Series Voltage Regulators

Series Voltage Regulators

When it comes to electrical works, a linear regulator is crucial as it is a system used to maintain the constant amount of voltage being generated. This regulating device is responsible for functioning as a ‘variable resistor’ that manages the voltage divider to maintain a constant voltage output while constantly disintegrating the input and regulated voltage. However, take note that there are many different types of voltage regulators to fit the type of your electrical needs. One of these is the linear regulators that come into two basic forms, they are shunt regulators and series regulators. 

In today’s article, we will discuss what a series regulator is and its difference from the other type.

What is Voltage Regulator?

Series regulator or series pass voltage regulator is the more common form of a linear regulator. Compared to the shunt regulator, this one is more efficient since it can drop the voltage difference between the input and the required stabilized voltage while the shunt draws the current that is not needed by the load to maintain its voltage. Also, a series voltage regulator usually only sources the (supply) current, unlike shunt regulators.

The advantage of the series voltage regulator is that the amount of current drawn is effective than used by the load, although some will be consumed by any circuitry associated with the regulator. Unlike the shunt voltage regulator, the series regulator does not draw the full current even when the load does not require any current. As a result, the series voltage regulator is considerably more efficient.

How do Series Regulators work?

Generally, the series regulators work by setting a path from the supply voltage to the load through a variable resistor.  Usually, a series pass transistor is used. It is located in the top half of the voltage divider, whereas the bottom half is the load. The series regulator uses a variable element placed in the series together with the load. Once the resistance of the series element changes, the voltage drop across it can be varied to make sure that the voltage across the load stays constant.

Usually, for more efficiency and to reduce stress on the pass transistor, manufacturers minimize its voltage drop. However, not all circuits regulate well once the input voltage meets the required output voltage halfway. Those that can do it are termed, Low Dropout regulators. 

Series Voltage Regulator Cost

With a $20 budget on hand, you can start purchasing the cheapest but reasonably basic voltage regulators. The regulators ranging to this price typically require a manual setup in a DC setup, making it time-consuming to install. Whereas, the average cost of many linear voltage regulators ranges from $30 to $50. They are usually very basic, but you may find them either in AC or DC setups. If you look for higher prices, you will find some really expensive products. Usually, these regulators are equipped with advanced technology, making them more durable, easy to set up, and have precise regulators.

Conclusion: Is it Worth it to Purchase Series Voltage Regulators?

Series voltage regulators have the advantages of simplicity and convenience. Not to mention that their output does not cause switching spikes that you can usually see on some switch mode supplies. However, these regulators have relatively lower efficiency levels than the switch-mode power supply. Good thing, manufacturers keep on improving their performance and functionality.

Wholesalers

Solar Products Wholesalers 

Wholesaling refers to buying some products or goods directly from its manufacturer usually at a discount and then reselling it to the retailers for a comparatively higher cost than the original. Basically, wholesalers handle products and package them in small quantities and then sell them to retail customers, either for commercial or personal use. 

Many industries have wholesalers, and that will not skip the solar industries. Nowadays, many solar wholesale stores/firms are operating across the globe, making it much easier for retailers to go solar. Sometimes retailers find it hard to reach direct manufacturers of solar products because some companies do not have their solar stores/shops in public, with that they are not also offering solar products per piece. Through wholesale solar stores/shops, these individuals can easily buy the solar products that they need to replace or maintain their solar systems. 

If you are in need of solar product suppliers for an individual purpose, you may visit some solar outsourcing marketplace to get an updated list of solar wholesalers near your location. There are many solar platforms that provide enough information and data about the solar industry in your region, including all the reliable solar wholesalers in town.

Greece

Solar Market Outlook in Greece

It’s clear that growing the solar power market is a top priority in Greece. The amount of solar investments over the past year has soared tremendously. The development of 3 GW solar PV capacity in a former coal mine site is a good example of this. This is on top of the ongoing development for a 2 GW solar farm in northern Greece.

In 2020, a leading solar association in Greece has reported that it has constructed 913 MW of PV systems. Meanwhile, the largest island in Greece – Crete – has been connected to the mainland in the longest subsea grid.

The commitment to shift to a greener energy system means that the country might phase out coal sooner than initially planned. It was previously eyed to end in 2028 but it seems as though Greece is going to abolish coal energy source by 2025. 

With the expected growth in the solar market in Greece, the residential and industrial segment for solar power installations are going to want to take advantage of it. Currently, Greece’s solar energy production is able to cover 7% of the country’s energy needs. 

Solar Energy Equipment Supply Capacity in Greece

There is an abundance of suppliers and distributors of solar power equipment in Greece. This number is growing with the continued support from the Greek government to switch to solar power. 

Whether you are looking for PV panels, inverters, or other solar power components, you have plenty of options.

Top 8 Major Seaports & Logistics in Greece

Greece is home to a wide range of seaports due to the access to the sea. This also means that there is a consistent flow of passengers and cargos that come to the Greek islands on a daily basis. 

For those looking to invest in solar power equipment, the following seaports will serve as a gateway for you: Aegina, Antimio, Corfu, Mykonos, Heraklion, Kyllini, Keramoti, and Igoumenitsa.