Method and apparatus for automatic voltage reduction control

A voltage reduction control circuit for utilization in conjunction with a conventional voltage regulator normally operating to regulate the line voltage in a power distribution circuit, wherein said voltage regulator includes a potential transformer having a primary connected with the distribution circuit and a secondary in which is developed a voltage signal indicative of the line voltage, and a motor-driven mechanism operating to effect incremental reductions in the line voltage in response to increases in said control voltage and incremental increases in the line voltage in response to decreases in said control voltage, said voltage reduction control circuit including, in combination:

• a current transformer linked with the distribution circuit for developing a first signal indicative of the load current flowing therein;
• means for monitoring said first signal with respect to a reference signal indicative of a predetermined peak load current level, said monitoring means generating an output signal when said first signal exceeds said reference signal;
• a voltage source;
• and
• switching means connected in circuit between said voltage source and the potential transformer secondary of the voltage regulator, said switching means operating in response to said output signal to connect said voltage source in circuit with the potential transformer secondary and thus effect a step voltage increase in said voltage signal, whereby the motor-driven mechanism responds as though to a high line voltage condition by effecting a reduction in the line voltage to thereby decrease the load current to a level below said predetermined peak load current level.