What types and types of voltage stabilizers for the home are there?

Now the problem with low voltage in the network is gaining momentum. It can be solved with the help of a voltage stabilizer, which will protect all equipment from breakdowns. In order to decide on the choice of equipment, you need to familiarize yourself with their varieties, the principles of operation of each, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

The main types and types of voltage stabilizers

Relay

The second name of the devices is stepped. This type is the most purchased for use at home and in the country. This is explained by the low price of the stabilizer and its high control accuracy. Relay stabilizers work according to the following principle: the windings are switched on the transformer using a power relay, which operates automatically. The sensor monitors the state of the network. If the voltage is out of range, the relays regulate it.Adjustment occurs when switching windings from one to another, the voltage of which is as close as possible to the first.

Relay stabilizers are designed to protect the following devices:

• household electrical appliances;
• lighting devices (with the exception of LEDs);
• laboratory and medical equipment;
• navigation systems;
• charging systems;
• computer and communication networks.

Advantages of relay transformers:

• compactness;
• a wide range of input current and operating temperature parameters (can operate in the range from -40 to +40 degrees);
• small price;
• long service life (capable of working up to 10 years).

Note the disadvantages of relay transformers:

• the nature of the switching is stepped;
• in comparison with other types of stabilizers, the weak ability to load the working contacts of the relay;
• high acoustic noise;
• the shape of the sinusoid of the load current at a high input voltage is greatly distorted - this is due to the magnetic saturation of the core.

Electronic - triac and thyristor

In structure, these devices are similar to electromagnetic relays. But in this case, semiconductor products are used for step switching of the autotransformer windings. There are several types of such electronic circuits, each of which is responsible for automatic switching of the transformation ratio. Now devices are being produced in which triacs and thyristors are responsible for stepwise regulation.

A thyristor is a semiconductor system in which there is a deep positive feedback. It provides fast switching during operation in key mode.

The triac is two combined thyristors, in which there are control electrodes. They are included in the overall system counter-parallel. Triac-type transformers are characterized by high efficiency, this is due to the possibility of passing current in two directions.

However, thyristor-type devices are more often purchased, since they are made according to a simplified scheme. This means that it will be easier to maintain such a stabilizer.

Electronic transformers are used to protect the following devices:

• video and audio equipment;
• air conditioning and refrigeration systems;
• computers and their accessories;
• kitchen appliances;
• washing machines;
• underfloor heating system.

Main advantages:

• high stabilization coefficient;
• quick adjustment of drops;
• convenient options;
• high reliability indicators;
• low energy consumption;
• protection against external interference;
• work at room temperature up to -40 degrees.

Disadvantages of electronic stabilizers:

• high price;
• high repair cost;
• not suitable for reactive loads.

Servo (electromechanical)

Electromechanical transformers solve one of the main problems with mechanical relay devices, which can only provide a stepwise type of output voltage regulation. The mechanism of operation of servo stabilizers is to change the transformation ratio. This is due to the brush, which is connected to the electrode of the output terminals. An additional electric motor helps the brush move along the secondary winding.

Main advantages:

• low cost;
• small sizes;
• wide range of voltage adjustment;
• smooth adjustment process;
• resistance to short-term overloads;
• high level of efficiency.

Flaws:

• the device is noisy, especially noticeable at night;
• does not work instantly
• there are moving parts that break more often than static ones;
• the need for regular maintenance;
• the ability to work at temperatures not lower than 5 degrees;
• sensitivity to dust ingress into the device.

ferroresonant

The main feature of such transformers is that the device uses windings that are put on magnetic cores of various cross sections. Ferroresonant stabilizers are characterized by voltage regulation accuracy.

Let's name the advantages of such types:

• high reliability, which is explained by the absence of switching circuits;
• long term service;
• ability to work in conditions of high humidity and temperature changes;
• high leveling accuracy;
• overload resistance.

We list the disadvantages of ferroresonant devices:

• high noise level during operation;
• large size and large weight;
• inability to function with significant overloads;
• dependence of the quality of work on the magnitude of the load;
• the formation of electromagnetic interference.

Inverter (Stepless, Transformerless, IGBT, PWM)

This type of stabilizer is considered one of the most expensive, but at the same time reliable. Therefore, it is used not only at home, but also in large-scale production. The mechanism of action of the inverter stabilizer is as follows: alternating current is converted to direct current and vice versa. This is due to the presence of a microcontroller and a crystal oscillator in the device.There are several types of devices on the market with different options for converting current. The most common are PWM devices and IGBT transformers.

Equipment advantages:

• fast response to power surges, as well as adjustment accuracy;
• convenient parameters of the device due to the absence of an automatic transformer;
• Efficiency reaches 90%;
• the ability to work at idle;
• effective suppression of surges and impulse noise;
• operation of equipment at sub-zero temperatures;
• silent operation;
• high precision voltage regulation.

Device disadvantages:

• the quality of work deteriorates when overloaded;
• high cost of equipment;
• the complexity of drawing up a diagram, which complicates the repair work;
• as the load increases, the input volt range decreases.

Single-phase and three-phase

Voltage stabilizers are found single-phase and three-phase. If you need to choose a device for apartments and houses in which a single-phase network is most often laid, then purchase transformer with a voltage of 220V.

If you have a three-phase network, then you can install both single-phase and three-phase equipment here. It all depends on financial capabilities and installation conditions. Experts say that it is more rational to install three single-phase stabilizers.

This is because in the event that at least one phase is turned off, the entire device will turn off until power is restored to all phases. Similar problems will not arise when installing three single-phase devices. The only downside to this choice is the space it takes.

Also, an argument in favor of installing three single-phase stabilizers is the fact that the load on the lines is distributed unevenly.

When choosing any stabilizer, it is important to study its characteristics, one of which is the amount of power consumption. The value depends on the number and power of electrical appliances that are constantly connected to the network.

Conclusion

In the article, we examined the main types of voltage stabilizers. It should be noted that their choice depends on several factors: functional characteristics, cost and purpose of the device. You should not save on the purchase, because the device protects all existing equipment from breakdowns due to power surges.

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