Impedance-Control Transformer Assembly for Off-Peak Power Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution and isolation transformers consume significant electrical power during off-peak periods due to persistent excitation current, even when there is little or no load, leading to inefficiencies and high energy costs, as they cannot be mechanically disconnected from the grid without complex and costly switching systems.
Innovation Solution
The impedance control transformer assembly, which includes a main transformer and a high-impedance transformer coupled in series, uses bypass contactors and current sensors to adjust impedance dynamically, allowing for a low power mode during off-peak hours and switching to full power mode when demand increases, thereby reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional transformers operate continuously to ensure power availability, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly during off-peak periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transformer impedance adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes the impedance of the series transformer winding based on load conditions, allowing the transformer to adapt its characteristics to match operating requirements. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the transformer to maintain reliability when needed while reducing energy consumption during light load periods through impedance adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter of impedance to control power consumption. By adjusting the impedance of the series transformer winding through the controller in response to load conditions, the system modifies its electrical characteristics to reduce excitation current and associated losses during off-peak periods while maintaining proper transformation ratios during peak periods, thus resolving the energy consumption vs. reliability contradiction.
2Use of energy by moving object
If mechanical disconnection of transformer primary winding is used to reduce power consumption during off-peak periods, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical disconnection system with an electrical control system. Instead of using mechanical switches or disconnectors to isolate the transformer from the grid during off-peak periods, the system uses a controller to adjust the impedance of the series transformer winding electrically. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical switching mechanisms while achieving the same power consumption reduction goal through electrical impedance control.
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple transformers with different ratings are used to optimize power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single transformer system multi-functional by enabling it to operate in different modes based on load conditions. The series transformer winding with adjustable impedance allows the same transformer to efficiently handle both peak and off-peak load conditions, eliminating the need for multiple transformers with different ratings. This universal approach reduces system complexity while maintaining energy efficiency across varying operating conditions.
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 solution significantly reduces power consumption during off-peak hours by decreasing excitation current, achieving power savings of up to 99.2% compared to traditional systems, while enabling rapid adaptation to changing power demands without the need for expensive mechanical disconnection or multiple transformer systems.
Implementation Method 1
A high impedance or 'high-Z' transformer is configured to be coupled in a series circuit to the main transformer that establishes a combined impedance
Implementation Method 2
transformers are utilized to change and control voltages and currents
Data Source
AI summary
An impedance control transformer assembly includes and/or may be coupled with a main transformer having a nominal impedance, the assembly configured to be coupled to an electrical source and a distribution load. The assembly includes actuatable bypass contactors that couple the main transformer in a series circuit to a high-Z transformer configured to establish a combined impedance that exceeds the nominal impedance. Also included is a current sensor coupled to an output of the main transformer and which detects power demand of the distribution load. At least one processor is coupled to the current sensor and the bypass contactors, and are configured to actuate the bypass contactors responsive to detection of a predetermined power demand. When the distributed loads require less than the predetermined power demand, the processor automatically opens the bypass contactors to couple the main and high-Z transformers, which establishes a combined, increased impedance and a low power mode that decreases power consumption of the impedance control transformer assembly.