Page 8 THREE PHASE AUTOMATIC VOLTAGE REGULATOR Issue: Jan 2016
The parameters monitored by the Three Phase AVS are:
a) Value of the Mains Voltage
The normal condition is when the values of the mains voltage of all the phases are within certain preset limits
referred to as the "window". The AVS detects when the voltage of any one or more phases goes outside the
window, either over- or undervoltage.
b) Phase Relationship (timing)
The AVS monitors the phase relationship between the three phases of the supply. The normal condition is when
the phase difference between the three phases is 120 degrees, corresponding to T/3 where T is the period of one
cycle.
c) Phase Rotation [optional]
The AVS can detect a phase rotation error of the three phase mains supply. Detection of parameters c) and d)
above is not standard, but are obtained by an optional plug-in board. On this board, it is possible to select by a
d.i.l. switch whether abnormality is indicated only, or it causes disconnection also.
4.3.2 Principle of Operation
The frequency and phase rotation detection circuits are explained in a separate section. The detailed operation of
the AVS in detecting the other parameters is given under CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION below. Basically, however, the AVS
compares the peak of the mains AC sinusoid of each phase with two references, one corresponding to the lower
or undervoltage limit of the window, and the other to the upper or over-voltage limit. If the mains is normal, so
that the peaks lie between the two limits and also within a time not exceeding T/3 (T is the period of one cycle),
a monostable is triggered which, after the wait time, switches the power to the equipment. If any one or more
of the peaks are below the lower limit, above the upper limit or the separation between two consecutive peaks
exceeds T/3, the AVS is reset to disconnect the equipment.
4.3.3 Checks and adjustments
a) Window Limits
P1 and P2 are adjusted to equalise the three phases, so that P1 adjusts the peak at the junction of P1 and R12, and
P2 at the junction of P2 and R20 to make them equal to the peak at the junction of R2 and R3. For measurement,
an ordinary multi-meter or digital multi-meter may be used on the AC range, since these give readings
proportional to peak.
P3 and P4 adjust the limits of the window. Start with these around the centre of their travel. Connect the normal
three phase supply to the AVS with one phase via a Variac and monitor voltage with voltmeter. Adjust Variac to
the under-voltage limit. Adjust P4 so that indication goes from Red to Amber. Adjust Variac to over-voltage limit.
Adjust P3 so that indication fluctuates between Amber and Red.
If the Variac is set so that the voltage is within the window, with Amber indicating, after the wait time (nominal 1
minute) Green will indicate and the contactor is energised.
For a complete check, three Variacs should be used, one on each phase, and the various combinations of underand over-voltage on each phase with the others tested.
b) Wait Time
The wait time is given by 0.7xR37xC6. With R37 = 820K and C6 = 100uF, the wait time is around 60 sec. to within
the tolerance of the components.
4.4 -HA Option
This option is available on all ratings of the AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator) three phase units larger than 21kVA.
The standard Three Phase AVR provides an output which is stable to within + 4% given an input voltage variation
of + 27% from a defined nominal. Although it is likely that voltage stability of + 4% will meet most customers’
requirements, higher accuracy can be provided by incorporating a further ‘fine’ resolution stage beyond the
ENGLISH