Integrated Grid Transformer With Series Voltage Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distribution transformers lack reactive power control capability and voltage regulation, necessitating extensive retrofitting of FACTS controllers, which are bulky and difficult to install due to space constraints, and existing transformers have limited flexibility in managing voltage issues.
Innovation Solution
A transformer system integrating a step-down transformer with power electronics and coupling transformers for both voltage regulation and reactive power control, housed in a single tank with separate power electronics enclosure, allowing compact installation and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If FACTS controllers are retrofitted to distribution grids to improve power factor and voltage profiles, then reactive power control capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to extensive installation work and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the distribution transformer and FACTS controller into a single integrated unit. The transformer primary winding connects to the distribution grid while the secondary winding connects to the power line, with the FACTS controller embedded within the transformer structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate retrofitting operations and reduces installation complexity while maintaining reactive power control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated transformer-FACTS controller performs multiple functions simultaneously: voltage transformation (stepping down grid voltage to power line voltage) and reactive power control. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed and simplifies the overall installation process while providing both voltage regulation and power factor correction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If FACTS controllers are installed at distribution transformer sites to provide voltage regulation, then voltage control flexibility is improved, but installation space requirements worsen due to limited space at transformer locations
Solution Approach 1:
The FACTS controller is integrated within the transformer housing structure, utilizing the existing space allocated for the transformer. The controller shares the same physical location and support infrastructure as the transformer, eliminating the need for additional installation space while maintaining full voltage control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The FACTS controller is nested within the transformer structure, with the controller components housed inside or alongside the transformer tank. This nesting arrangement allows the controller to occupy the same physical footprint as the transformer without requiring additional external space, effectively hiding the controller within the existing transformer boundaries.
3Device complexity
If conventional distribution transformers are used without reactive power control, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to manage voltage issues and reactive power worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer is designed to perform both traditional voltage transformation and modern reactive power control functions. The primary winding receives grid voltage while the secondary winding provides regulated voltage to the power line, with the integrated FACTS controller enabling simultaneous voltage regulation and power factor correction, making the transformer a universal device for both classic and modern electrical distribution needs.
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
Enables flexible voltage regulation and reactive power control with reduced installation footprint, improving power grid efficiency and responsiveness to load changes.
Implementation Method 1
a first transformer configured to step down the grid voltage to an unregulated voltage
Implementation Method 2
The series coupling transformer is connected in series with the output of the first transformer and further connected to the power electronics circuitry. The power electronics circuitry is configured to add via the series coupling transformer a conditioning voltage in series to the unregulated voltage to generate the regulated voltage.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a transformer system (10) for converting a grid voltage (Vgrid) to a regulated voltage (Vregulated) and output the regulated voltage (Vregulated) to a power line (30), the transformer system (10) comprising: a first transformer (40) configured to step down the grid voltage (Vgrid) to an unregulated voltage (Vunregulated) and provide the unregulated voltage (Vunregulated) at an output of the first transformer (40); a shunt coupling transformer (50) connected in parallel with the output of the first transformer (40) and further connected to power electronics circuitry (60); and a series coupling transformer (70) connected in series with the output of the first transformer (40) and further connected to the power electronics circuitry (60). The power electronics circuitry (60) adds, via the series coupling transformer, a conditioning voltage (Vconditioning) in series to the unregulated voltage (Vunregulated) to generate the regulated voltage (Vregulated). The first transformer, the series coupling transformer and the shunt coupling transformer are housed in a single transformer tank (80), and the power electronics circuitry is housed in a power electronics enclosure (90) separate from the transformer tank. Each of the transformer tank and the power electronics enclosure comprises one or more openings (95) through which electrical connections (97) between the shunt coupling transformer (50), the series coupling transformer (70) and the power electronics circuitry (60) pass.