Voltage derating reduces potential difference across electrical loads to conserve energy or extend equipment life. It can be achieved through direct regulation or resistive circuits, but may increase current consumption. Kilowatt hours measure energy consumed, while kilovolt-amperes measure energy flow. Voltage reduction is used in generation and distribution, and can save energy in lighting systems. Resistors, diodes, and transistors can be used for voltage reduction. Various devices exist for voltage reduction, including step-down transformers and autotransformers. Storage voltage reduction reduces unnecessary energy consumption.
A voltage derating is the decreasing or action of decreasing the potential difference across the electrical load for the purpose of conserving energy or extending the life of the equipment. It is possible by directly regulating the output voltage or by inserting a resistive circuit inside a power circuit. A reduction in voltage can lead to an increase in current consumption as compensation. Some equipment or appliances will allow for a decrease in voltage without any change in current. Motors tend to increase current consumption as the voltage is reduced.
Electricity consumed is measured in kilowatt hours (kW-h), which equals 1,000 watts (W). Generating equipment is usually specified in terms of kilovolt-amperes (kVA), which is nearly equal to watts. The unit kVA measures the rate of energy flow from the power generator, while the unit kW measures the rate of energy absorption by the load. The unabsorbed energy is referred to as reactive energy, which only increases the amount of energy needed by the generator but produces no useful results on the load side. The latter concept is covered by power factor correction equipment.
Voltage reduction is applied in both the generation and distribution of electricity. The automatic correction of the voltage levels results in a constant user-side voltage level. There are step-down transformers from the generating plant, also before and after the power grid. Most distribution transformers are fixed to a permanent derating factor when this equipment is first put into service.
Generally, lighting systems produce nearly the same illumination given a range of medium to high voltage levels. Lighting voltage reduction takes advantage of the situation by reducing the voltage. There will be energy savings while maintaining nearly the same amount of lighting.
In electronic circuits, voltage reduction is implemented with resistors, diodes and transistors. The resistor will have a voltage drop equal to the mathematical product of the current in amperes (A) and the resistance in ohms. For example, a 10 ohm resistor with 1 A drops 10 volts (V), a silicon diode drops approximately 0.7 volts direct current (VDC), while five diodes in series drops approximately 3.5 VDC. Transistor circuits in various configurations can cause voltage derating. The voltage drop appears between the emitter-collector or drain-source of the transistor.
Voltage reduction devices come in many shapes and sizes. There are simple step-down transformers where there is no electrical connection between the primary and secondary windings, autotransformers or taped single winding transformers, and high voltage equipment that provide specific results. Storage voltage reduction aims to reduce the amount of energy consumed by electrical equipment. Any extra tension that doesn’t produce significant results is best reduced.
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