Load tap changing controls as a power system nerve center

Products based on digital technology for the control of load tap changer (LTC) transformers and step-voltage regulators are now entering an evolutionary second generation. Ever more sophisticated concepts are being made available as electronic components become available to accommodate the needs in a cost effective manner. Most notably, this provides a realistic opportunity to use the LTC control as a monitor point of system parameters as those parameters of interest to the system operator will be already known to the control. Further, the nature of the product makes it efficient to provide significantly expanded functionality as an integral part of the basic control package