Integrated Transformer Reactor for AC DC Railcar Power Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional AC/DC electric railcars face challenges in equipping both transformer and reactor apparatuses in limited space due to the inability of AC section apparatuses to function in DC sections and vice versa, leading to inefficient use of space and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A voltage transforming apparatus with a first high voltage side coil, a first low voltage side coil magnetically coupled to the high voltage side coil, and a second low voltage side coil, along with switches to switch voltage between the coils, allowing the apparatus to operate as a transformer in AC sections and a reactor in DC sections, thereby reducing equipment space and enabling stable output in both sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both transformer and reactor are equipped separately in AC/DC electric railcar, then the railcar can operate in both AC and DC sections, but the equipment space required increases beyond available space under carbody
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transformer and reactor into a single integrated apparatus. The transformer includes a core with primary and secondary coils, while a reactor coil is wound around a portion of the core. This merging allows both AC transformation and DC reaction functions to be performed by one shared magnetic circuit and core structure, eliminating the need for separate apparatus and reducing equipment space.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus serves multiple functions: it acts as a transformer when AC voltage is supplied to the primary coil, and as a reactor when DC voltage is supplied. The same core and winding structure perform both roles depending on the input voltage type, achieving multi-functionality and adaptability without requiring separate dedicated equipment for AC and DC sections.
2Power
If transformer is equipped for AC section operation, then voltage transformation is achieved in AC sections, but the transformer becomes a mere load in DC sections where it cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer is designed with multi-functionality to operate effectively in both AC and DC sections. When DC voltage is supplied to the primary coil, the secondary coil generates a voltage through the changing magnetic flux during the switching process, allowing the transformer to function as a reactor in DC sections rather than becoming a useless load. This eliminates energy waste and maintains operational utility across both voltage types.
3Reliability
If separate AC and DC apparatus are installed to ensure reliable operation in respective sections, then operational reliability is maintained, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the AC transformer and DC reactor into a single integrated apparatus with a shared core and winding structure. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant components while maintaining operational reliability in both AC and DC sections through the unified magnetic circuit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus provides universal functionality for both AC and DC operations. The same physical structure performs different functions depending on the input voltage type, reducing the number of separate apparatus needed while ensuring reliable operation across both voltage types through a single well-designed system.
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 apparatus reduces the equipment space required in the carbody by operating as a transformer in AC sections and a reactor in DC sections, achieving a stable output in both environments and minimizing the need for separate apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a first low voltage side coil magnetically coupled to the first high voltage side coil, and a second low voltage side coil magnetically coupled to the first high voltage side coil
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6(b)
AI summary
A voltage transforming apparatus (101) includes a first high voltage side coil (3), a first low voltage side coil (4A) magnetically coupled to the first high voltage side coil (3), a second low voltage side coil (4B) magnetically coupled to the first high voltage side coil (3), and a first switch (SW1, SW2A, SW2B) switching an externally supplied voltage between being supplied to the first low voltage side coil (4A) and the second low voltage side coil (4B) and being supplied to the first high voltage side coil (3). The first low voltage side coil (4A) and the second low voltage side coil (4B) are provided such that a magnetic flux that is generated by current flowing through the first low voltage side coil (4A) and a magnetic flux that is generated by current flowing through the second low voltage side coil (4B) cancel each other out when a voltage is supplied via the first switch (SW31, SW2A, SW2B).