HVDC Autotransformer Layout for Split PCC Power Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional HVDC transmission systems are complex and bulky, requiring multiple active parts, which increases costs and footprint, and are not well-suited for intermittent power sources like offshore wind parks, where power needs to be distributed across multiple AC networks with varying voltages.

Innovation Solution

A HVDC transformer configuration with a single converter and auto-transformer winding connected to a phase shifting transformer, allowing power transmission to two separate AC networks with different voltages, reducing the number of tanks and active parts by integrating the step-down function into the HVDC transformer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional HVDC systems use separate HVDC interface transformers and step-down transformers with PST, then power can be transmitted to multiple AC networks, but the system becomes complex and bulky with many active parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the HVDC interface transformer and step-down transformer into a single integrated transformer unit. The primary winding connects to the HVDC converter while secondary windings provide multiple voltage levels for different AC networks, eliminating the need for separate transformers and reducing system complexity while maintaining multi-network distribution capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated transformer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an HVDC interface transformer and a step-down transformer for multiple voltage levels. A single device provides power transformation to multiple AC networks with different voltage requirements, reducing the number of active parts while maintaining versatility

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional systems use 3 single phase combined auto and PST transformers, then power transmission to multiple networks is achieved, but cost and footprint requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-network power transmissionVSAvoidfootprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the auto-transformer and phase-shifting transformer functions into a single integrated unit with tap changers on the secondary windings. This consolidation reduces the number of separate transformer units from 3 to 1, significantly reducing the footprint and installation space while maintaining the capability to transmit power to multiple AC networks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional systems use multiple separate transformers, then voltage transformation to different levels is achieved, but the number of active parts and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage transformation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of active parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated transformer provides multiple secondary windings with different turns ratios, enabling voltage transformation to multiple different voltage levels from a single primary winding. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate transformers, reducing the quantity of active parts while maintaining full voltage transformation capability for different AC networks

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

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 configuration simplifies the system, reduces costs and footprint, and allows for efficient power distribution and transfer between AC networks with different voltages, enhancing flexibility and reliability in power transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a HVDC transformer, or a HVDC transformer configuration, for use in electrical power transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

phase shifting transformer (not shown on this figure)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase shifting:

Data Source

PatentEP4329128A1HVDC transformer configuration for split pccs
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
  • EP4329128A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4329128A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4329128A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a HVDC transformer configuration (10, 50) for use in electrical power transmission to at least a 1st AC network and a 2nd AC network, the configuration comprising: - a 3 single phase HVDC transformer, in which each phase comprises a first winding (2, 12, 22) connected to a HVDC converter (s) and a second winding (4, 14, 24) connected to both said 1st AC network and said 2nd AC network; - wherein the second winding (4, 14, 24) of each phase is configured as auto-transformer and comprises a tap connection (6, 16, 26), said tap connection being connected to a Phase Shifting Transformer (30) to regulate the power transmission to said 2nd AC network