Integrated Transformer Voltage Regulator for Grid Voltage Fluctuations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current power distribution networks face challenges in managing voltage fluctuations caused by the integration of renewable energy sources, leading to increased costs and efforts in maintaining voltage within the +/-10% tolerance in medium-voltage networks, especially due to the large size and weight of existing longitudinal voltage regulators, which complicates their repositioning and transportation.

Innovation Solution

A direct-axis voltage regulator with a single transformer that generates and couples an additional voltage into the supply line, reducing the device's size and weight, allowing for easier transportation and installation, and featuring a tap changer for adaptable voltage regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional longitudinal voltage regulator with separate voltage source and booster transformer is used, then voltage regulation function is achieved, but the device size and weight become large, complicating transportation and repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulation functionVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the voltage source and booster transformer into a single integrated transformer device. The transformer serves dual functions: generating the additional voltage through its winding configuration and coupling it into the supply line. This merging eliminates the need for separate voltage source and transformer components, directly reducing device weight and size while maintaining voltage regulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer in the invention performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the voltage source (through its primary winding) and the booster transformer (through its secondary winding). This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate components, thereby reducing overall device weight and simplifying transportation and installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a conventional longitudinal voltage regulator with separate voltage source and booster transformer is used, then voltage regulation function is achieved, but acquisition costs increase due to more components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulation functionVSAvoidacquisition costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the voltage source and booster transformer into a single integrated transformer, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, procured, and assembled. This consolidation directly lowers acquisition costs while maintaining the essential voltage regulation function through the transformer's dual-role winding configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a conventional longitudinal voltage regulator with separate voltage source and booster transformer is used, then voltage regulation function is achieved, but energy efficiency decreases due to more components and waste heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage regulation functionVSAvoidwaste heat

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of voltage source and booster transformer into a single device reduces the number of electrical connections, magnetic interfaces, and component boundaries. This minimizes energy losses at each interface and reduces cumulative waste heat generation, thereby improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining voltage regulation performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the network architecture is modified to reduce voltage increases, then voltage stability is improved, but costs and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidimplementation costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of investing in expensive and time-consuming network architecture modifications, the patent employs a relatively simple and cost-effective longitudinal voltage regulator with an integrated transformer design. This approach provides the necessary voltage stability through a more economical solution that avoids major infrastructure changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 compact and lightweight design enhances portability, reduces acquisition costs, and improves energy efficiency by minimizing waste heat and component-related issues, facilitating better voltage stabilization and integration of alternative energy sources into the network.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer (5) for coupling the additional voltage generated by the voltage source (6) into an input voltage (UL)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3336650B1Longitudinal voltage regulator

Publication Date: 2023.03.01 ABB POWER GRIDS SWITZERLAND AG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a longitudinal voltage regulator which has a voltage source for generating an additional voltage and a transformer for coupling the additional voltage into an input voltage, wherein the transformer is designed both for generating the additional voltage and for coupling the additional voltage into the input voltage.