System (200) for operating a load
tap changer, wherein the
system comprises: a plurality of strands (208, 210), at least one of which is caused to switch from a first tap (202) to a second tap (204) of the load
tap changer upon
receipt of a tap change
signal, each strand having at least one mechanical switch (214, 216) and wherein an
electrical connection is established between the first tap (202) or the second tap (204) and a supply terminal (212) of the load
tap changer when at least one mechanical switch (214, 216) of at least one of the plurality of strands is opened; and a plurality of
semiconductor switches (220, 222, 224, 226), wherein each
semiconductor switch (220, 222, 224, 226) is arranged in parallel to the mechanical switches (214, 216) and, in the activated state, provides an
electrical connection between the first tap (202) or the second tap (204) and a supply terminal (212) of the load tap changer; and a
processing unit (228) configured to selectively activate and deactivate the mechanical switches (214, 216) and the
semiconductor switches (220, 222, 224, 226) such that the
electrical connection between the at least one tap (202, 204) and the supply terminal (212) is maintained during the transition of the at least one strand (208, 210) from the first tap (202) to the second tap (204) without causing a
short circuit between the two taps (202, 204). the
processing unit (228) is also configured to: Generating the step
switching signal to move at least one strand (208, 210) from the first tap (202) to the second tap (204) when a condition for step switching is met; Generating activation signals for the semiconductor switches (220, 222, 224, 226) when the stage
switching signal is generated; and Generating a plurality of deactivation signals for the mechanical switches (214, 216) from at least one strand (208, 210) connected to the first tap (202) when a stage switching condition is met.