A Comparative Performance Analysis between Saturated Core Voltage Regulators Using Silicon Steel and Amorphous Alloys

Abstract

Abstract. The focus of the paper presented herein is directed towards the investigative study of the operational performance of saturated reactors intended for voltage regulation, which consist of magnetic silicon steel cores and amorphous alloys. In order to reach the defined goal, two similar devices in terms of voltage operation and reactive power compensation are employed, both embodied with a twin-tripler or 12 pulse configuration. Both devices are modelled and implemented onto the ATP simulator to carry out comparative studies. Through the use of a classic distribution feeder, performance studies concerning sudden voltage variations are considered, which are focused on above all: evaluation of active losses, non-saturated and saturated reactive power, waveforms for inductive current and voltage with their harmonic spectra. The results obtained from the studies allows for a prompt correlation between the characteristics associated with the functionality of the device, highlighting the advantages offered by the use of one or other magnetic material.