Geneva Ring Tap Switching for Reliable Multi-Position Changers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-load tap changers face challenges in providing a reliable and efficient mechanism for switching tap connections without increasing complexity and reducing flywheel energy, while allowing for a large number of tap positions.
Innovation Solution
A switching system utilizing a Geneva mechanism with a rotatable ring and driving wheel, where the driving wheel rotates to transmit force to the ring, allowing easy switching between tap positions with reduced mass movement and friction, and incorporating a bearing arrangement to support the ring and reduce friction further.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional switching mechanism is used in an on-load tap changer, then the structure is well-established, but the complexity of the driving mechanism increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a rotatable ring with multiple recesses for different tap positions, a driving wheel with protrusions that engage with the recesses, and a connector. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable ring acts as an intermediary element between the driving wheel and the connector. The driving wheel rotates the ring, which in turn moves the connector to different tap positions. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the direct connection between the driver and the switched element, reducing complexity and improving reliability through buffered motion transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more tap positions are provided, then the versatility of the on-load tap changer increases, but the complexity of the switching mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable ring serves multiple functions: it stores the connector, guides its movement to different tap positions, and transmits rotational motion from the driving wheel. By making this single component multi-functional, the design achieves high tap position versatility without proportionally increasing mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is nested within the rotatable ring structure, which itself is nested within the housing. The driving wheel is positioned inside the rotatable ring. This nested arrangement allows multiple tap positions to be accessed within a compact space without requiring complex external mechanisms for each position.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the mass to be moved during switching is reduced, then the flywheel energy decreases, but the number of achievable tap positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic rotation of the light rotatable ring to access multiple tap positions rather than moving heavy components. The ring can rotate freely to different positions and is held in place by the engagement of protrusions with recesses during switching operations, providing both low mass for energy efficiency and multiple position capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving wheel engages the rotatable ring in periodic cycles: rotating it to a new tap position, holding it there for operation, then resetting for the next switching operation. This periodic engagement allows the light ring to sequentially access multiple tap positions without requiring continuous heavy mass movement, achieving both low flywheel energy and high versatility.
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 solution enhances reliability and reduces complexity by allowing multiple tap positions with lower mass movement and flywheel energy, improving the overall efficiency and performance of the on-load tap changer.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing arrangement comprises a plurality of bearings. The bearings are coupled to the holder. For example, the bearings comprise ball bearings that are arranged to support the rotatable ring with respect to the holder and to reduce a friction between the rotatable ring and the holder.
Data Source
AI summary
A switching system for an on-load tap changer comprises: a Geneva mechanism, wherein the Geneva mechanism comprises: a holder, the holder being fixed relative to a housing;a rotatable ring with a recess, the rotatable ring being supported by the holder and being rotatable relative to the holder;a connector, the connector being rotatable together with the rotatable ring to electrically connect with a tap of the tap changer; and a rotatable driving wheel with a protrusion, the protrusion being coupleable with the recess to rotate the rotatable ring, the driving wheel being arranged inside the rotatable ring.