Rotary Variable Differential Transformer (RVDT) Working Principle & Applications

Figure. RVDT

In the previous article, we have learned about Linear variable differential transformer (LVDT). Rotary Variable Differential Transformer (RVDT) is a variation of LVDT and used to sense angular displacement. It is a passive transducer.

In short, RVDT provides a variable alternating current (AC) output voltage that is linearly proportional to the angular displacement of its input shaft. Unlike LVDT, the input of this transducer is differential value of rotary variable i.e. angular rotation to generate voltage output.

RVDT is very much similar to LVDT in construction except core. RVDT has a rotating core (cam shaped) which rotates between the windings by means of a shaft. It has one primary and two secondary windings.

The primary winding is excited with alternating current source. The output pair (secondary windings) is structured so that one winding is in-phase with the excitation winding, and the second is 180° out-of-phase with the excitation winding.

Working Principle of RVDT

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Fig. 1Rotary variable differential transformer

The reluctance seen by the primary mmf changes with the rotation of core by shaft. This results in change in the magnetic flux with rotation of the shaft. Due to this change in magnetic flux with rotation of core, the flux linkage of secondary winding also changes. Therefore, as per the transformer action, an emf is induced in secondary winding. The magnitude of induced emf will depend on the rate of change of rotation. The more the rate of change of rotation, the more will be the rate of change of flux and hence more emf will be induced.

As can be seen from the figure 1, the two secondary winding are connected in series but in phase opposition. This is done to get a single output voltage from the transducer. If E_s1, E_s2 and E₀ be the emf induced in the two secondary winding S₁ & S₂ and output voltage respectively then

E₀ = E_s1 – E_s2

Under normal condition of RVDT, the flux linkage of both the secondary winding are same due to their symmetrical placing w.r.t. primary and core. Therefore, the induced emf E_s1 and E_s2 are equal and hence output voltage E₀ of the transducer in such condition is zero. Therefore, normal position of RVDT is called NULL position.

Clockwise rotation of core causes an increasing voltage E_s2 in one of the one secondary winding while counter clockwise rotation leads to increase in voltage E_s1 of another secondary winding. Thus the direction as well as magnitude of angular rotation can be ascertained from the magnitude and phase of transducer output voltage. Phase of transducer output voltage means whether (E_s1 – E_s2) is positive or negative.

In case of anti-clockwise rotation of core, the value of E_s1 will be more than that of E_s2 and hence (E_s1 – E_s2) will be positive. In this case we say that output voltage E₀ is in phase with the primary voltage. With the same logic, when core is rotated in clockwise direction, the output voltage will be negative i.e. out of phase with primary voltage.

Summary: The secondary windings are connected in series opposition. At the null position, output voltages of secondary windings S₁ and S₂ are equal. Hence the net output of RVDT is zero. When there is a clockwise rotation, it produces an increasing voltage of a secondary winding of one phase. When there is an anti-clockwise rotation, it produces an increasing voltage of a secondary winding of opposite phase.