Difference Between PVC and SVC


PVC and SVC are two common types of electrical equipment used in power systems. PVC is an abbreviation for Permanent Voltage Control, and SVC is an abbreviation for Static Var Compensator. PVC and SVC are both used for voltage control in power systems, but their operating principles and applications differ.

Read this article to find out more about PVC and SVC and how they are different from each other.

What is PVC?

PVC is an abbreviation for Permanent Voltage Control, which is a type of voltage control device used in power systems to maintain a constant voltage level. It is a shunt device that is connected in parallel.

A tap-changing transformer or a voltage regulator can be used to implement PVC. A tap-changing transformer is a transformer with multiple taps on the winding that can be adjusted by changing the tap position. A voltage regulator, on the other hand, is a device that adjusts the voltage level using electronic circuits.

PVC is a passive material, which means it does not require any active control strategy. PVC responds to changes in load by adjusting the tap position or voltage level in order to maintain a constant voltage level in the system. As a result, PVC is a simple and cost-effective solution for voltage control in power systems.

PVC is widely used in low-voltage distribution systems with low load variations. It is used to keep the system voltage stable, which is necessary for the reliable operation of electrical equipment connected to the system. PVC is used in a variety of applications, including residential and commercial buildings, street lighting, and small industrial plants.

What is SVC?

SVC is an abbreviation for Static Var Compensator, which is a type of reactive power compensation device commonly used in power systems. SVC is a series device that is connected in series with the load and works to regulate voltage by injecting reactive power into the system.

The goal of SVC is to maintain a constant voltage level in the system even when the load changes or voltage drops occur due to long transmission lines. SVC accomplishes this by injecting or absorbing reactive power, which is a type of power used in electrical equipment to create and maintain magnetic fields. SVC can regulate the voltage level in the system and compensate for voltage drops caused by reactive power imbalances by injecting or absorbing reactive power.

SVC uses thyristors or IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) to control the injection or absorption of reactive power. Thyristors are electronic components that can switch large currents on and off, whereas IGBTs are high-power transistors. These devices are managed by a control system that monitors the system voltage and adjusts the reactive power injection or absorption accordingly.

SVC is an active device that operates with an active control strategy. The feedback control strategy is used, and the control system continuously monitors the voltage level in the system and adjusts the reactive power injection or absorption to maintain a constant voltage level. SVC has a fast response time, which means it can respond to changes in the system's load or voltage level in milliseconds. It is used in high-voltage transmission systems to compensate for voltage drops caused by long transmission lines because it responds quickly to voltage fluctuations.

Difference between PVC and SVC

The following table highlights the major differences between PVC and SVC: −

Characteristics

PVC

SVC

Abbreviation

Permanent voltage control

Static Var Compensator

Device Type

PVC is a shunt device.

SVC is a Series device.

Connection

These are connected in parallel with the load.

These are connected in series with the load.

Response Times

PVC response time is slow.

SVC response time is fast compared to PVC.

Control Strategy

PVC contains a passive control strategy.

SVC contains an active control strategy.

Cost

Low Cost

High Cost

Signaling

PVC uses fixed signaling.

SVC uses dynamic signaling.

Operation of circuits

For communication, it uses the dedicated circuits.

It communicates using switched circuits.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, PVC and SVC are two types of electrical equipment used in power systems for voltage control. SVC is a series device that injects reactive power into the system to regulate voltage, whereas PVC is a shunt device that controls voltage by adjusting the tap of a transformer or voltage regulator.

PVC has a slower response time than SVC and does not directly handle reactive power, whereas SVC has a faster response time and does handle reactive power directly. Overall, the choice between PVC and SVC is based on the particular needs and requirements of the power system under consideration.

Updated on: 03-Apr-2023

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