All of the components in an electrical
system are designed to operate at their rated voltages for optimum
efficiency and long service. An ideal electrical system would provide
constant voltage to all customers under all conditions of load.
Unfortunately, because of the
unpredictable dynamics of a practical system, none is ideal. Thus, it
is necessary to include voltage regulators in the system to correct
its performance and keep its voltage reasonably close to an ideal
constant.
There are now at least four different
methods for maintaining close to ideal voltage on electric power
transmission and distribution systems. These include the use of
stepvoltage regulators, transformer load-tap changers, fixed and
switched capacitors, and static var (volt-amperes reactive) systems
(SVS).
However, single-phase step-voltage
regulators are most frequently used to regulate voltage in electric
power distribution systems.
There are many reasons, both technical
and economic, why system voltage should be held close to its intended
standard.
Among them is the fact that overvoltage
shortens the life of heating elements in resistive appliances,
components in electronic products, and filaments in both incandescent
and fluorescent lamps.
Moreover, overvoltage can damage
motor-driven appliances and tools.
On the other hand, undervoltage
increases the time taken for the resistive elements of appliances to
heat up while also causing motors to overheat and lose efficiency. It
will also reduce the performance of electronic products such as
computers, radios, and TVs, and dim the illumination from luminaires.
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