ACCRA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

TO DESIGN, CONSTRUCT AND STIMULATE A UNDER VOLTAGE AND OVER

VOLTAGE PROTECTION OF AN ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT USING A

QUAD COMPARATOR.

BY

AGYEI GABRIEL

01210422D

SILAS AHWIRENG

01214258D

NICHOLAS QUANSAH

01212229D

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 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The electrical power distribution system plays a crucial role in delivering safe, reliable, and high-

quality power to consumers, load centers, industrial plants, and other users. In today's highly

automated industries and households with a plethora of appliances, the demand for high-quality

power is considered essential (Lucas, 2005). Protecting substations against sudden overvoltage is

paramount for maintaining the overall reliability of power systems (Manish, Antara & Snigdha,

2015). This protection is indispensable for ensuring the stability and functionality of the entire

power grid. The level of surge protection provided to substations is determined by factors such as

the desired level of reliability and the economic feasibility of implementing such measures.

Achieving precise voltage monitoring within the system requires the integration of various

components, including resistors, transistors, logic devices, and voltage reference modules

(Turcan, 2020; Su & Su, 2019). Techniques such as pulsed-width modulation signal and periodic

signal generation, along with comparator logic, enable the system to accurately compare input

voltages and generate appropriate signals for voltage cutoff detection (Xi et al., 2019).

Moreover, enhancing the accuracy, simplicity, and power efficiency of the system can be

achieved by incorporating features such as source-end negative-feedback resistors and adjusting

width-to-length ratios for transistors, as proposed by Chen in 2017. These advancements not only

contribute to the effectiveness of the system but also align with the overarching goal of

delivering reliable and efficient power distribution. Ensuring the reliability and durability of

electrical equipment hinges significantly on effective under voltage and over voltage protection

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measures (Ayub et al., 2022). Diverse circuits have emerged to tackle these challenges head-on.

Overvoltage protection circuits employ components such as comparators and filtering modules to

accurately identify and mitigate high voltage spikes, thereby enhancing circuit stability and

reducing noise levels (Frosterød & Pedersen, 2021; Li et al., 2020). Conversely, under voltage

protection circuits utilize threshold modules and switch modules to fine-tune voltage thresholds,

facilitating swift responses without necessitating additional comparator circuits (Kutsukake &

Moriyama, 2020).

These protection systems are pivotal in shielding devices from voltage fluctuations, bolstering

power quality, and averting damage to sensitive equipment (Hwang, 2017; Hibatullah, Gumilar

& Zain, 2022; Schegner, 2021). Embedding such protective mechanisms, especially in industrial

and residential settings, can substantially bolster the overall efficiency and safety of electrical

systems. Through leveraging tools like voltage sensors, microcontrollers, relays, and

communication modules, these systems can detect and address abnormal events in real-time

(Schoebrechts & Jean, 2020), ultimately fortifying the reliability and efficiency of the power

grid. One of the tools utilized for protecting systems from both over and under voltage

challenges is the Quad Comparator. This component plays a pivotal role in shielding devices

from voltage fluctuations, thereby enhancing power quality and preventing damage to sensitive

equipment (Abubakar, 2020; Das et al., 2020; Sun, 2022). Notably, it offers several advantages,

including lower delay, simplified output voltage calculation, and reduced energy consumption

(Chahid, Teknowijoyo & Gulian, 2022).

In the realm of power quality management, voltage flicker induced by nonlinear loads can be

effectively mitigated through the use of power electronics devices such as the Distribution Static

Compensator (DSTATCOM) (Zhanyuan et al., 2010). Moreover, Safety Instrumented Systems

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(SIS) rely on devices like Safety PLCs, which incorporate advanced comparators for functions

such as hamming code correction and data bus comparison, ensuring the maintenance of safety

integrity levels. Harnessing the features of the Quad Comparator and integrating it into systems

like SIS and power quality improvement devices, sensitive equipment can be safeguarded from

voltage fluctuations and potential damage. This integration not only enhances the overall

reliability of the system but also ensures the uninterrupted operation of critical equipment in

various industrial and residential settings. Transient overvoltage within power systems can result

in operational breakdowns and failures in both industrial and household equipment. Moreover,

sudden voltage fluctuations pose significant challenges in industrial and domestic environments,

leading to power loss, affecting power factor, and resulting in energy wastage and potential

hazards to lives (Butto et al., 2013). Consequently, the implementation of overvoltage and under

voltage protection systems has become imperative to shield electronic devices from potential

damage and operational disruptions.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Voltage fluctuations not only impact power quality but also pose a threat to the reliability of

voltage controlling devices (Naik, Ravi & Arshiya, 2018), thereby risking damage to expensive

equipment and disrupting operations. These fluctuations encompass a range of anomalies,

including sags, swells, overvoltage, and under voltage conditions. Sags and under voltage

typically arise from sudden increases in loads or source impedance, while swells and overvoltage

occur when voltage levels exceed acceptable thresholds (Wanjari et al., 2019), jeopardizing lives,

equipment, and industrial progress. Quad comparators prove invaluable in voltage monitoring

circuits due to their capacity to simultaneously compare multiple voltages (Nallamothu, 2019;

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Yasunori & Hiroshi, 1998; Ying, Jin-Liang, & Hu, 2007). They play a pivotal role in detecting

fluctuations in supply voltages and initiating appropriate responses to safeguard electronic

components (Goetz, 1997).

To tackle the challenges posed by power sags, under voltage, and overvoltage, which can result

from abrupt increases in loads or source impedance, as well as elevated voltage levels beyond

acceptable thresholds (Wanjari et al., 2019), thereby posing risks to lives, equipment, and

industrial growth, this project aims to construct a system that harnesses the capabilities of quad

comparators in voltage monitoring. Through employing multiple comparators, these circuits can

compare the monitored voltage with reference voltages, activate voltage dividers, and control

switches based on the comparison results. The integration of quad comparators enables more

comprehensive monitoring and control of voltage levels, thereby enhancing the overall reliability

and protection of electronic devices. This system will provide a breakpoint-based low and high

voltage tripping mechanism, thereby averting any damage to the load. Therefore, this study aim

to design, construct and stimulate a under voltage and over voltage protection of an electronic

circuit using a quad comparator

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The study aims to design, construct and stimulate a under voltage and over voltage protection of

an electronic circuit using a quad comparator. The study seeks to achieve the following specific

objectives:

1. To design an overvoltage and under voltage protection circuit system using a quad

comparator.

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 2. To construct an overvoltage and under voltage protection circuit system using a quad

comparator.

3. To validate the effectiveness and performance of the proposed circuit protection system

through simulation, prototype testing, and real-world deployment.

1.4 Research Question

The study aims to address the following inquiries:

1. What methods can be employed to design an overvoltage and under voltage protection

circuit system utilizing a quad comparator effectively?

2. What are the key steps involved in the construction of an overvoltage and under voltage

protection circuit system using a quad comparator?

3. How can the effectiveness and performance of the proposed circuit protection system be

validated through simulation, prototype testing, and real-world deployment?

1.5 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on designing, constructing, and simulating an under voltage and over voltage

protection circuit using a quad comparator. The scope encompasses the development of a circuit

system that effectively safeguards electronic devices from voltage fluctuations, including sags,

swells, overvoltage, and under voltage conditions. The study aims to explore the methodologies

for designing such a circuit system, the practical steps involved in its construction, and the

validation of its effectiveness and performance through simulation, prototype testing, and real-

world deployment. Specifically, the study will delve into the design principles of the protection

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circuit, the selection and integration of components, the construction process, and the testing

procedures to ensure the reliability and functionality of the system.

1.6 Significance of the Study

Firstly, the study addresses the pressing need for effective voltage protection mechanisms in

industrial, commercial, and residential settings. Voltage fluctuations, including sags, swells,

overvoltage, and under voltage conditions, can lead to operational breakdowns, equipment

damage, and safety hazards. Developing a comprehensive protection circuit system using a quad

comparator provides a proactive approach to mitigate these risks and ensure the uninterrupted

operation of critical devices. Secondly, the study contributes to advancing the knowledge and

understanding of voltage protection circuitry design principles and methodologies. Through

exploring the intricacies of designing and constructing a protection circuit system, the research

offers insights into the selection and integration of components, as well as the optimization of

system performance. This knowledge can benefit engineers, researchers, and practitioners

involved in the development of electronic systems and devices.

Furthermore, the validation of the proposed circuit protection system through simulation,

prototype testing, and real-world deployment adds credibility and reliability to its effectiveness.

Through demonstrating its performance under various operating conditions, the study provides

confidence in the applicability and functionality of the protection circuit in practical scenarios.

Overall, the significance of this study lies in its potential to contribute to the improvement of

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voltage protection technology, thereby enhancing the reliability, safety, and efficiency of

electronic systems and devices in diverse applications.

1.7 Organization of the Study

This study comprises five chapters. Chapter one introduces the significance of voltage protection

mechanisms, outlining research objectives, scope, and subsequent chapter organization. Chapter

two delves into the literature review, examining existing research on voltage protection

mechanisms and quad comparators, establishing theoretical groundwork. Chapter three presents

the study methodology, detailing the systematic approach in designing, constructing, and

simulating the protection circuit system. Chapter four discusses results and analysis, presenting

findings from simulation, prototype testing, and real-world deployment, offering insights into the

protection circuit system's performance. Finally, chapter five provides a summary of findings,

conclusion, and recommendations, synthesizing key findings, concluding the study, and

suggesting avenues for future research in voltage protection circuitry.

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