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Dictionary of Electrical Engineering

Commonly used terms in the Electrical industry.

(1) the condition of a dynamic or closed-loop control system in which the output or controlled variable always corresponds, at least approximately, to the input or command within a limited range. In most devices, this is a measure of the inherent ability of the circuit to avoid internally generated oscillations.

In oscillators, stability denotes the ability of the circuit to maintain a stable internally generated amplitude and frequency. The circuit components, bias, loading, drive and environmental conditions, and possible variations therein, must be accounted for. See also Linville stability factor and Rollett stability factor.

(2) in electronic drives, the ability of a drive to operate a motor at constant speed (under varying load), without hunting (alternately speeding up and slowing down). It is related to both the characteristics of the load being driven and electrical time constants in the drive regulator circuits.

transient stability

the ability of a power system to remain stable following a system disturbance.

voltage instabilityproximity index

an index that gives an indication of the amount of real or reactive power margin available in the system before a voltage collapse occurs.

voltage stability

a measure of power system stability which considers the system's capacity to support a given load.