Dual On-Load Tap Changer Switching for Wider Transformer Control Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switching arrangements for electrical systems with multiple control windings face limitations in extending control range and increasing the number of stages without requiring higher voltage and current capacities, and existing transformer designs do not efficiently utilize control windings for voltage regulation and phase shifting.

Innovation Solution

A switching arrangement with two on-load tap-changers and two control windings, where the tap-changers are connected in series and include preselectors or reversing switches, allowing parts of the control windings to be connected or bridged, thereby expanding the control range and increasing the number of stages without increasing voltage and current requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two on-load tap-changers are connected in parallel to extend control range, then the control range and number of stages are increased, but the voltage and current capacities required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol rangeVSAvoidvoltage and current capacities
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The control winding is divided into two separate control windings (first control winding and second control winding), each with its own on-load tap-changer. This segmentation allows independent control of each winding, enabling extended control range through series connection without requiring higher voltage and current capacities from individual tap-changers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from parallel connection to series connection of the on-load tap-changers. This dimensional change in the connection topology allows the control range to be extended while maintaining the same voltage and current capacity requirements, as the series connection distributes the voltage across both tap-changers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing transformer designs are used with control windings, then the structure is simple, but the control range is limited and the utilization of control windings for voltage regulation and phase shifting is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol rangeVSAvoidswitching arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two on-load tap-changers with their respective control windings into a unified switching arrangement. This merging allows the control windings to be connected in series, enabling extended control range and improved utilization for voltage regulation and phase shifting, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic switching capability through the on-load tap-changers, which can continuously adjust the number of turns in the control windings. This dynamic adjustment enables flexible voltage regulation and phase shifting, significantly improving the adaptability and control range compared to fixed transformer designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 proposed switching arrangement enhances the control range and stage count, enabling flexible voltage regulation and phase shifting, while maintaining efficient operation within existing voltage and current constraints.

Implementation Method 1

a first on-load tap-changer (16) with a first diverter terminal (161) and at least three first switching terminals (162), of which at least two are or can be connected to associated first taps (12) of the first control winding (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical connection switching: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the on-load tap-changers (16, 17) comprises a preselector (18) with two preselector terminals (181, 182) and a base terminal (183)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical switching: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

the preselector terminals (181, 182) can be connected to the ends of a coarse winding (19, 20) inductively coupled to this control winding (11, 13)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3183738B1Switching arrangement comprising two on-load tap changers, electric system comprising a switching arrangement of said type, and use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 MASCHFAB REINHAUSEN GMBH
  • EP3183738B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3183738B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3183738B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A switching arrangement (15) for an electric system (10) that includes a first and a second tapped winding (11, 13) comprises: - a first on-load tap changer (16) that includes a first discharge terminal (161) and three first switching terminals (162), at least two of which can be connected to associated first taps (12) of the first tapped winding (11); - a second on-load tap changer (17) that includes a first discharge terminal (171) and three second switching terminals (172), at least two of which can be connected to associated second taps (14) of the second tapped winding (13); - the second discharge terminal (171) is connected to the first discharge terminal (161) or to a first switching terminal (162") that is not associated with a first tap (12).