A **Dynamic Voltage Restorer (DVR)** is a power electronic device used to improve the quality of electrical power by protecting sensitive loads from voltage disturbances like sags, swells, and short interruptions. Voltage sags (a sudden drop in voltage for a short duration) are one of the most common power quality problems in industrial and commercial systems, often causing equipment malfunction or damage.
### Purpose and Functionality of DVR in Power Quality Improvement
1. **Voltage Sag and Swell Mitigation**:
- **Voltage sags** occur due to faults in the transmission and distribution system or due to the starting of large motors. They can cause significant issues, particularly for sensitive equipment like computers, automated manufacturing lines, and communication systems. A DVR compensates by injecting the necessary voltage to maintain the required load voltage.
- **Voltage swells** (temporary over-voltage) are less frequent but can also harm equipment. The DVR reduces this overvoltage by absorbing excess voltage.
2. **Voltage Regulation**:
- DVRs continuously monitor the supply voltage and detect disturbances. When a voltage disturbance is identified, the DVR injects or absorbs voltage in real-time to ensure that the load receives a steady voltage within the desired range.
3. **Power Quality Improvement**:
- By compensating for voltage sags and swells, DVRs significantly improve the overall power quality, ensuring the smooth operation of sensitive equipment. This leads to better performance, reduced downtime, and protection against power-related equipment failures.
4. **Operation During Voltage Disturbances**:
- When a disturbance like a sag occurs, the DVR operates by injecting a voltage difference using a series of connected voltage sources, typically connected between the grid supply and the sensitive load. It uses an energy storage device (batteries, capacitors, etc.) to provide the necessary compensation. For swells, the DVR reduces the excess voltage.
### Key Components of a DVR
- **Inverter**: Converts the stored DC energy into AC to inject into the system.
- **Energy Storage System**: Provides the energy required to compensate for voltage sags.
- **Series Transformer**: Injects the compensating voltage into the grid.
- **Controller**: Monitors the supply voltage and determines the magnitude and phase angle of the injected voltage to mitigate disturbances.
### Benefits of DVR
- **Reliable Protection**: DVRs protect against voltage sags, which are a major cause of power quality problems, especially in industrial and commercial settings.
- **Increased System Stability**: By compensating for voltage disturbances, DVRs improve the stability of the overall electrical system.
- **Reduction in Equipment Downtime**: Sensitive equipment often shuts down during voltage sags. DVRs prevent this, reducing equipment downtime and productivity losses.
### Conclusion
A Dynamic Voltage Restorer plays a crucial role in ensuring stable voltage supply, especially in environments with sensitive electronic devices. It enhances power quality, protects equipment from potential damage, and reduces operational interruptions caused by voltage disturbances.