Abstract :
The author describes a recently developed family of AC regulators using the LVI (linear variable inductor) to control the input current. The LVI limits the input current at the minimum value requested to sustain the output voltage for any line and load condition. In such a way a good efficiency has been obtained still maintaining many advantages typical of ferroresonant regulators, like continuous regulation and intrinsic short-circuit protection. The power ranges between 2 and 5 kVA. The author describes the operation of the regulators and reports the most important experimental results gained from the 5 kVA prototype. The experimental results show the ability of the new regulators to supply nonlinear loads, like PCs and their accessories