Ferroresonant Transformer Winding Segmentation for UPS Voltage Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ferroresonant transformers in UPS systems lack improved designs for efficient operation in both line and standby modes, particularly in handling variations in primary and secondary power sources.

Innovation Solution

A ferroresonant transformer design with a core, main shunt, first, second, and third windings, where the resonant capacitor is connected to the third windings, allowing for efficient switching between primary and secondary power sources to maintain uninterrupted power supply in line and standby modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional ferroresonant transformer design is used, then the transformer provides voltage regulation and surge suppression, but the design lacks efficiency improvements for handling variations in primary and secondary power sources in both line and standby modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuninterrupted power supplyVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer is divided into distinct winding sets: first windings for primary power source connection, second windings for secondary power source connection, and third windings for resonant capacitor connection. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each winding's function, improving overall operational efficiency while maintaining reliable power transfer in both line and standby modes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer core and magnetic circuit are designed to universally handle both line mode operation (primary power source active) and standby mode operation (secondary power source active) through the same physical structure. The third windings serve dual purposes by connecting to the resonant capacitor while providing output signals in both operational modes, eliminating the need for separate circuit paths

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If active components are used for voltage regulation and surge suppression, then precise control is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulationVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ferroresonant transformer utilizes its own magnetic circuit and resonant capacitor to automatically regulate voltage and suppress surges without requiring external active control components. The resonant circuit formed by the third windings and capacitor self-adjusts to maintain stable output voltage across varying input conditions, achieving reliable voltage regulation while keeping the device complexity low

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer exploits changes in magnetic circuit parameters (inductance, reluctance) and resonant frequency parameters as operating conditions vary. By designing the magnetic circuit and resonant capacitor values to change effectively with operating mode, the system achieves adaptive voltage regulation and surge suppression without active control components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances voltage regulation, surge suppression, and isolation without active components, ensuring reliable power delivery to loads in both line and standby modes, improving the overall performance of UPS systems.

Implementation Method 1

A ferroresonant transformer is a saturating transformer that employs a tank circuit comprised of a resonant winding and capacitor to produce a nearly constant average output even if the input to the transformer varies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerroresonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

A ferroresonant transformer circuit includes a transformer having an input winding, an output winding, and a third winding that forms part of a resonant circuit that produces saturation in the output winding when an AC voltage on the input winding exceeds a predetermined amplitude

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic saturation: Magnetic Saturation

Implementation Method 3

A ferroresonant transformer comprising a core, a main shunt arranged relative to the core to define a primary side and a secondary side of the ferroresonant transformer. The first windings are arranged on the primary side... The second windings are arranged on the secondary side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3624149B1Ferroresonant transformer for use in uninterruptible power supplies
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 ALPHA TECHNOLOGIES SERVICES INC
  • EP3624149B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3624149B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3624149B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A ferroresonant transformer comprises a core, a main shunt, first windings, second windings, and third windings. The main shunt arranged relative to the core to define a primary side and a secondary side of the ferroresonant transformer. The first windings are arranged on the primary side of the ferroresonant transformer and are operatively connected to the primary power source. The second windings are arranged on the secondary side of the ferroresonant transformer and are operatively connected to the secondary power source. The third windings are arranged on the secondary side of the ferroresonant transformer and are operatively connected to the resonant capacitor. When a primary signal is present on the first windings, a first output signal is present on at least a portion of the third windings. When a secondary power is present on the second windings, a second output signal is present on at least a portion of the third windings.