Abstract

Rapid Voltage Change (RVC) represents a specific category of power quality phenomena characterized by a fast transition in the RMS voltage between two steady-state conditions. Unlike a voltage dip or swell, which involves a temporary excursion outside of normal operating bounds, an RVC is defined by the speed and magnitude of the change itself rather than a breach of a specific voltage threshold. According to international standards such as IEEE 1159, an RVC is typically identified when the RMS voltage stays within the normal operating range but shifts significantly—often by more than 1%—over a very short period. These events are distinct from transients because they focus on the fundamental frequency RMS profile rather than sub-cycle instantaneous peaks, making them a critical metric for assessing the stability of a distribution system under fluctuating loads.