Integrated Vacuum Interrupter for Transformer Tap Changers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tap changers for transformers require multiple vacuum interrupters and mechanical switching means, leading to complexity, high costs, and large space requirements, while failing to adequately handle high surge voltages due to insufficient impulse withstand voltage.
Innovation Solution
A single vacuum interrupter with multiple movable contact systems in separate, sealed chambers replaces the need for individual vacuum interrupters and mechanical switching means, providing enhanced dielectric strength and surge voltage resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple vacuum interrupters and mechanical switching means are used, then surge voltage resistance is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vacuum interrupters and mechanical switching means into a single integrated vacuum interrupter device. Multiple movable contact systems (first, second, third contact systems) are arranged within separate sealed chambers inside one housing, eliminating the need for separate vacuum interrupters and mechanical switches while maintaining surge voltage resistance through the sealed chamber design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the internal space of the vacuum interrupter into separate sealed chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) for different contact systems. This segmentation allows each contact system to be electrically isolated while sharing the same housing, enabling reduced component count while maintaining the dielectric strength required for surge voltage resistance.
2Reliability
If multiple vacuum interrupters and mechanical switching means are used, then surge voltage resistance is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple previously separate components (multiple vacuum interrupters and mechanical switching means) into a single integrated housing containing multiple sealed chambers. This merging dramatically reduces the installation space required while maintaining surge voltage resistance through the sealed chamber architecture that provides electrical isolation between contact systems.
3Reliability
If contact gaps are oversized to withstand voltage stress, then surge voltage resistance is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vacuum interrupter into separate sealed chambers for different contact systems. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for its specific function with appropriately sized contact gaps, rather than requiring all contacts to have oversized gaps for maximum voltage withstand. The sealed chambers provide electrical isolation that maintains surge voltage resistance while allowing compact design of individual contact gaps.
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 reduces component complexity and costs, eliminates the need for mechanical switching, and enhances surge voltage resistance, enabling efficient and compact uninterrupted switching between transformer taps.
Implementation Method 1
a first contact system I, a second contact system II and a third contact system III, which are each designed as vacuum interrupters
Implementation Method 2
The dielectric strength of the new type of vacuum interrupter is increased in that the individual vacuum interrupters of the multiple contact systems are in separate, i. H. mutually sealed, vacuum interrupter chambers
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tap changer for the interruption-free switchover between winding taps of a tap-changing transformer. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a novel vacuum interrupter which is particularly suitable for such a tap changer. The tap changer according to the invention is based on the general concept of combining in each case one main contact (V1) and one mechanical switching means (U1), connected in series therewith, of a first load branch and an additional resistive contact (V3) of a second load branch in only a single vacuum interrupter (1) with a common housing (5). The vacuum interrupter (1) according to the invention is furthermore based on the general inventive concept of replacing the functionalities of two required vacuum interrupters in accordance with the prior art and an additional mechanical switching means with a single vacuum interrupter (1) according to the invention by virtue of combining the design of a vacuum interrupter (1) with a plurality of moveable contact systems (I, II, III), which are arranged in separate vacuum interrupter chambers (2, 3, 4) which are sealed with respect to one another.