Power Transformers and Power Transformation Systems

Abstract

The three-phase transformer apparatus includes an upper core limb having a first end and a second end, a lower core limb having a third end and a fourth end, a first coil assembly including a first primary coil and a first secondary coil, and a second coil assembly including a second secondary coil and a control coil. The first primary coil and the first secondary coil of each first coil assembly are wound concentrically around the upper core limb or the lower core limb of the respective phase. The second secondary coil and the control coil of each second coil assembly are wound concentrically around the other of the upper core limb or the lower core limb of the respective phase. The second secondary coil of each second coil assembly is connected in series with the first secondary coil of the first coil assembly of the respective phase. The three-phase transformer apparatus further includes a first yoke portion, a second yoke portion, and at least one transfer yoke portion. A controller is connected to the control coil of each phase and configured to apply a voltage waveform or a current waveform to the control coil.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electrical energy supply, and in particular to power transformation systems and processes. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrical energy is delivered from a generating source through electric wires to loads that consume it. Electricity is generally transmitted at a higher voltage than is safe for use, thus providing high efficiency during transportation. Transformers are used within power systems to scale voltages, increasing or decreasing voltage levels. Transformers were first invented over 100 years ago, but have not evolved significantly.

[0003] As electricity demand changes, existing infrastructure such as transformers are not sufficient to maintain a reliable energy system. Traditionally, electricity has been generated by a small number of large synchronous generators, providing both power and stability to the system. The increase in asynchronous variable renewable generation within the power system has negatively impacted operational stability. The loss of traditional synchronous fossil fuel generation has led to inertia in the system, and the change from a small number of large generators to a large number of distributed generators across the system has increased network vulnerability and energy prices.

[0004] Maintaining power quality and reliability in a power system requires the use of additional equipment in the system, which are mostly expensive additional equipment, more complex and have a shorter lifespan, resulting in a more vulnerable and costly system.

[0005] It would be desirable to have a single device that could not only complete the required voltage conversion, but also provide additional functions such as dynamic voltage control, harmonic suppression, power factor control, etc. Devices exist that provide only some of this functionality, as described below.

[0006] (Transformer) As known to those skilled in the art, a transformer is an electromagnetic device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another through mutual inductance, and is typically composed of a primary winding, a magnetic core, and a secondary winding. When an AC voltage is applied to the primary winding, an AC current flows through the primary winding. This magnetizing current creates an AC magnetic flux. The magnetic flux is mostly confined within the magnetic core and induces a voltage in the associated secondary winding. The secondary winding, when connected to an electrical load, creates an AC current. This secondary load current creates its own AC magnetic flux that links back to the primary winding.

[0007] The secondary voltage is determined by the product of the primary voltage and the ratio of the number of turns on the secondary winding to the number of turns on the primary winding. Transformers are commonly used to convert between high and low voltages, but they are necessarily bulky at distribution frequencies. They offer high efficiency, simple design, and bidirectional power transmission. However, their passive nature limits regulation of the transmitted power, necessitating the deployment of inefficient voltage regulation assets.

[0008] Within a power grid, voltages must be maintained within tight tolerances for equipment to operate effectively and safely. It would be desirable to have a device that can dynamically and accurately control voltage, decouple the voltage on the source side and the load side, and maintain the correct voltage levels.

[0009] (FACTS devices) Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) devices have been commercially available for several decades. They are a class of hardware devices based entirely on power electronic components. They are designed to be added to an electrical system and to inject or absorb power into the system in series, shunt or combined configurations. Such devices are added to the system in addition to the transformer and are used very sparingly, mainly within the transmission system, due to their very high cost.

[0010] (Solid-state transformer) A solid-state transformer is an alternative to existing transformers. It consists of a number of component parts connected in series. These parts are a rectifier, an inverter, an electromagnetic core, a rectifier, and an inverter. The higher voltage side is connected to the first inverter, which converts the power from AC (usually 50Hz or 60Hz) to DC. Then, the rectifier converts the power from DC to a higher frequency AC waveform. This allows the electromagnetic core of the device to be much smaller and less expensive, while also providing voltage conversion. The next rectifier converts the higher frequency AC power to DC, and the final inverter converts the power to 50Hz (or 60Hz) AC. Control of the power electronic components can provide both power factor and additional voltage control.

[0011] However, these devices are not yet commercial products and face several challenges before they can provide real-world benefits. These technical challenges include the short lifetime and reliability of power electronics, and the high cost at the power levels at which the grid operates.

[0012] (Exchanger) The converter is a device intended to provide voltage transformation, voltage control, power factor control, and harmonic suppression. It consists of three independent shell-type single-phase electromagnetic cores. Each single-phase core has a control winding connected to a back-to-back (inverse parallel) inverter. The inverters are controlled to pass current through the control windings, which generate out-of-phase magnetic fields within the electromagnetic cores. Each phase of the device is controlled separately and is not connected.

[0013] However, these devices are not yet commercial products and face several challenges before they can deliver real-world benefits. These technical challenges include efficiency, weight, and cost.

[0014] (Hybrid transformer) WO 2021 / 048352 discloses a transformer arrangement for a power transformation system. The transformer arrangement comprises three outer transformer limbs arranged in a three-dimensional star or delta configuration. Such a transformer arrangement provides the voltage changing capability of the transformer while simultaneously providing dynamic voltage regulation, harmonic suppression, and power factor correction. Such a transformer arrangement is considered a "hybrid transformer." Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, a three-phase transformer apparatus for a three-phase power transformation system is provided. For each phase of the three-phase transformer apparatus, the three-phase transformer apparatus comprises an upper core limb having a first end and a second end, a lower core limb having a third end and a fourth end, a first coil assembly, and a second coil assembly. The first coil assembly includes a first primary coil and a first secondary coil. The first primary coil and the first secondary coil of each first coil assembly are wound concentrically around one of the upper core limb or the lower core limb of the respective phase. The second coil assembly includes a second secondary coil and a control coil. The second secondary coil and the control coil of each second coil assembly are wound concentrically around the other of the upper core limb or the lower core limb of the respective phase. The second secondary coil of each second coil assembly is connected in series with the first secondary coil of the first coil assembly of the respective phase. The three-phase transformer apparatus further comprises a first yoke portion connected between each of the first ends of the upper core limbs, a second yoke portion connected between each of the fourth ends of the lower core limbs, at least one transfer yoke configured to allow magnetic flux to flow between the first end of each upper core limb and the second end of a respective upper core limb, and to allow magnetic flux to flow between the third end of each lower core limb and the fourth end of a respective lower core limb, and a controller connected to a control coil of each phase and configured to apply a voltage waveform or a current waveform to the control coil to affect energy transfer between a first primary coil and first and second secondary coils of the three-phase transformer apparatus.

[0016] The three-phase transformer device according to the first embodiment is a hybrid transformer device. As such, the three-phase transformer device is capable of dynamically and quickly responding to changes in input energy received by the system to generate a corresponding output energy with a target voltage and a target input power factor. In particular, this capability allows the three-phase transformer device according to the first embodiment to match the output energy to the energy required by the load of the system. Furthermore, the three-phase transformer device can be controlled bidirectionally, which means that the three-phase transformer device can respond to, for example, energy provided by the energy grid and flowing in one direction, and energy provided by a renewable energy source and that may flow through the system in the opposite direction. Changes in local energy generation, for example resulting from changes in wind and / or available solar energy, can be mitigated by the system and handled to provide a relatively constant output for a fixed load.

[0017] The three-phase transformer apparatus of the first embodiment includes a first coil assembly and a second coil assembly for each phase. The second coil assembly for each phase comprises a control coil wound around a core limb of the transformer (either the upper core limb or the lower core limb for each phase). The control coil is connected to a controller, which is configured to apply a voltage waveform or a current waveform to the control coil to affect the transfer of energy between the first primary coil and the first and second secondary coils of the three-phase transformer apparatus. Thus, the three-phase transformer apparatus is provided with only two coil assemblies for each phase, which simplifies the structure of the three-phase transformer apparatus. In particular, the three-phase transformer apparatus may be provided with only four coils per phase, which are divided between the upper and lower core limbs of each phase.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first coil assembly of each phase further comprises an additional control coil, and the first primary coil, the first secondary coil and the additional control coil of each first coil assembly are wound concentrically around the core limb of the respective phase. In some embodiments, the control coil and the additional control coil of each phase are wound in opposite directions around the upper and lower core limbs. Thus, one of the control coil and the additional control coil of each phase is wound clockwise around the respective core limb, and the other control coil of each phase is wound counterclockwise around the respective core limb. By providing opposite winding directions for the control coil of each phase, magnetic force can be efficiently transferred between the upper and lower core limbs for each phase. In some embodiments, the control coil and the additional control coil of each phase are connected in series.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second coil assembly for each phase further comprises a second primary coil, the second primary coil, the second secondary coil and the control coil of each second coil assembly being wound concentrically around the core limb of the respective phase, and the second primary coil of the second coil assembly being connected in series with the first primary coil of the first coil assembly of the respective phase, so that in some embodiments the second coil assembly for each phase may include up to three coils.

[0020] In some embodiments, the controller comprises a voltage control circuit configured to apply a voltage or current waveform to a control coil of each phase to control the voltage across the first secondary coil and the second secondary coil of each of the phases.

[0021] In some embodiments, the controller comprises a power factor control circuit configured to control the power factor of the three-phase transformer arrangement. In some embodiments, the power factor control circuit is configured to control the power factor by injecting or absorbing reactive power via a control coil (or control coils) of one or more phases. In addition to this power electronics type control, in some embodiments, additional capacitance or inductance can be introduced into the magnetic circuit by connecting a capacitor or inductor to the control coil of each phase.

[0022] In some embodiments, the power factor control circuit of the controller comprises a variable reactance for each of the control coils, and the power factor control circuit is configured to control the reactance connected to each of the control coils to control the power factor of the three-phase transformer arrangement.

[0023] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to draw power from a primary side of the three-phase transformer apparatus and is electrically isolated from a secondary side of the three-phase transformer apparatus. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to draw power from a secondary side of the three-phase transformer apparatus and is electrically isolated from the primary side of the three-phase transformer apparatus.

[0024] In some embodiments, the controller further comprises an energy storage circuit configured to provide a backup power source for the controller to apply a voltage or current waveform to the control coil. The energy storage circuit may comprise a capacitor, or a chemical energy storage (e.g., a lithium ion battery), or other suitable energy storage element known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the energy storage circuit is configured to be charged by a power source for the controller (e.g., power provided to the primary coil). This stored energy of the energy storage circuit can be configured to be utilized when, for example, the input power from the primary coil is insufficient, as required to meet a target output for the control coil. The level and duration of this capability are directly proportional to the amount of energy stored in the energy storage circuit. Thus, the energy storage circuit can improve the robustness of the three-phase transformer against power fluctuations.

[0025] In accordance with this disclosure, it will be understood that the upper and lower core limbs, the first yoke portion, the second yoke portion, and the at least one transfer yoke for each phase form an electromagnetic core of a three-phase transformer.

[0026] In some embodiments, the electromagnetic core of the three-phase transformer device has a generally planar design. In other words, in some embodiments, the upper and lower core limbs, the first yoke portion, the second yoke portion, and at least one transfer yoke extension for each phase may be arranged in a plane. For example, in some embodiments, the upper and lower core limbs for each phase are arranged in parallel. The first yoke portion, the second yoke portion, and at least one transfer yoke extend in a generally transverse direction to the upper and lower core limbs. By providing an electromagnetic core with a generally planar design, the three-phase transformer can be more economical to manufacture and have a simplified structure.

[0027] In some embodiments, the upper core rim and one of the at least one transfer yoke of each phase are disposed in a first plane. In some embodiments, the lower core rim and one of the at least one transfer yoke of each phase are disposed in a second plane. In some embodiments, the first plane and the second plane may be the same plane.

[0028] In some embodiments, the at least one transfer yoke comprises a first transfer yoke connected between the second ends of the upper core limbs and configured to allow magnetic flux to flow between the first end of each upper core limb and the second end of the respective upper core limb. In some embodiments, the at least one transfer yoke comprises a second transfer yoke connected between the third ends of the lower core limbs and configured to allow magnetic flux to flow between the third end of each lower core limb and the fourth end of the respective lower core limb. In some embodiments, the upper core limbs and the first transfer yoke of each phase are disposed in a first plane. In some embodiments, the lower core limbs and the second transfer yoke of each phase are disposed in a second plane. In some embodiments, the first plane and the second plane may be the same plane.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first transfer yoke is spatially separated from the second transfer yoke. By spatially separated, it is understood that the first transfer yoke and the second transfer yoke are separated so that the magnetic flux flowing through the first transfer yoke does not flow through the second transfer core yoke. Similarly, the spatial separation results in the upper core limb and the lower core limb being spatially separated. Thus, the electromagnetic core of the three-phase transformer may be provided in two parts. Such an arrangement allows the three-phase transformer device to be provided in a more space-efficient manner.

[0030] In some embodiments, for each phase, the second end of each upper core limb is connected to a respective third end of a respective lower core limb, so that in some embodiments, a three-phase electromagnetic core may be provided as a unitary core including both an upper core limb and a lower core limb.

[0031] In some embodiments, the three-phase transformer apparatus further comprises an upper flux return path core connected between the second end of the upper core limb and the first end of each of the upper core limbs. In some embodiments, the three-phase transformer apparatus further comprises a lower flux return path core connected between the fourth end of the lower core limb and the third end of each of the lower core limbs. Thus, in some embodiments, an upper flux return path and a lower flux return path can be provided to form a three-phase transformer apparatus including a shell-type electromagnetic core. In some embodiments, when the upper and lower core limbs for each phase are arranged in parallel and the first yoke portion, the second yoke portion, and at least one transfer yoke extend in a direction generally transverse to the upper and lower core limbs, the upper flux return path is provided to extend between the first yoke portion and the transfer yoke. In some embodiments, the upper flux return path may be provided parallel to the upper core limb portion. The lower flux return path is provided to extend between at least one transfer yoke and the second yoke portion in a similar manner. In some embodiments, one or two upper flux return paths and one or two lower flux return paths may be provided on opposite sides of the three core limbs. The addition of electromagnetic return paths at one or more ends of the electromagnetic core allows zero sequence current to flow through independent return paths, thereby enabling individual phase power flow control.

[0032] In some embodiments, the control coil for each phase is connected in series with the additional control coil for the respective phase. Alternatively, the control coil for each phase and the additional control coil may be independently controlled by the controller.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first primary coil and the second primary coil for each phase are connected in series. In some embodiments, the first primary coil and the second primary coil for each phase are wound in the same direction (e.g., both clockwise or both counterclockwise). In some embodiments, the first secondary coil and the second secondary coil for each phase are connected in series. In some embodiments, the first secondary coil and the second secondary coil for each phase are wound in the same direction (e.g., both clockwise or both counterclockwise).

[0034] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a transformer apparatus for a power transformation system, the transformer apparatus comprising: an upper core rim having a first end and a second end; a lower core rim having a third end and a fourth end; a first coil assembly including a first primary coil and a first secondary coil, the first primary coil and the first secondary coil being wound concentrically around one of the upper core limb or the lower core limb; a second coil assembly including a second secondary coil and a control coil, the second secondary coil and the control coil being concentrically wound around the other of the upper core limb or the lower core limb; a second secondary coil of the second coil assembly connected in series with the first secondary coil of the first coil assembly; The transformer apparatus further includes at least one transfer yoke portion configured to allow magnetic flux to flow between a first end of the upper core rim and a second end of the upper core rim, and configured to allow magnetic flux to flow between a third end of the lower core rim and a fourth end of the lower core rim; and a controller connected to the control coil and configured to apply a voltage or current waveform to the control coil to affect a transfer of energy between the first primary coil and the first and second secondary coils of the transformer apparatus.

[0035] It will thus be appreciated that the transformer arrangement of the second aspect is a single phase implementation of the three phase transformer arrangement of the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0036] In some embodiments, the first coil assembly further comprises an additional control coil, the first primary coil, the first secondary coil and the additional control coil of the first coil assembly being wound concentrically around said upper or lower core limb, and the control coil and the additional control coil being wound in opposite directions around the upper and lower core limbs.

[0037] In some embodiments, the second coil assembly further comprises a second primary coil, and the second primary coil, the second secondary coil and the control coil of each second coil assembly are wound concentrically around the other of the upper core limb or the lower core limb. The second primary coil of the second coil assembly is connected in series with the first primary coil of the first coil assembly.

[0038] In some embodiments, the controller further comprises a voltage control circuit configured to apply a voltage or current waveform to the control coil to control the voltage across the first secondary coil and the second secondary coil.

[0039] In some embodiments, the controller comprises a power factor control circuit configured to control the power factor of the transformer arrangement.

[0040] In some embodiments, the power factor control circuit of the controller comprises a variable reactance for the control coil (and optionally the additional control coil), and the power factor control circuit is configured to control the reactance connected to the second control coil to control the power factor of the transformer arrangement.

[0041] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to draw power from a primary side of the transformer apparatus and is electrically isolated from a secondary side of the transformer apparatus. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to draw power from a secondary side of the transformer apparatus and is electrically isolated from the primary side of the transformer apparatus.

[0042] In some embodiments, the at least one transfer yoke comprises a first transfer yoke connected between the second end of the upper core limb and the first end of the upper core limb and configured to allow magnetic flux to flow between the first end of the upper core limb and the second end of the upper core limb. In some embodiments, the at least one transfer yoke comprises a second transfer yoke connected between the fourth end of the lower core limb and the third end of the lower core limb and configured to allow magnetic flux to flow between the third end of the lower core limb and the fourth end of the lower core limb.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first transfer yoke is spatially separated from the second transfer yoke, so that, like the first aspect, an electromagnetic core for the transformer arrangement of the second aspect may be provided in two parts.

[0044] In some embodiments, the transformer apparatus comprises an upper flux return path core connected between the second end of the upper core limb and the first end of the upper core limb, hi some embodiments, the transformer apparatus comprises a lower flux return path core connected between the fourth end of the lower core limb and the third end of the lower core limb.

[0045] In some embodiments, the control coil is connected in series with additional control coils. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0046] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of component parts of an electrical energy transformation system according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 2]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a single phase of an electrical energy transformation system process according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic core and windings according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a two-dimensional single-line representation of an electromagnetic core and windings according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic core and windings according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic core and windings according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic core and windings according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic core and windings according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a power electronics scheme providing pulse width modulation of a control coil. [Figure 10] This is a two-dimensional single-wire representation of a standard three-phase transformer with concentric primary and secondary windings. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional view of an electromagnetic core and windings according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a software functional block diagram showing component parts of the device control algorithm for voltage control. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a software functional block diagram illustrating a control strategy for voltage control in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a software functional block diagram illustrating a control scheme for active power control in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a software functional block diagram illustrating a control scheme for generating phase voltage profiles in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a software functional block diagram illustrating a control scheme for power factor control in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 17]FIG. 2 is a software functional block diagram illustrating a control scheme for power electronic transistors to achieve power factor control in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 is a representation of an electromagnetic core winding connection to power electronics in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 19] 1 is a representation of an electromagnetic core winding connection to power electronics in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 20] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electromagnetic core and windings according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 21] 1 is a single phase schematic representation of some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a three-phase transformer arrangement according to a further embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] Embodiments of the present invention include transformer apparatus, power transformation systems, and processes that receive three-phase input electrical energy, each having its own active and reactive power components via its voltage and phase, and simultaneously convert each of these three inputs to a desired or "target" output voltage and phase, and thus to active and reactive power components (i.e., a method of transforming three-phase power).

[0049] As the three inputs vary over time, both absolutely and relatively, in both voltage and phase, the systems and processes operate to dynamically control the conversion of energy through the device so that the output electrical energy has a desired voltage and phase, which may themselves vary over time.

[0050] By using an additional control winding on the electromagnetic core to control the energy transfer between the three phases within the magnetic domain, embodiments of the present invention are able to provide RMS voltage conversion while simultaneously providing power factor correction and harmonic suppression, providing a more efficient and cost effective solution and also providing electrical isolation between the input and output of the device's control mechanism.

[0051] Although embodiments of the invention are described herein primarily in the context of power distribution within a power grid, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments may be used in any electrical system application requiring output voltage and / or power factor control, such as, for example, electrical systems for power generation, commercial and industrial, aviation, rail, marine, energy storage, electric arc furnaces, adjustable speed drives, electric motors, and other applications. Many other applications of the power supply systems and processes described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure.

[0052] In this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "signal" is used for convenience of reference and is to be interpreted broadly to refer to a form of electrical energy characterized by a voltage and at least one fundamental frequency (which may be zero in the case of a DC voltage), and does not necessarily require that any form of information be represented or conveyed by the signal.

[0053] (overview) As shown in FIG. 1, the power transformation system includes an electromagnetic core (e.g., a transformer device) 100, power electronics (e.g., electronic circuit switching devices, inverters, etc.) 104, and a controller 102. The controller 102 has input signals from monitoring the three-phase electrical input and the three-phase electrical output, and uses these to provide control signals to the power electronics 104. The power electronics 104 (which may be provided as part of the controller 102) controls the power flowing through a control coil on the electromagnetic core 100. The electromagnetic core 100 is also connected to both the three-phase electrical input and the three-phase electrical output, providing voltage conversion, dynamic voltage control, power factor correction, and harmonic suppression. The controller 102 and power electronics 104 are powered by a power source 106, which derives power locally from the electrical current flowing through the device. This may be via windings on the electromagnetic core, or via input or output power connections, allowing the device to be self-powered and save energy. Alternatively, the control and power electronics can be powered from an external source, such as a battery or a mains connection.

[0054] The device operates in a three-phase system, with each phase having both a voltage control component 108 and a power factor control component 110. As shown in Figure 2, each phase input has a voltage and a phase angle, and each output has a voltage and a phase angle. The controller 102 simultaneously monitors the inputs and outputs of each phase and completes control calculations 112 that provide control signals to the voltage control component 108 and the power factor control component 110.

[0055] (Electromagnetic core) The electromagnetic core (transformer arrangement) 100 of this device is shown in Figure 3 as a cross-section of the device. It has three limbs (core limbs) 10A, 10B, 10C, one for each phase (phases A, B, C) of the three-phase power flowing through the device. Each limb 10A, 10B, 10C has an upper core limb 11A and a lower core limb 11B. Each upper core limb 11A has a first end and a second end. Each lower core limb has a third end and a fourth end.

[0056] The core limbs are connected at one end by an upper yoke 12 and at the other end by a lower yoke 14. A first end of each upper core limb is connected to the upper yoke 12. A fourth end of each lower core limb is connected to the lower yoke 14. An intermediate yoke 16 (i.e., a transfer yoke) is connected to each of the three limbs 10A, 10B, 10C between the upper yoke 12 and the lower yoke 14 to provide an additional path for magnetic flux to flow. Thus, the intermediate yoke 16 may be connected to each core limb between the upper and lower core limbs of each phase. Thus, the intermediate yoke 16 is connected to the second end of each upper core limb 11A and the third end of each lower core limb 11B. The core 100 may be made of any magnetic material, including, but not limited to, ferromagnetic materials. The core itself may be formed as a unitary structure or may be comprised of multiple component parts that may be made from the same or different materials for different regions of the magnetic core.

[0057] The electromagnetic core 100 can be constructed by stacking laminations of material to form the complete cross section of the core. This method is particularly applicable to large transformers as it helps reduce core losses due to eddy currents. The stacked laminations may have various cross-sectional widths and may be in various cross-sectional shapes, such as circular or rectangular. The core may be manufactured using a wound core, in which a single sheet of material is wound to form the magnetic flux path. It will be understood that the various portions of the electromagnetic core 100 defined in this disclosure (e.g., upper core limb, lower core limb, upper and lower yokes 12 and 14, intermediate yoke 16) may refer to, for example, individual portions of a stacked lamination core or a wound core. The core may be manufactured using a combination of both, commonly referred to as a unicore construction. For low power level devices, the core may also be manufactured using a solid cross section. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that existing transformer manufacturing techniques or materials can be used to manufacture this core without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0058] If the single line diagram of Figure 3 were depicted in a two-dimensional representation, it would appear as shown in Figure 4. It will be understood that the single line diagram of Figure 3 is a representation of the arrangement of coils in a device (i.e., a magnetic circuit diagram), and is different from an electronic circuit diagram.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, each limb 10A, 10B, 10C has two sets of concentrically wound coils or coil assemblies. In FIG. 4, a first coil assembly for each phase is wound around the upper core limb of the respective phase, and a second coil assembly for each phase is wound around the lower core limb of the respective phase. Thus, in FIG. 4, one coil assembly is wound above the intermediate yoke 16 and one is wound below. In other embodiments, the first coil assembly for each phase may be wound around the lower limb of the respective phase, and the second coil assembly for each phase may be wound around the upper limb of the respective phase. The upper coil of the phase A limb is wound around the upper core limb of the respective phase. u The lower coil of the phase A limb is denoted as A l Similarly, the coils of phases B and C are denoted as B u ,B l ,C u ,C l It is written as follows.

[0060] Each set of concentrically wound coils has three separate coils, primary coils 20U, 20L, secondary coils 22U, 22L, and control coils 24U, 24L. The coils are sometimes referred to as windings due to the nature of their construction. For the purposes of this document, the terms coil and winding can be used interchangeably. Each coil in the concentric stack is separated by an insulating layer to prevent direct electrical connection.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3, each coil assembly (A u ,A l ,B u ,B l ,C u ,C l), the control coils (24U, 24L) are the innermost coils, followed by the secondary coils (22U, 22L), and the primary coils (20U, 20L) are the outermost coils. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that any order of concentrically wound coils may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0062] In the embodiment of Figure 3, each pair of primary coils on the rim are connected in series and wound in the same direction. In the embodiment of Figure 3, each pair of secondary coils on the rim are connected in series and wound in the same direction. In the embodiment of Figure 3, each pair of control coils may be connected in series or each control coil may be connected independently, in either case wound in opposite directions.

[0063] The embodiment of FIG. 3 includes first and second primary coils, a secondary coil, and a control coil, although other embodiments may be provided with other combinations of first, second, and primary coils. In accordance with this disclosure, each phase is required to have at least one coil, and up to two coils, for each of the primary, secondary, and control coils, to make up the combined coil assembly for that phase (i.e., C for phase C). u and C l ). At least one of the primary and secondary coils must have two coils connected in series, and there must always be an upper coil assembly and a lower coil assembly separated by an intermediate yoke. As an example, the electromagnetic core 100 may be configured as shown in FIG. 20. In this embodiment, the upper coil for each phase is composed of a primary coil 20U and a secondary coil 22U, and the lower coil is composed of a control coil 24L and a secondary coil 22L. The two secondary coils 22U, 22L are connected in series. A single-phase schematic representation of this embodiment of the electromagnetic core is shown in FIG. 21. There is only one control coil, and the windings can be wound in either direction.

[0064] Thus, each phase according to the present disclosure should include at least four coils. In some embodiments, each phase includes a first secondary coil, a second secondary coil, at least one primary coil, and at least one control coil. For example, the first coil assembly for each phase may include a first primary coil and a first secondary coil. The second coil assembly for each phase may include a second secondary coil and a first control coil. Thus, the four coils for each phase may be arranged in a 2:2 distribution between the upper and lower core limbs of each phase.

[0065] There may be up to 18 coils in total on the electromagnetic core 100. These coils may be wound in a variety of ways, just as standard transformer coils are wound. These include helical, disk, cylindrical, and crossover, as described, for example, at https: / / www.electrical4u.com / transformer-windinq / . The coils may be wound using any shape of bobbin. Any material may be used, but copper wire or copper foil is commonly used. For example, for a 500 kVA distribution transformer, the secondary coil may be constructed of copper foil, the primary coil may be constructed of round copper wire or disk, and the control winding may be constructed of copper foil.

[0066] The intermediate yoke 16 (transfer yoke) in the electromagnetic core 100 shown in FIG. 3 is configured to allow magnetic flux to flow between the first end of each upper core limb 11A and the second end of each upper core limb 11A, and between the third end of each lower core limb 11B and the fourth end of each lower core limb 11B. The transfer yoke thus provides a return flux path for both the upper coil assembly and the lower coil assembly. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the intermediate yoke 16 connects the midpoints of each core limb together. Because this process operates with AC power, the magnetic flux flows in alternating directions over time, but the magnetic flux always flows in the same direction through both coil assemblies. When the magnetic flux returns through the intermediate yoke 16, the magnetic flux from the upper coil assembly and the lower coil assembly will always be in opposite directions due to the position of the coils, as shown in FIG. 4. These two magnetic fluxes thus sum to the difference between the magnitudes of the two magnetic fluxes.

[0067] Instead of a single electromagnetic core, the electromagnetic core 100 can also be split into two electromagnetic cores 202, 204 as shown in FIG. 5. This arrangement is identical from an electromagnetic standpoint, but the intermediate yoke 16 is replaced by two flux return paths (first and second transfer yokes). This electromagnetic core arrangement uses more steel than the electromagnetic core arrangement of FIG. 3, but has potential advantages in ease of manufacture of the cores 202, 204 and their geometric arrangement relative to one another. In this electromagnetic core arrangement of FIG. 5, each set of concentrically wound coils has three separate coils: primary coils 20U, 20L, secondary coils 22U, 22L, and control coils 24U, 24L. The upper coils are wound on the electromagnetic core 202 and the lower coils are wound on the electromagnetic core 204.

[0068] Each pair of primary coils on the electromagnetic cores 202, 204 are connected in series and wound in the same direction. Each pair of secondary coils on the electromagnetic cores 202, 204 are connected in series and wound in the same direction. Each pair of control coils on the electromagnetic cores 202, 204 may be connected in series or each control coil may be connected independently, with opposite winding directions in either case.

[0069] For clarity, the electromagnetic cores 202, 204 need not be physically located on top of each other. They can be positioned adjacent to each other in any arrangement where the coil connections remain the same. Thus, it will be understood that the terms "upper" and "lower" with respect to the core limbs are used in this disclosure as labels for the core limbs shown in the figures. In other words, the terms "upper core limb" and "lower core limb" as used in this disclosure (including the claims) can alternatively be referred to as the "first core limb" and "second core limb" for each phase.

[0070] A single-phase implementation of an electromagnetic core 100 using a shell-type transformer core arrangement is shown in FIG. 6. The electromagnetic core 100 comprises an upper core limb 11A and a lower core limb 11B. The upper core limb 11A and the lower core limb 11B have first and second coil assemblies wound thereon in a manner similar to the three-phase embodiment described above. As in the above-described embodiment, a control coil (and optionally additional control coils) is provided around the core limbs. The electromagnetic core 100 also comprises a transfer yoke portion 301, which is configured to allow magnetic flux to flow between a first end of the upper core limb and a second end of the upper core limb, and between a third end of the lower core limb and a fourth end of the lower core limb. The transfer yoke portion 301 thus provides a flux return path for magnetic flux flowing through the upper core limb and a flux return path for magnetic flux flowing through the lower core limb.

[0071] Because the electromagnetic core 100 is configured in a shell-type core arrangement, the electromagnetic core 100 also includes two upper flux return path cores 302 connected between the second end of the upper core limb and the first end of each upper core limb. The electromagnetic core also includes two lower flux return path cores 304 connected between the fourth end of the lower core limb and the third end of each lower core limb. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that a shell-type core arrangement using only one upper flux return path core and one lower flux return path core may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0072] A single-phase implementation of the electromagnetic core 100 in a split configuration using a shell-type transformer core arrangement is shown in FIG. 7. Thus, in the electromagnetic core 100 in FIG. 7, the first transfer yoke part 301a is provided connected between the second end of the upper core limb 11A and the first end of the upper core limb 11A. The second transfer yoke part 301b is provided connected between the fourth end of the lower core limb 11B and the third end of the lower core limb 11B. As shown in FIG. 7, the first transfer yoke part 301a is spatially separated from the second transfer yoke part 301b, so that the magnetic flux flowing through the first transfer yoke part 301a does not flow through the second transfer yoke part 301b. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the shell-type core arrangement can also be provided in a split configuration including the first and second transfer yoke parts 301a, 301b.

[0073] 3 and 5 show three-phase implementations of the electromagnetic core 100 in a core-type arrangement. These two electromagnetic cores can be implemented as shell-type cores by adding return flux paths at one or both ends of the core. As an example, FIG. 8 shows the electromagnetic core 100 in a shell-type configuration with return paths added at both ends. The addition of electromagnetic return paths at either end of the electromagnetic core 100 allows the zero sequence to flow through independent return paths, allowing individual phase power flow control.

[0074] It will be appreciated that the electromagnetic cores shown in the embodiments of the present disclosure are generally planar in design. In other words, in some embodiments, the core limbs of each phase and the yokes to which they are connected extend in a plane. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the upper core limbs 11A of each phase, the lower core limbs 11B of each phase, the upper yoke 12, the lower yoke 14, and the intermediate yoke 16 are interconnected and all extend in the same plane. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the upper core limbs 11A of each phase are connected to the upper yoke 12 and the first transfer yoke 206 and all extend in the same plane. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the lower core limbs 11B of each phase are connected to the lower yoke 14 and the second transfer yoke 207 and all extend in the same plane.

[0075] (Power Electronics) Power electronics 104 are used to supply the power flowing through the control coils 24U, 24L of the electromagnetic core 100, and by powering the control coils at the appropriate times, energy can be injected or extracted from each phase. Depending on the timing of this power supply relative to the AC power flowing from the primary coils 20U, 20L to the secondary coils 22U, 22L, the energy will be in the form of either reactive or active power.

[0076] If the control coils 24U, 24L are shorted, no energy flows through them and the energy flow from the primary coils 20U, 20L to the secondary coils 22U, 22L is unaffected, causing the electromagnetic core to operate as a standard fixed ratio transformer. This provides a fail-safe mode for the device such that if a failure occurs in the power electronics 104, the control coils 24U, 24L are shorted and the device operates as a standard transformer.

[0077] The power electronics 104 uses switching of electronic transistors to regulate the power flow output. These gates can be of various types depending on the power rating and switching speed required for the particular size and performance of the power flow conversion device. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that transistors such as IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) or MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors) can be used for this application. Other technologies such as Silicon Carbide, Gallium Nitride, etc. are also under development in this field and can be used.

[0078] In the electromagnetic core 100, transistors for the power electronics 104 are arranged as shown in Figure 9 and are switched on and off by the controller 102 to provide the desired power levels to the control coils. If there are two control coils per phase connected in series, the outputs of Figure 9 are connected to the control windings 24U, 24L and output A is connected to the A u and A l The output B is connected to the control coil of u and B l The output C is connected to the control coil ofu and C. l If the control coils 24U, 24L are independently wound, three additional outputs from the power electronics are required. This can be achieved by increasing the number of bridges in the power electronics circuit to six. If there is only one control coil per phase, power electronics as shown in Figure 9 can be used, with each of the three outputs connected to the control coil of the corresponding phase.

[0079] The power electronics 104 includes two bridges for each phase, or in the case of independently wound control coils, two bridges for each control coil. In addition to the bridges, capacitors and a common neutral are used for all phases. In some embodiments, the power electronics 104 may include two half bridges, capacitors and a common neutral for each phase or control coil. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various transistor arrangements, such as a full bridge, can be used to achieve the same effect and desired functionality for the device without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0080] For voltage and harmonic control functions, the power electronics 104 can achieve the desired outcome using zero active power. This means that only a single module is required as shown in FIG. 9. For voltage, harmonic and power factor correction functions, two power electronics modules can be used. These can be connected in various topologies, such as back-to-back (inverse parallel) modules as shown in FIG. 18. These modules can be connected from the control coil of the device to the primary side as shown in FIG. 18, or similarly, from the control coil of the device to the secondary side. Because the primary and secondary voltages are different, the connection side will change the voltage and current level requirements of the power electronics modules, but the overall power level remains the same.

[0081] 18, a DC link is used to connect the two modules 402, 404. When connected in this arrangement, the modules are capable of providing both active and reactive power control, allowing simultaneous control of voltage, harmonics and power factor.

[0082] It is also possible to eliminate the DC link between 402 and 404. If this link is eliminated and each module operates independently, 402 would provide voltage and harmonic control and 404 would provide power factor control. In this arrangement, 404 would behave similarly to a small STATCOM connected to the power system within the device.

[0083] Another arrangement of the power electronics 104 is shown in Fig. 19. In this arrangement, the two modules 402, 404 are separately connected to the control coil. This allows full range voltage, harmonics and power factor control (through active and reactive power) while maintaining galvanic isolation between the power electronics 104 and the power system, since the power electronics 104 is only connected to the electromagnetic core 100 through the coil.

[0084] It is also possible to add energy storage to a power electronics circuit. This can take the form of a capacitor, or chemical energy storage such as a lithium-ion battery. The energy storage device can be charged by the power electronics using the power flowing through the device to create energy storage. This storage can be utilized as needed to meet a target output when the input power from the primary coil is insufficient. The level and duration of this capability is directly proportional to the amount of energy stored.

[0085] As an example, the energy storage can be trickle charged when the device is powered up. If the output power is higher than the input power received, additional energy can be injected into the device by the controller using the energy storage. This allows the output of the device to be maintained at a desired level without affecting the upstream energy system. This can occur while there is stored energy remaining in the device. If there is no energy in the storage, the device will operate the same as it would without the energy storage. If there is excess power available at the input, the controller will charge the energy storage for later use.

[0086] The energy reservoir is charged by the power electronics circuitry and injected into the device through a control coil as needed.

[0087] The transistors are controlled and powered from the power flow through the device using a high speed microprocessor (controller 102) such as the 100 MHz TexasInstruments device described at http: / / www.ti.com / product / TMS320F2808, and the powering process 112 (shown in FIG. 2) is implemented as configuration data stored in non-volatile memory. The microprocessor executes a control process that PWM modulates the transistors in a bridge circuit shown in FIG. 9. The control algorithm runs at a rate of 50 kHz, or three orders of magnitude higher than the fundamental frequency (50 Hz) of the power waveform it is controlling. The control algorithm 112 can run at higher or lower frequencies without departing from the scope of the invention. Lower frequencies can be used depending on the resolution and accuracy of the control required. Higher frequencies can be used and will be limited by the capabilities of the control hardware used. Faster control algorithms allow for quicker and more accurate control. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that other technologies such as field programmable gate arrays (or FPGAs) can be used in place of the microprocessor without departing from the scope of the invention. It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that in other embodiments the controller may be powered by a separate available local power source, such as locally controlled power from a power distribution board.

[0088] (Voltage Control) Power flows through the primary coils (20U, 20L) which generates magnetic flux through the magnetic core and generates current in the secondary coils (22U, 22L). In a standard three-phase transformer with concentric primary and secondary coils for each phase, the magnetic flux flows through the paths shown in FIG. 10. It can be seen that in the normal arrangement, there are only two magnetic flux paths available for the three phases of energy. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the present invention provides four magnetic flux paths for the three phases (five or more in some embodiments).

[0089] For each phase of the device, at least one of the primary coil and secondary coil of the power flow transforming device is split, one of which is connected to the intermediate yoke (upper coil A u ,B u ,C u ) and the other is located above the intermediate yoke (lower coil A l ,B l ,C l For example, Figure 11 shows a three-dimensional representation of one such arrangement, using the electromagnetic core arrangement shown in Figure 3. The upper and lower coils of the primary and secondary have different numbers of turns. Number of turns in primary upper coil 20U: P u =N1 n Number of turns of secondary upper coil 22U: S u =N2·(1-n) Number of turns in primary lower coil 20L: P1 = N1 (1-n) Number of turns of the secondary lower coil 22L: S1 = N2 n where 0 <n<1。 N1 is the total number of turns that the primary coil has for that phase (20U+20L), and N2 is the total number of turns that the secondary coil has for that phase (22U+22L).

[0090] When the power electronics 104 controls the power (voltage or current) in the control coils 24U, 24L, a magnetomotive force (mmf) is injected or absorbed from the magnetic flux path, where mmf=NI ampere-turns (At), N=number of conductors (or turns), and I=current.

[0091] The control coils 24U and 24L are wound in opposite directions, so that the upper coil assembly (A u ,B u ,C u ) and the lower coil assembly (A l ,B l ,C l ) the mmf applied to the

[0092] As an example, the power flow conversion device has values ​​of n=2 / 3, N1=60, and N2=30. And Pu =N1·n=60·2 / 3=40 turns S u =N2 (1-n)=30 (1-2 / 3)=10 turns P l =N1·(1-n)=60·(1-2 / 3)=20 turns S l =N2 n=30 2 / 3 = 20 turns

[0093] If the control coil is shorted, the voltage transformation becomes N1:N2, or 60:30=2:1 (i.e. 200V on the primary produces 100V on the secondary).

[0094] If additional mmf is fed into the magnetic circuit via the control coil, it will affect the magnetic flux through the upper and lower coils. If this mmf produces the equivalent of a 10% change in each, then: P u =N1·n=60·2 / 3-10%=36 turns S u =N2·(1-n)=30·(1-2 / 3)-10%=9 turns P l =N1·(1-n)=60·(1-2 / 3)+10%=22 turns S l =N2·n=30·2 / 3+10%=22 turns

[0095] Therefore the voltage conversion is N1:N2, or 36+22:9+22=58:31 (i.e. 200V on the primary will produce 106.9V on the secondary).

[0096] When n=0.5, both the upper and lower coils have the same number of turns and the voltage control method does not work.

[0097] (Harmonic Control) Harmonics are distortions in the sine wave of AC power, i.e., deviations from the instantaneous voltage magnitude at that point in the cycle. Harmonics can therefore be controlled through the same mechanisms as voltage control discussed above.

[0098] (Power factor control) The power factor can be controlled using the power electronics 104 by injecting or absorbing reactive power via the control coils 24U, 24L. In addition to this power electronics type control, additional capacitance or inductance can be introduced into the magnetic circuit by connecting a capacitor or inductor to the circuit via the control coil. This can be switched on or off in the circuit using a thyristor (or similar switching technology). Furthermore, this additional capacitance and / or inductance can be introduced into the coil assembly (A u ,B u ,C u ,A l ,B l ,C l ) can be used to connect to the device or can be placed at any point on the electromagnetic core 100.

[0099] (Control Method) The controller 102 receives information from sensors, such as line voltage sensors 107a, 107b (which may be located on the primary and secondary coils) at the input and output power of the device. This information allows the controller to identify the voltage and phase angle (angle between the voltage and current waveforms) at the input and output. The controller 102 then uses control calculations 112 to compare the output waveform to a target or "desired" output waveform. The difference between the actual output and the target output generates a delta signal, which is provided to the voltage control circuit 108 and the power factor control circuit 112 to generate the corresponding control signal. The target waveform is stored in the controller memory, but may be changed over time.

[0100] The controller 102 provides instructions to the power electronics 104 in the form of control signals. The power electronics 104 then operates by switching the gates of FIG. 9 using a pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme, whereby a waveform is approximated by providing electrical input to the control coils 24U, 24L and opening and closing the gates for varying durations. PWM control methods include simple boost, maximum boost, constant boost, direct torque, modified space vector, and the like. In addition to using PWM, other control methods can be used to achieve the result of power flow control through the transfer coils without changing the scope of the invention. These control methods include, but are not limited to, open loop, closed loop, fuzzy control, sliding mode control, model predictive control, field oriented control (also known as vector control), and the like.

[0101] One such implementation is shown in Figure 12 as a high level functional block control diagram of the voltage control 108. The reference RMS voltage is compared to the actual measured voltage. When the voltage control is enabled, the Vrms control 302 generates the duty cycle and the active power control 306 generates the phase reference. These two parameters are then provided to the phase voltage profile generator 304, which provides the power electronics with the necessary signals to activate the transistor gates.

[0102] A number of Vrms control 302 can be achieved, one such implementation is shown in Figure 13. In this example, a PI (proportional integral) control scheme is used with a feedback loop to generate the duty cycle for the phase.

[0103] A number of active power control 306 can be achieved, one such implementation of which is shown in Figure 14. In this example, a PI control scheme is used with a feedback loop to generate a phase reference for each phase.

[0104] Multiple phase voltage profile generators 304 can be achieved, one such implementation is shown in Figure 15. The phases from the active power control 306 are summed with an optimum phase angle separation of 120 degrees, and the measured phase angles. The cosine of each of these is combined with the duty component for each phase from the Vrms control 302. The output of this phase voltage profile generator 304 is the reference signal that controls the power electronic gates of Figure 9.

[0105] Power factor control is possible by using a control coil to inject or extract reactive power. This is done by controlling the PWM of the control coil to phase shift its waveform relative to the waveforms of the power flowing through the primary and secondary coils. If the control waveform is out of phase with the magnetic flux in the core, this will result in the addition or subtraction of a reactive power component depending on whether the transfer coil waveform is leading or lagging.

[0106] One embodiment of the power factor control 106 is shown in Figure 16 where the electromagnetic core has additional capacitance and inductance that can be changed via a switching mechanism (e.g., thyristors, etc.). A nested integral control loop is used to determine the error between the reference reactive power and the actual reactive power. This outputs a tapping position number that relates to the physical tap position to be used. This tap position number is used to activate a thyristor as shown for one of the three phases in Figure 17. The power electronics operate in parallel to provide continuous dynamic adjustment of the reactive power through PWM applied to the control coils.

[0107] A diagram of a three-phase transformer arrangement according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 22. The transformer arrangement may comprise, for example, a transformer core 100 as described above with reference to FIG. 20. Thus, the upper coil of each phase is composed of a primary coil 20U and a secondary coil 22U, and the lower coil is composed of a control coil 24L and a secondary coil 22L. For each of the upper and lower coils (coil assemblies), the coils are wound so as to overlap each other. The two secondary coils 22U, 22L may be connected in series. Thus, each phase can be represented by a circuit diagram representation shown in FIG. 21.

[0108] As shown in Figure 22, a three-phase transformer device is configured to convert three-phase power on a primary side having a delta configuration to three-phase power on a secondary side having a star configuration. In the embodiment of Figure 22, the control coils are connected in a star configuration for independent phase control. Each of the primary coil, secondary coil, and control coil may be connected in either a star configuration or a delta configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0109] Figure 22 further illustrates a controller, which in the embodiment of Figure 22 is configured to draw power from the secondary side. Thus, the power electronics of the controller (e.g., the circuit provided with the "power electronics box" in Figure 22 corresponds to power electronics 104 in Figure 1 described above) are connected between the secondary side of the three-phase transformer arrangement and the control coil. Thus, the power electronics (e.g., power electronics 104 in Figure 1) may be isolated from the primary side of the three-phase transformer.

[0110] As shown in Figure 22, the power electronics of the controller comprises an AC / AC converter configured to draw power from the secondary side and apply a voltage or current waveform to a control coil to affect energy transfer between a first primary coil and first and second secondary coils of the three-phase transformer arrangement. The controller may thus be configured to perform voltage waveform control and power factor control using the power electronics.

[0111] In the embodiment of FIG. 22, the AC-AC converter is an asynchronous AC-AC converter. As shown in FIG. 22, the AC-AC converter comprises an AC-DC converter 402 and a DC-AC converter 404. The AC-DC converter 402 is configured to convert AC power from the secondary side into DC power. And the DC-AC converter 404 is configured to convert DC power from the AC-DC converter 402 into AC power and output the AC power to the control coil. Thus, the AC-DC converter 402 and the DC-AC converter 404 are provided in a back-to-back (anti-parallel) configuration as described above. A DC link is provided between the AC-DC converter 402 and the DC-AC converter 404. The DC link may be provided to reduce or minimize DC voltage ripple between the two converters. Thus, the AC-DC converter and the DC-AC converter form part of a voltage control circuit and a power factor control circuit configured to apply a voltage or current waveform to the control coil of each phase to control the voltage and power factor of the secondary side of the transformer arrangement.

[0112] In some embodiments, an energy storage circuit as described above may be provided as part of FIG. 22. Thus, the power electronics (e.g., power electronics 104 of FIG. 1) are configured to draw power from the secondary side, and the energy storage circuit is configured to draw power from the secondary side and provide stored power to the power electronics and the control coil. Thus, the energy storage circuit can provide energy to the control coil to augment the available power to the control coil for power factor correction and / or voltage waveform correction when sufficient power is not available from the secondary side.

[0113] Although the embodiment of FIG. 22 shows the power electronics of the controller connected to the secondary side of the transformer arrangement, in other embodiments, the power electronics of FIG. 22 may be connected between the primary side and the control coil. Thus, in other embodiments, the power electronics may be configured to draw power from the primary side and connected between the primary side and the control coil of the three-phase transformer arrangement. In particular, when the controller (e.g., the power electronics of the controller) is configured to draw power from the primary side, the energy storage circuit may be configured to draw power from the primary side and provide stored power to the power electronics and the control coil.

[0114] As further shown in Figure 22, the power electronics (power electronics box) includes multiple circuit breaker circuits. A first circuit breaker circuit is provided for each phase between the AC-DC converter and the power supply for the controller (secondary side in Figure 22), and a second circuit breaker circuit is provided for each phase between the DC-AC converter and the control coil. Each of the first and second circuit breaker circuits is configured to isolate an individual phase of the controller from the winding of the transformer arrangement in the event of an excessive current / voltage.

[0115] A pre-insertion resistor is provided between the secondary side and the AC-DC converter as shown in Figure 22. The pre-insertion resistor may be provided to control the current drawn by the AC-DC converter during operation. In some embodiments, a bypass circuit (pre-insertion contactor) may be provided that controls whether the pre-insertion resistor is used or not.

[0116] Further, the power electronics of FIG. 22 (of the controller) may include multiple shorting contactors, each connected between a control coil and ground. Thus, for each phase, a shorting contactor is provided configured to short out an individual control coil. By shorting the control coils, the three-phase transformer may be operated in bypass mode (i.e., bypassing the control coils), in which case the device operates as a standard transformer with a primary / secondary winding ratio in the upper coil assembly.

[0117] In the embodiment of Figure 22, each of the AC-DC and DC-AC converters includes a filter circuit configured to filter the AC power supply side of the converter. In the embodiment of Figure 22, each filter circuit includes a capacitor and a number of inductors (e.g., an LCL filter circuit). Each filter circuit may be configured to reduce high frequency harmonics associated with the respective power converter.

[0118] In the embodiment of FIG. 22, the controller may be provided in a controller housing (power electronics box). In some embodiments, the controller housing may comprise a power electronics housing for the power electronics. As shown in FIG. 22, the transformer core may be provided in a separate transformer housing with appropriate interconnections (e.g., wires, cables, or bus bars) between the coils of the transformer core and the controller housing. A connection may be provided for a voltage sensor used to measure the voltage of the secondary side / secondary coil.

[0119] As shown in Figure 22, the controller also includes multiple voltage and current sensors configured to sense various voltages / currents associated with the controller. In particular, the controller may be configured to sense the current and voltage at each phase input to the AC-DC converter, and the current and voltage output at each phase by the DC-AC converter (i.e., the current and voltage output to the control coil). The controller may also be configured to sense the DC voltage output by the AC-DC converter.

[0120] The AC-DC and DC-AC converters may also include temperature sensors, as shown in Figure 22. Each temperature sensor can be configured to monitor the individual converter to ensure that the converter is operating at normal temperature.

[0121] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that PWM control algorithms, as well as various modifications of control methodologies and algorithms, can be used to achieve the same effect.

[0122] It will be apparent that the power supply systems and processes described herein are particularly advantageous because they are capable of dynamically and quickly responding to changes in input energy received by the system to generate corresponding output energy having a target voltage and a target input power factor. In particular, this capability allows the aforementioned systems and processes to match the output energy to the energy required by the load of the system. Moreover, the systems and processes are bidirectional, so that they can do this for energy sourced from an energy grid, for example, flowing in one direction, and also for energy sourced from renewable energy sources that may flow in the opposite direction through the system. Changes in local energy generation caused, for example, by changes in wind and / or available sunlight, can be mitigated by the systems and processes to provide a relatively constant output for a fixed load.

[0123] Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A three-phase transformer apparatus for a three-phase power transformation system, comprising: For each phase of the three-phase transformer device, the three-phase transformer device: an upper core rim having a first end and a second end; a lower core rim having a third end and a fourth end; a first coil assembly including a first primary coil and a first secondary coil; the first primary coil and the first secondary coil of each first coil assembly are wound concentrically around one of the upper core limb or the lower core limb of the respective phase; The three-phase transformer apparatus further comprises a second coil assembly including a second secondary coil and a control coil; the second secondary coil and the control coil of each second coil assembly are wound concentrically around the other of the upper and lower core limbs of the respective phase; the second secondary coil of each second coil assembly is connected in series with the first secondary coil of the first coil assembly of the respective phase; The three-phase transformer apparatus further includes a first yoke portion connected between each of the first ends of the upper core limbs; a second yoke portion connected between each of the fourth ends of the lower core limbs; at least one transfer yoke configured to allow magnetic flux to flow between a first end of each upper core limb and a second end of a respective upper core limb, and to allow magnetic flux to flow between a third end of each lower core limb and a fourth end of a respective lower core limb; a controller connected to a control coil for each phase and configured to apply a voltage or current waveform to the control coil to affect a transfer of energy between a first primary coil and first and second secondary coils of the three-phase transformer apparatus.

2. the first coil assembly for each phase further comprises an additional control coil; the first primary coil, the first secondary coil and the additional control coil of each first coil assembly are wound concentrically around the core limb of the respective phase; 2. The three-phase transformer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control coil and the additional control coil for each phase are wound in opposite directions around the upper and lower core limbs.

3. the second coil assembly for each phase further comprises a second primary coil; the second primary coil, the second secondary coil and the control coil of each second coil assembly are wound concentrically around the core limb of the respective phase; 3. The three-phase transformer arrangement of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second primary coils of the second coil assemblies are connected in series with the first primary coils of the respective first coil assemblies.

4. 4. The three-phase transformer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller comprises a voltage control circuit configured to apply a voltage waveform or a current waveform to the control coil of each phase to control the voltage across the first secondary coil and the second secondary coil of each of the phases.

5. A three-phase transformer arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the controller comprises a power factor control circuit configured to control the power factor of the three-phase transformer arrangement.

6. The power factor control circuit of the controller includes a variable reactance for each of the control coils; 6. The three-phase transformer arrangement of claim 5, wherein the power factor control circuit is configured to control a reactance coupled to each of the control coils to control a power factor of the three-phase transformer arrangement.

7. 7. The three-phase transformer arrangement of claim 1, wherein the controller further comprises an energy storage circuit configured to provide a back-up power source for the controller to apply a voltage or current waveform to the control coil.

8. one of the upper core limbs and the at least one transfer yoke of each phase is disposed in a first plane; and / or 8. A three-phase transformer arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the lower core limbs and the at least one transfer yoke of each phase is disposed in the second plane.

9. the controller is configured to draw power from a primary side of the three-phase transformer arrangement and is electrically isolated from a secondary side of the three-phase transformer arrangement; or A three-phase transformer arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to draw power from a secondary side of the three-phase transformer arrangement and is electrically isolated from a primary side of the three-phase transformer arrangement.

10. When the controller is configured to draw power from the primary side, the controller is connected between the primary side of the three-phase transformer arrangement and the control coil; 10. The three-phase transformer arrangement of claim 9, wherein the controller is connected between the secondary side of the three-phase transformer arrangement and the control coil when the controller is configured to draw power from the secondary side.

11. 11. The three-phase transformer arrangement of claim 9 or 10, wherein the controller comprises an AC-AC converter configured to draw power from the primary or secondary side and apply a voltage or current waveform to the control coil to affect a transfer of energy between the first primary coil and the first and second secondary coils of the three-phase transformer arrangement.

12. The three-phase transformer arrangement of claim 11, wherein the AC-AC converter is an asynchronous AC-AC converter.

13. If the controller is configured to draw power from the primary side, the energy storage circuit is configured to draw power from the primary side and provide stored power to the controller and the control coil; or A three-phase transformer arrangement as described in any one of claims 9 to 12 when dependent on claim 7, wherein when the controller is configured to draw power from the secondary side, the energy storage circuit is configured to draw power from the secondary side and supply stored power to the controller and the control coil.

14. At least one transfer yoke includes: a first transfer yoke connected between the second ends of the upper core limbs and configured to allow magnetic flux to flow between the first end of each upper core limb and the second end of each respective upper core limb; and a second transfer yoke connected between the third ends of the lower core limbs and configured to allow magnetic flux to flow between the third end of each lower core limb and a fourth end of each lower core limb.

15. 15. The three-phase transformer arrangement of claim 14, wherein the first transfer yoke is spatially separated from the second transfer yoke.

16. A three-phase transformer arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, for each phase, the second end of each upper core limb is connected to a respective third end of a respective lower core limb.

17. an upper flux return path core connected between the second end of the upper core limb and the first end of each upper core limb; and / or 17. The three phase transformer apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lower flux return path core connected between the fourth end of the lower core limb and the third end of each lower core limb.

18. A three phase transformer arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 17 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the first control coil for each phase is connected in series with an additional control coil for the respective phase.

19. 1. A transformer apparatus for a power transformation system, comprising: an upper core rim having a first end and a second end; a lower core rim having a third end and a fourth end; a first coil assembly including a first primary coil and a first secondary coil, the first primary coil and the first secondary coil being wound concentrically around one of the upper core limb or the lower core limb; a second coil assembly including a second secondary coil and a control coil, the second secondary coil and the control coil being concentrically wound around the other of the upper core limb or the lower core limb; a second secondary coil of the second coil assembly connected in series with the first secondary coil of the first coil assembly; The transformer apparatus further includes at least one transfer yoke portion configured to allow magnetic flux to flow between a first end of the upper core limb and a second end of the upper core limb, and configured to allow magnetic flux to flow between a third end of the lower core limb and a fourth end of the lower core limb; a controller connected to the control coil and configured to apply a voltage or current waveform to the control coil to affect a transfer of energy between a first primary coil and first and second secondary coils of the transformer apparatus.

20. the first coil assembly further comprises an additional control coil; the first primary coil, the first secondary coil and the additional control coil of the first coil assembly are wound concentrically around the upper core limb or the lower core limb; 20. The transformer arrangement of claim 19, wherein the control coil and the additional control coil are wound in opposite directions around the upper and lower core limbs.

21. the second coil assembly further comprises a second primary coil; the second primary coil, the second secondary coil and the control coil of each second coil assembly are wound concentrically around the other of the upper core limb or the lower core limb; 21. The transformer arrangement of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the second primary coil of the second coil assembly is connected in series with the first primary coil of the first coil assembly.

22. 22. The transformer arrangement of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the controller further comprises a voltage control circuit configured to apply a voltage waveform or a current waveform to the control coil to control the voltage across the first secondary coil and the second secondary coil.

23. Transformer arrangement according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the controller comprises a power factor control circuit configured to control the power factor of the transformer arrangement.

24. The power factor control circuit of the controller includes a variable reactance for the control coil; 24. The transformer arrangement of claim 23, wherein the power factor control circuit is configured to control a reactance connected to the control coil to control a power factor of the transformer arrangement.

25. the controller is configured to draw power from a primary side of the transformer arrangement and is electrically isolated from a secondary side of the transformer arrangement; or Transformer arrangement according to any of claims 19 to 24, wherein the controller is configured to draw power from a secondary side of the transformer arrangement and is electrically isolated from the primary side of the transformer arrangement.

26. When the controller is configured to draw power from the primary side, the controller is connected between the primary side of the transformer arrangement and the control coil; 26. The transformer arrangement of claim 25, wherein the controller is connected between the secondary of the transformer arrangement and the control coil when the controller is configured to draw power from the secondary.

27. 27. The transformer arrangement of claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the controller comprises an AC-AC converter configured to draw power from the primary or secondary side and apply a voltage or current waveform to the control coil to affect a transfer of energy between the first primary coil and the first and second secondary coils of the three-phase transformer arrangement.

28. 28. The transformer arrangement of claim 27, wherein the AC-AC converter is an asynchronous AC-AC converter.

29. Further comprising an energy storage circuit; If the controller is configured to draw power from the primary side, the energy storage circuit is configured to draw power from the primary side and provide stored power to the controller and the control coil; or Transformer arrangement according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein when the controller is configured to draw power from the secondary side, the energy storage circuit is configured to draw power from the secondary side and supply stored power to the controller and the control coil.

30. At least one transfer yoke includes: a first transfer yoke connected between the second end of the upper core limb and the first end of the upper core limb, configured to allow magnetic flux to flow between the first end of the upper core limb and the second end of the upper core limb; and a second transfer yoke connected between the fourth end of the lower core rim and the third end of the lower core rim and configured to allow magnetic flux to flow between the third end of the lower core rim and the fourth end of the lower core rim.

31. 31. The transformer arrangement of claim 30, wherein the first transfer yoke is spatially separated from the second transfer yoke.

32. one of the upper core limb and the at least one transfer yoke is disposed in a first plane; and / or Transformer arrangement according to any of claims 30 to 31, wherein one of the lower core limb and the at least one transfer yoke is disposed in the second plane.

33. an additional upper flux return path core connected between the second end of the upper core limb and the first end of the upper core limb; and / or 33. The transformer apparatus of any of claims 19 to 32, further comprising an additional lower flux return path core connected between the fourth end of the lower core limb and the third end of the lower core limb.

34. Transformer arrangement according to any one of claims 20 to 33 when dependent on claim 20, wherein the first control coil is connected in series with a further control coil.

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