The design concept and operating principle of a voltage sensitive switching circuit (vssc)

Authors

  • F.O. Enemuoh Department of Electrical/Electronic and Computer Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • C.O. Ohaneme Department of Electrical/Electronic and Computer Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • B.I. Onyedika Department of Electrical/Electronic and Computer Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria Abstract

Abstract

The specific objective of this paper is to develop a Voltage Sensitive Switching Circuit (VSSC) that would achieve automatic switching of a single phase a.c. device which is designed and constructed to operate with variable input voltages in the range 170-230 volts and an output voltage level of 230 volts. The a.c. device supplies domestic appliances operated in an area where voltage fluctuations were previously experienced. The dynamic model of the VSSC considered has voltage windows that clearly defined the range of input voltages. The primary function of the scheme is to effectively monitor the a.c. mains supply through the principle of voltage comparison and automatically initiates a switching action of the a.c. device only when its comparators voltages are positive or high. Both the input and reference voltages are in the d.c. level, however, they represent a.c. level in actual fact. The scheme was tested using an autotransformer designed to give a steady output voltage of 230 volts on an input voltages in the range of 170 – 230 volts. The developed VSSC maintained successful switching of various contactors and functioned stably for the tested period on variable voltages from a variac. It is possible to achieve with the VSSC highly efficient, reliable and flexible operation.

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Published

2007-01-01

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2007): Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Section

Articles