Voltage Optimisation vs Step Down Transformers
Voltage Optimisation and Step Down Transformers are often considered as the same technology but they are not at all. In short, a step down transformer simply changes the voltage from low to high whereas a voltage optimisation unit will correct the power supply.
Below we discuss the two technologies in more detail and break down the better solution.
Step Down Transformers
The main purpose of a step down transformer is to change one voltage output to another i.e. 230V to 120V. This is common with many equipment coming from the US requiring a lower voltage in order to work within the UK voltage conditions.
For switchgear systems in the UK, it can be used to change the voltage from 11,000V to 400V for HV distribution transformers in the UK. However, using a step down transformer within this scenario will increase the current of the LV transformer, which will increase the magnetisation.
Step down transformers use a secondary winding, which deliver the energy and has less turns than the primary winding. However, the end result is not necessarily energy saving because the current would have been increased during the voltage change and additional energy is put to waste.
Voltage Optimisation Unit
A Voltage Optimisation Unit is more complex than a step down transformers but there are a number of benefits that include a better power quality, improvement in power factor and a reduction in both harmonics and transients.
This type of technology will use the voltage taken from the grid and any excess is removed and sent to the supply. It therefore reduces only the voltage required and subtracts the required voltage from the input voltage.
This therefore only transforms a fraction of the total power, which of course reduces the voltage and current that results in large amounts of energy savings. This process is often called “negative voltage feedback” and can save businesses thousands compared to step down transformer.
At Johnson & Phillips, we offer a custom voltage optimisation unit that is tailored towards your voltage requirements with many happy clients nationwide.
Conclusion
There are many other methods to reduce the voltage of sites but the voltage optimisation unit is the best technology that saves the most energy. Voltage regulators and a fixed-ratio voltage-reduction transformer are two other popular forms of managing the voltage as well.
For any of your voltage queries, Johnson & Philips are available 24/7 and have a team available for all emergencies.