A Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR) is a power quality device used to mitigate voltage sags, swells, and other disturbances in electrical power systems. It operates by injecting compensating voltages in real-time to restore the voltage at the load to its desired level. A three-phase DVR specifically addresses issues in three-phase power systems.
Here's how a three-phase DVR operates:
Sensing and Detection: The DVR continuously monitors the voltage at the load side using voltage sensors. When a voltage sag or swell is detected, the DVR's control system identifies the magnitude and duration of the disturbance.
Voltage Generation: The DVR generates compensating voltages that are phase-locked to the grid's nominal voltage. It creates these compensating voltages using power electronic components such as insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs).
Energy Storage: To generate the compensating voltages, the DVR utilizes energy storage elements such as capacitors or batteries. These elements store energy during normal operating conditions and release it quickly when a disturbance is detected. The energy storage helps to provide the necessary power to generate compensating voltages during transient events.
Voltage Injection: Once the DVR detects a voltage disturbance, it calculates the appropriate compensating voltages needed to restore the load voltage to its desired level. It then injects these compensating voltages into the power line in a synchronized manner.
Real-time Control: The control system of the DVR plays a crucial role. It monitors the grid voltage continuously, calculates the required compensation, and generates control signals for the power electronic devices. This control system ensures that the injected compensating voltages are synchronized and in phase with the grid voltage.
Compensation and Restoration: The injected compensating voltages work to counteract the effects of the voltage disturbance. For example, if there was a voltage sag, the DVR injects additional voltage to raise the voltage back to the nominal level. If there was a voltage swell, it injects a slightly lower voltage to bring it back down.
Transient Response: The DVR must respond quickly to voltage disturbances to effectively mitigate their impact. The power electronic components used in the DVR allow for rapid adjustments and precise control over the injected voltages.
Monitoring and Adaptation: The DVR continuously monitors the grid voltage and the load voltage to ensure that compensation is provided only when needed. Once the disturbance has passed, the DVR gradually reduces the compensating voltages and eventually returns to a standby mode.
Overall, a three-phase DVR provides effective mitigation of voltage disturbances in three-phase power systems by injecting compensating voltages in real-time, thereby ensuring the quality and reliability of the electrical supply to critical loads.