|
A Review of Three Important Power Quality Phenomena (Voltage Sag, Voltage Swell, and Voltage Interruption) in the Modern Electrical Energy Distribution System
|
Majid Dehghani *1   , Mehdi Riahinasab12 , Amir Hossein Eshghi3 |
1- Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University & Smart Microgrid Research Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran , dehghani@pel.iaun.ac.ir
2- Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University & Digital Processing and Machine Vision Research Center, Na.C., Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University
3- Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University & Smart Microgrid Research Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University |
|
|
Abstract: (6 Views) |
With the increasing expansion of nonlinear loads, renewable energy sources (such as photovoltaics and wind turbines), and industrial automation, power quality has become a critical component of the stability and efficiency of modern electrical power distribution networks. Among them, three main voltage phenomena, voltage sag, voltage swell, and voltage interruption, have the largest contribution to power quality incidents due to their ability to induce destructive stresses on sensitive electronic equipment. This paper provides an overview of the nature, causes, and economic and operational consequences of these three key phenomena in the context of smart distribution networks. Voltage sag, which is often caused by sudden connections, can lead to tripping of industrial controllers and process shutdowns, while voltage swell, which usually occurs due to sudden removal of large loads or asymmetrical faults, challenges the life of equipment insulation. Voltage blackouts, which are the complete loss of voltage for a certain period of time due to malfunctioning protection systems or physical faults, cause the greatest financial losses in continuous industries. In addition to describing the causes, this study analyzes countermeasures. Special emphasis is placed on the use of advanced power electronics devices such as dynamic voltage compensators to quickly correct voltage swells and overvoltage sag, as well as uninterruptible power supply systems to ensure energy continuity during short outages. Finally, this study concludes that successful power quality management in future networks requires a multifaceted approach including continuous monitoring, network automation, and intelligent deployment of compensatory devices to ensure network reliability and stability.
|
|
| Keywords: electrical power distribution system, power quality, voltage interruption, voltage sag, voltage swell |
|
|
|
Type of Study: Review article |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/06/26 | Accepted: 2026/07/29
|
| * Corresponding Author Address: Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
