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Electronic voltage regulator technology for rural electrification

Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis discusses the development of a 5 kVA single phase AC voltage regulator,
specifically designed to assist in the reduction of electrification costs in sparsely populated rural
areas. The voltage regulator is based on a solid state auto-transformer tap changer, designed to
be robust and maintenance free.
Electrification cost savings can be realized if the length of the LV network can be extended to
reach more households. To accomplish this, a voltage regulator can be installed onto the
extended LV feeder at the point where the LV voltage will drop below the minimum valid
voltage, thereby boosting the voltage downstream and enabling more customers to be
connected.
A variety of voltage regulator topologies were investigated to obtain the best topology for the
application. The voltage regulator design is discussed in detail with careful attention given to
the power loss incurred, surge voltage protection requirements, protection coordination with the
existing LV network and the thermal design requirements. An electronic controller based on a
digital signal processor together with an appropriate power supply is designed and built. The
software to control the voltage regulator is developed, integrated with the hardware and
debugged. The complete voltage regulator is evaluated through extensive laboratory testing and
field trials are performed to verify the performance of the device. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis bespreek die ontwikkeling van ‘n 5 kVA, enkelfase, wisselstroom spannings
reguleerder, spesifiek ontwerp om koste besparings te bewerkstellig in die elektrifisiëring van yl
bevolkte landelike gemeenskappe. Die spannings reguleerder se ontwerp is gebaseer op ‘n
outo-transformator tap wisselaar met vaste toestand skakelaars, om sodoende robuust en
instandhoudings vry te funksioneer.
Elektrifisiërings koste besparings is moontlik indien die laag spannings distribusie kabel verleng
kan word, om sodoende elektrisiteit aan meer huishoudings te voorsien. Om dit mootlik te
maak kan ‘n spannings reguleerder geinstalleer word op die punt waar die kabel spanning onder
die minimum toegelate spanning daal. Sodoende word die spanning weer verhoog aan al die
huishoudings wat aan die verlengde gedeelte van die kabel verbind is.
‘n Verskeidenheid uiteenlopende spannings reguleerder topologieë is ondersoek om die beste
topologie vir die toepassing te identifiseer. Die ontwerp van die spannings reguleerder is baie
deeglik bespreek en spesifieke aandag is gegee aan die verliese, spits opwelling spannings
beveiliging, sinkronisasie met die huidige laag spannings netwerk se beveiligings meganismes
en die termiese ontwerp van die stelsel. ‘n Elektroniese beheerder, gebaseer op ‘n digitale sein
verwerker, tesame met ‘n toepaslike kragbron is ontwerp en gebou. Die nodige sagteware om
die spannings reguleerder te beheer is ontwikkel, geintegreer met die hardeware en ontfout. Die
volledige spannings reguleerder is ontleed deur intensiewe toetse in die laboratorium en toets
installasies op laag spannings netwerke, om sodoende die nakoming van die werks verrigting
vereistes van die toestel te bevestig.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/4495
Date03 1900
CreatorsSerdyn, J. J.
ContributorsBeukes, H. J., Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
PublisherStellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
Languageen_ZA
Detected LanguageUnknown
TypeThesis
RightsStellenbosch University

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