An Arcless Approach to Step-Voltage Regulation

The basis of a novel approach to the elimination of arcing in step-voltage tap changing apparatus is discussed. The technique, involving solid state switching and the elimination of the bridging reactor, possesses the inherent design attributes of greater efficiency and less maintenance. The rationale of the design and tap changer operation is treated in tutorial format. Common application of the approach to step-voltage regulators appears to be feasible based on field test results.