Aarav Sharma
Independent Researcher
India
Abstract
Overvoltage events caused by transient voltage surges pose a significant threat to the reliability and safety of electrical power systems and sensitive electronic equipment. Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) are widely used as effective overvoltage protection devices due to their nonlinear voltage-current characteristics and fast response time. This paper presents a comprehensive design methodology for selecting and applying MOVs for overvoltage protection in electrical distribution networks. The study includes an overview of MOV characteristics, modeling approaches, and practical considerations such as energy rating, clamping voltage, and surge current capabilities. Simulation analysis validates the effectiveness of the designed protection circuit under various surge conditions. The results demonstrate the optimal sizing and placement of MOVs to minimize voltage stress on protected equipment and improve system reliability. This research serves as a practical guide for engineers designing overvoltage protection schemes using MOVs, adhering to engineering standards and technology prevalent up to 2019.
Keywords
Overvoltage protection, Metal Oxide Varistors, surge protection devices, transient voltage, clamping voltage, energy rating, electrical power systems
References
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