should not alter the input voltage in such a control system. Non-linear systems are particularly difficult to regulate since they are always in motion.
A computerized system is therefore necessary for the optimization process of an energy control system (Patchett, 94). Controllers can be used in such non-linear systems. Converters are then used in networking both the DC and AC energy control systems in a circuit that combines the capacitor, engine, battery, and load to function. The converter allows for the control of the angular momentum of the engine during the process of electrical power generation. The voltage generated in alternating current generators keeps varying with a specified speed at which the prime movers rotate the conductors cutting through the magnetic fields (Meriep, 45).
As a result, direct current voltage is determined whereas the various loads are manipulated without further adjusting of the input voltage. As the speed of the engine varies, the decoupling current in the converter keeps the output current to the load constant from the generator. This current provides for the control of the load voltage under a fluctuating speed of electricity generation.
The alternating current can then be converted into direct current using a rectifier circuit that can be utilized by the load at the end of the circuit (Meriep, 62). An interface of this controller network, therefore, provides for control of energy flow from the generator while at the same time the output voltage is maintained constant. The whole system is configured such that there is proper compensation of the difference in the output and input voltage from a feedback path. As such, the system is thus not interrupted by changes at the load or any other system alterations with outstanding performance.
Operation of a thyristor
A thyristor is a diode that is used in current flow. It gives way to current flow when there is a control voltage applied at its ends or terminals (Patchett, 101). Upon removing the terminal voltage, the thyristor will not turn off. The strength of the thyristor lies in its ability to provide a steady and definite current flow. It is only when the incoming forward current drops so low that it reaches zero that the thyristor will turn off. A thyristor preferably applies with AC voltages. It can only be used with DC in cases where there are safety protections. The commonest application of the thyristor is in AC circuits (Meriep, 78).
The essence of a thyristor comes in handy in AC circuits since they always experience a lagging effect in their forward current that keeps fluctuating, hence dropping to levels as low as zero. These repeated cycles require that the gate or the terminals have to be triggered for each of the cycles to turn it on once again. This is the major function played by the thyristor, as it consolidates the cycles and ensures that there is constant fixed current flow. This way, it acts as the power control.
The cycles are alternating, negative and positive. If it so happens that the thyristor is instantly turned on just as the positive voltage excursion is beginning, then very little forward conducting will occur. Forward conducting is inversely proportional to the power available to the load, hence if the thyristor is turned on when the positive excursion is almost at the end, there will be a higher level of forwarding current. This means that minimum power will be available to the load (Meriep, 99). The best results are obtained in cases where two thyristors are used, back-to-back so that there is total control of the current being conducted in each of the directions.
System components
This technology utilizes an excitation system that compensates for the energy used in the voltage regulation circuit. The rotor being used in power generation requires energy, which the exciter produces from the neighboring magnetic field. The resultant voltage is then distributed between the original voltage regulator and that linked to the excitation system. The voltage coming from the input is directed to the original regulator while the current generated from the field generates more voltage for propelling the rotor through excitation. The excitation circuit is supplemented with voltage from the input for it to operate through conductors linked to it from the original regulator (Meriep, 115).
The conductors in this second circuit operational in rotor regulation are preferably closed rather than the open circuit associated with the typical voltage regulation linking the load to the mains supply. The output voltage from the generator is coupled to the mains voltage together with the resultant field voltage through the exciter circuit. Either the voltage from the mains or the generator serves to provide the incoming signal to the exciter. The voltage from the generator is preferably used to ensure safe operating conditions that minimize the effects of surge currents that could originate from the mains during fluctuations in the speed of voltage generation (Patchett, 120).
The excitation circuit utilizes the signal transducers with four channels to maintain a stable flow of current or voltage to the output. The transducers are networked in a bridge circuit, which allows constant output current or voltage after voltage generation. As a result, no serious fluctuations are recorded in the overall circuit with proper compensation provided.
Works cited
Patchett, G, Automatic voltage regulators and stabilizers Pitman, New York, 1995.
Meriep, K, Information and Energy Control Systems, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2005.