Voltage sag compensators, also known as voltage sag mitigation devices, are used to address voltage sags in electrical systems and maintain power quality. Voltage sags, also referred to as voltage dips, are temporary reductions in voltage levels that can occur due to various reasons such as fault conditions, starting of large loads, or disturbances in the power grid. These sags can have detrimental effects on sensitive electronic equipment and disrupt industrial processes, leading to downtime, reduced productivity, and potential equipment damage.
Voltage sag compensators work by injecting additional voltage or reactive power into the system during a voltage sag event. This helps to raise the voltage level and ensure that it remains within acceptable limits, thus preventing or minimizing the negative impacts on connected equipment. There are several methods and technologies used in voltage sag compensation:
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): UPS systems are commonly used to provide a temporary power source during voltage sags. They consist of energy storage elements (batteries or capacitors) that can supply power immediately when a sag occurs. UPS systems can bridge the gap until backup generators start or the power grid stabilizes.
Static Voltage Restorers (SVRs): SVRs are devices that use power electronics to monitor the incoming voltage. When a voltage sag is detected, the SVR injects compensating voltage from its energy storage or voltage source, effectively boosting the voltage back to the required level. SVRs provide rapid response and accurate voltage compensation.
Dynamic Voltage Restorers (DVRs): DVRs are more advanced versions of SVRs. They can compensate for voltage sags and swells dynamically and quickly by injecting voltage in real-time, thus providing continuous and precise voltage regulation. DVRs typically use energy storage systems and power electronics to achieve this.
Distributed Energy Resources (DERs): DERs such as energy storage systems and renewable energy sources can also be utilized for voltage sag compensation. These resources can inject additional power into the system during sag events to stabilize the voltage and maintain power quality.
Active Power Filters: Active power filters are devices that can monitor the voltage waveform and inject compensating currents to mitigate voltage sags. These devices can correct voltage and current distortions caused by nonlinear loads and restore the power quality.
Dynamic Reactive Power Compensation: Devices like dynamic reactive power compensators (DSTATCOM) can also help mitigate voltage sags by injecting reactive power into the system, which can help stabilize voltage levels during sag events.
The choice of voltage sag compensator depends on factors such as the severity of the voltage sag, the criticality of the connected equipment, and the specific requirements of the application. By effectively mitigating voltage sags, these compensators contribute to maintaining stable power quality and minimizing disruptions in electrical systems.