What is the formula for voltage regulation?

Voltage regulation is a critical parameter in electrical systems, particularly in power distribution and transformer applications, as it measures the ability of a system to maintain a constant output voltage when there are changes in load. The correct formula for voltage regulation is defined as:

[ VR = \frac{V(\text{no load}) - V(\text{full load})}{V(\text{full load})} \times 100% ]

This formula represents the difference between the no-load voltage (the voltage when no load is connected) and the full-load voltage (the voltage when the maximum expected load is connected) relative to the full-load voltage. The voltage regulation percentage indicates how much the voltage drops when the load is applied, reflecting the performance and stability of the power supply under varying conditions.

The no-load voltage is typically higher than the full-load voltage due to the increased effects of internal impedance, so the numerator (V(no load) - V(full load)) yields a positive value, ensuring that voltage regulation is expressed as a positive percentage, which is a standard convention in electrical engineering.

This formula helps engineers assess how much the voltage will drop from its no-load condition to its loaded condition, which is crucial for ensuring that the voltage at the load remains