A three-phase voltage sag compensator, also known as a voltage sag corrector or voltage sag mitigator, is a device used to mitigate voltage sags or dips in a three-phase electrical power system. Voltage sags are short-term reductions in voltage levels that can occur due to various reasons such as sudden load changes, faults in the power grid, or the starting of large motors. These voltage sags can disrupt sensitive equipment and cause operational issues.
The operation of a three-phase voltage sag compensator involves several key steps:
Voltage Sensing: The compensator continuously monitors the incoming voltage levels of all three phases using voltage sensors. These sensors provide real-time information about the magnitude and duration of voltage sags.
Detection and Analysis: When a voltage sag is detected by the compensator, it analyzes the severity and duration of the sag. It determines whether the sag falls within its operational capabilities for compensation.
Energy Storage: The compensator typically includes energy storage elements such as capacitors or batteries. When a voltage sag is detected, the compensator uses its stored energy to inject additional voltage into the system, thereby temporarily boosting the voltage levels.
Voltage Injection: The compensator injects the stored energy back into the system by generating compensating voltages across its output terminals. These compensating voltages are typically in-phase with the original voltage waveforms and are designed to elevate the sagging voltage levels.
Control Strategy: The compensator employs a control strategy to determine the appropriate amount of compensation needed based on the characteristics of the voltage sag. It ensures that the injected voltage is precisely synchronized with the incoming waveform and remains within acceptable limits.
Duration and Completion: The compensator remains active for the duration of the detected voltage sag, continuously injecting compensating voltage to bring the voltage levels back to a suitable range. Once the voltage sag event has passed, the compensator gradually reduces its compensation level until the system voltage is stabilized.
Switching and Bypass: In some designs, the compensator might include switching mechanisms to quickly connect or disconnect the compensator from the power system as needed. This can ensure efficient operation and prevent unnecessary energy losses during normal voltage conditions.
Overall, the three-phase voltage sag compensator helps maintain stable voltage levels during transient events, minimizing disruptions to connected equipment and ensuring the smooth operation of industrial processes, data centers, critical infrastructure, and other sensitive applications.