Horizontal On-Load Tap Changer with Vacuum Interrupters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-load tap changer devices for high-voltage electrical equipment are bulky, heavy, and inefficient, requiring extensive dielectric fluid and increasing transformer dimensions, with vertical arrangements causing vibrations and hindering integration in distribution transformers, and lacking efficient inspection and temperature management for cold startups.
Innovation Solution
A compact, planar, and horizontally or vertically installable single-phase on-load tap changer device with insulating plates, vacuum interrupters, and a direct actuation mechanism, eliminating intermediate elements, incorporating current-limiting elements, and an integrated inspection window for reduced dimensions and weight, improved mechanical reliability, and self-regulating voltage control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional on-load tap changer devices with vertical arrangement and intermediate elements are used, then voltage regulation function is achieved, but transformer volume and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes intermediate transmission elements (camshafts, threaded spindles, sliding carriages) from the tap changer mechanism, directly coupling the motor to the switching means and tap selector means. This extraction of unnecessary components significantly reduces the device volume while maintaining the voltage regulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical arrangement of switching means to a horizontal arrangement equidistantly positioned at 120° on a horizontal plane. This dimensional change eliminates the need for vertical intermediate transmission elements and reduces the overall device volume and transformer height.
2Area of stationary object
If vertical arrangement of switching means is used, then compact mounting is achieved, but vibrations are not compensated and mechanical reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the three switching means equidistantly at 120° intervals on a horizontal plane, creating a symmetric horizontal distribution that balances vibrations. This asymmetric arrangement relative to the vertical configuration allows vibration compensation while maintaining compact mounting area.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If inspection window is placed on upper cover, then tap position verification is enabled, but operator safety risks increase and equipment height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the tap changer device state through the inspection window, allowing operators to verify tap position remotely without physically accessing high-risk areas. This copying of the visual state enables safe monitoring from a distance.
4Reliability
If conventional tap changer devices are used, then voltage regulation is achieved, but dielectric fluid consumption and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes intermediate transmission elements that occupy significant volume within the transformer, thereby reducing the total volume available for dielectric fluid and minimizing the quantity of this environmentally impactful substance required.
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 reduces transformer size and weight, minimizes dielectric fluid usage, compensates for vibrations, allows easy inspection, and ensures reliable operation in extreme climates by managing dielectric fluid temperature, achieving efficient voltage regulation and extended service life.
Implementation Method 1
at least one switching means (vacuum interrupter) provided with a moving contact and a fixed contact
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an on-load tap changer device, which allows the automatic regulation of voltage in the secondary winding (28) of high-voltage electrical equipment (26, 65) by selecting the number of turns of the primary winding (27) by means of an on-load tap changer device (1, 40), having reduced volume and weight, obtaining the highest possible number of transformation ratios without changing the constructive arrangement of the high-voltage electrical equipment (26, 65).