Controllable Local Network Transformer Dual Tap Changer Voltage Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing controllable local network transformers face challenges due to the complexity and cost of medium-voltage vacuum switches on the high-voltage side and the coarser adjustment steps on the low-voltage side, which limit precise voltage regulation and increase structural complexity.

Innovation Solution

A controllable local network transformer design featuring on-load tap changers on both high-voltage and low-voltage sides, utilizing vacuum switches and a controller for precise voltage adjustments, allowing for fine steps on the high-voltage side and coarse steps on the low-voltage side, with a bridging circuit for current management during switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If on-load tap changer is placed on high-voltage side with medium-voltage vacuum switches, then voltage regulation precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulation precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single on-load tap changer into two separate units: one on the high-voltage side with limited switching stages (coarse adjustment) and one on the low-voltage side with multiple switching stages (fine adjustment). This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently, reducing the complexity of individual vacuum switch assemblies while maintaining overall voltage regulation precision through coordinated operation of both units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If on-load tap changer is placed on low-voltage side, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage regulation precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidvoltage regulation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the voltage regulation function into two levels: coarse adjustment on the high-voltage side and fine adjustment on the low-voltage side. The low-voltage on-load tap changer provides multiple switching stages (e.g., 20 stages) that enable precise voltage regulation, while the high-voltage unit provides broader range adjustment. This segmentation allows the low-voltage side to achieve high precision without requiring an excessive number of vacuum switches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional characteristics to different parts of the system. The high-voltage on-load tap changer is designed for coarse adjustment with fewer stages, while the low-voltage on-load tap changer is designed for fine adjustment with more stages. Each part is optimized for its specific function, allowing the low-voltage side to provide precise regulation where it is most needed while keeping overall device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If on-load tap changer is placed on high-voltage side, then voltage regulation precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulation precisionVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the expensive high-voltage vacuum switch assembly into a simplified unit with fewer switching stages, reducing manufacturing cost. The majority of the voltage regulation precision is achieved through the low-voltage on-load tap changer, which uses cheaper low-voltage vacuum switches. This segmentation strategy maintains overall precision while significantly reducing the cost burden on the high-voltage side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive medium-voltage vacuum switches with a combination of simpler high-voltage switches and multiple low-voltage vacuum switches. The low-voltage vacuum switches, being cheaper components, are used in greater numbers to achieve the required precision, effectively substituting expensive components with more affordable alternatives that collectively provide equal or better performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Device complexity

If on-load tap changer is placed on low-voltage side, then device complexity is reduced, but adjustment step size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadjustment step size
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the adjustment function into two levels: coarse adjustment on the high-voltage side and fine adjustment on the low-voltage side. The low-voltage on-load tap changer provides numerous switching stages (e.g., 20 stages) that create small adjustment steps, while the high-voltage unit provides broader range adjustment with larger steps. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fine adjustment steps without requiring an excessively complex single-unit design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design achieves precise voltage regulation with reduced structural complexity and cost by allowing fine voltage adjustments on the high-voltage side while minimizing the complexity on the low-voltage side, providing a wide adjustment range with fewer switches and avoiding circulating currents.

Implementation Method 1

a controllable local network transformer for transforming the electrical voltage from the medium-voltage network to the lower voltage used in the low-voltage network

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Medium-voltage vacuum switches are disadvantageously complex and therefore expensive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum arc extinction:

Data Source

PatentEP3365906B1Controllable local network transformer
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3365906B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3365906B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a controllable local network transformer, comprising at least one high-voltage coil on a high-voltage side, at least one low-voltage coil on a low-voltage side, a first on-load tap changer for the low-voltage side, wherein the first on-load tap changer is designed for switching between at least two different numbers of turns of the low-voltage coil and comprises at least one second switch for this purpose, and a second on-load tap changer for the high-voltage side, wherein the second on-load tap changer is designed for switching between at least two different numbers of turns of the high-voltage coil and comprises at least one second switch for this purpose.