Modeling and Performance Evaluation of an Electromagnetic Voltage Regulator via Series Compensation

Although there currently exists a wide range of voltage regulators that are commercially available, the search for devices with a simpler physical design remains the focus of research studies. Following this line, an electromagnetic voltage regulator (EVR) arrangement has been proposed. The EVR is constituted of an autotransformer that supplies, via discrete taps, a series transformer that injects voltage for regulating the feeder voltage. Even though its operating principle is shown as being similar to that of other devices on the market, the physical arrangement and operating strategy of EVR show novelties which result in properties such as: economic attractiveness, constructive simplicity, and operational reliability. Moreover, when installing voltage regulators, efficacy studies must be carried out to optimize equipment design. In this context, this paper aims at evaluating the factors that influence the effectiveness of the EVR in restoring voltage variations according to the determinations imposed by regulatory agencies. The ultimate goal of this study is to determine the voltage deviation range that the EVR is able to restore. To achieve this goal, a mathematical modeling of the EVR is given and study cases are computationally carried out to investigate its performance when connected to a typical distribution feeder.