Constant Voltage Transformer (CVT)

Constant voltage transformer (CVT) is an equipment that has been in use since long time to protect sensitive computing and electronic devices from surges, sags and brownouts in the mains supply. CVT is also suitable for protecting sensitive loads against direct lightning strikes on power lines. It is also known as ferroresonant transformer.

Working Principle
Constant voltage transformer utilizes an effect known as ferroresonance, which is the periodic interchange of energy between a capacitor and an inductor. Saturation is the normal mode of operation of CVT. There happens a core saturation, which automatically adjusts the value of inductance. This is turn maintains an oscillation frequency equal to that of the mains supply. CVT is self protecting to the supply and the load connected to it.

Uses & Applications
Constant voltage transformer has many common uses & applications in various fields. Some of its common application includes:

• Protecting sensitive loads from direct lighting strikes on power lines.
• Riding out momentary breaks in the mains.
• Computing equipments
• Automobile industry
• Communication systems
• Computers
• Uninterruptible power supplies