Autotransformer Tap Control With IoT Feedback for Stable Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional three-phase autotransformers suffer from manual operation errors, voltage instability, and inefficiency in maintaining constant output voltage, especially under dynamic load conditions, leading to voltage fluctuations.

Innovation Solution

An IoT-based automated voltage controller system for motor-operated three-phase autotransformers, utilizing a single-phase bidirectional synchronous motor, voltage sensors, and an Arduino-nano microcontroller to maintain constant output voltage through closed-loop feedback control, adjusting the autotransformer's tapping via relays and displays live data on an LCD.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual operation is used to adjust the autotransformer dial, then the system is simple in structure, but voltage stability deteriorates due to human errors and inability to continuously adjust

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidvoltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical dial adjustment system with an automated motor-driven mechanism. A synchronous motor is mechanically coupled to the autotransformer dial through a gear system, enabling automatic position adjustment based on voltage feedback signals from sensors, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where voltage sensors continuously monitor the output voltage and feed signals to a microcontroller. The microcontroller compares the measured voltage with the reference voltage and automatically adjusts the motor position to maintain stable output, ensuring continuous voltage stability without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If automated motor operation is used to adjust the autotransformer, then voltage stability improves through continuous adjustment, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gear mechanism as an intermediary between the motor and the autotransformer dial. This mechanical transmission system translates the motor's rotational motion into precise dial adjustments, enabling automated control while managing the complexity through modular mechanical design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-regulating control where the microcontroller automatically processes voltage feedback signals and triggers motor adjustments without external intervention. The synchronous motor responds autonomously to voltage deviations, creating a self-correcting system that maintains stability while minimizing the need for complex external control infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If hand-operated switch is used to regulate voltage, then the system is easy to operate, but precision deteriorates in dynamic load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidvoltage regulation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs voltage sensors that continuously measure the output voltage and provide real-time feedback to the microcontroller. This closed-loop system automatically detects voltage deviations caused by dynamic load changes and triggers precise motor adjustments to maintain accurate voltage regulation, eliminating the imprecision of manual switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the hand-operated mechanical switch with an automated motor-driven dial adjustment system. The synchronous motor, controlled by the microcontroller based on voltage feedback, provides continuous and precise position adjustment, achieving high voltage regulation precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system ensures precise and constant output voltage regulation, minimizing errors and compensating for supply fluctuations, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and safety by eliminating manual labor.

Implementation Method 1

The Autotransformer is a single-winding transformer that works on the principle of Faraday's Law of electromagnetic induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Two voltage sensors (V1, V2) are connected to output of the autotransformer (150)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260056564A1Iot-based automated voltage controller system for motor operated three-phase autotransformer
Publication Date: 2026.02.26 KUMAR RAMESH
  • US20260056564A1 patent drawing
  • US20260056564A1 patent drawing
  • US20260056564A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In an aspect of the present disclosure, an IoT-based automated voltage controller system for motor-operated three-phase autotransformer is disclosed and a method thereof. The controller system includes a single-phase bidirectional synchronous motor mechanically connected with a shaft of the autotransformer. The motor changes tapping of windings of the autotransformer through dials. A switch mode power supply (SMPS) circuit is configured to supply power to the voltage controller unit, which primarily steps down the voltage to 5V and rectify thereto into DC voltage. An Arduino-nano microcontroller associated with a plurality of modules. The modules are configured such that the output voltage of the motor-operated three-phase autotransformer remains either constant or varies at +4V irrespective of nature of power supply automatically during full load conditions, thereby compensating supply voltage fluctuations.