Booster-Feeder Transformer Voltage Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage control systems for medium voltage distribution networks face challenges in maintaining voltage levels within tolerance ranges, especially in long transmission lines, due to continuous voltage drops or rises, which require frequent and wear-prone tap changes in transformers.
Innovation Solution
A voltage control system comprising a booster-transformer and a feeder-transformer with an intermediate circuit, using contactor switches and commutation resistors to selectively adjust voltage taps, allowing for flexible and robust voltage regulation without the need for frequent tap changer replacements, and enabling integration into distribution networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tap changers are used to regulate voltage in distribution networks, then voltage levels can be maintained within desired ranges, but the construction effort increases and the tap changers are subject to increased wear due to high current switching
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the voltage regulation function into two separate components: a feeder transformer for power transmission and a booster transformer for voltage adjustment. This segmentation allows the booster transformer to handle only the voltage regulation function with minimal current, eliminating the wear problems associated with high-current tap changers while maintaining voltage regulation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The booster transformer acts as an intermediary device between the feeder transformer and the load. It receives power from the feeder transformer and provides the necessary voltage adjustment through its taps, thereby protecting the main feeder transformer from wear while achieving the desired voltage regulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tap changers are used for voltage regulation, then voltage levels can be adapted, but frequent tap changes lead to increased wear and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the voltage adaptation function into a dedicated booster transformer with multiple taps, the system enables frequent voltage adjustments without wearing the main feeder transformer. The booster transformer's taps can be switched frequently to adapt to varying load conditions while the feeder transformer remains unaffected.
Solution Approach 2:
The booster transformer creates a copied version of the voltage regulation function, allowing the system to achieve voltage adaptation through the booster's taps rather than relying on the feeder transformer's tap changer. This copying approach preserves the durability of the main transformer while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If traditional tap changers are used in long transmission lines, then voltage levels can be adjusted, but the high current switching causes increased wear and potential failures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the electrical system into a feeder transformer for power delivery and a booster transformer for voltage control. This segmentation ensures that the booster transformer handles only the voltage adjustment function with minimal current, eliminating the harmful wear effects that would occur if the feeder transformer had to handle both power transmission and voltage regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The booster transformer serves as an intermediary that handles the voltage control function separately from the main power transmission path. By positioning the booster transformer in this intermediary role, the system achieves reliable voltage control without subjecting the main feeder transformer to the harmful effects of frequent high-current switching.
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 provides a compact, reliable, and easy-to-integrate voltage regulation unit that minimizes wear and maximizes flexibility, allowing for adjustable voltage control independent of distribution transformers, with a simplified construction and reduced risk of short circuits during tap changes.
Implementation Method 1
a booster-transformer (12) and a feeder-transformer (18), each of the booster-transformer and the feeder-transformer having a respective primary winding and a secondary winding
Implementation Method 2
one or more contactor switches (30-40) which are associated with each of the taps and are selectively switchable into the intermediate circuit (50)
Implementation Method 3
one or more commutation resistors connected in series with the taps of each group
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, the invention provides a voltage control system for medium voltage applications. The voltage control system provides a booster-transformer and a feeder-transformer, each of the booster-transformer and the feeder-transformer having a respective primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein the secondary winding of the feeder-transformer is electrically connected with the primary winding of the booster-transformer by an intermediate circuit. The voltage control system also includes a connection device configured to connect the secondary winding of the booster transformer with an electrical energy supply network in order that the secondary winding of the booster transformer is connected in series with a transmission line having a voltage that is to be controlled.