Arcless Tap Changer Using Gated Semiconductor Devices

A voltage regulator includes a tap changer coupled to a voltage source terminal and a voltage load terminal, The voltage regulator also includes a first switch and a first current transformer coupled in series between the voltage load terminal and a first movable contact of the tap changer. The voltage regulator further includes a second switch and a second transformer coupled in series between the voltage load terminal and a second movable contact of the tap changer, A first silicon controlled rectifier and a second silicon controlled rectifier are controlled by a first control circuit and a second control circuit, respectively. The first control circuit and the second control circuit each include a rectifier, a gating switch, and a positive voltage detector.