Load Tap Changer Phase Angle Full Cycle Firing Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial processes face challenges in efficiently managing and distributing electrical power, leading to high costs and equipment downtime due to sudden changes in electrical current, which can cause thermal shock and harmonic induction in loads like platinum fiber optic bushings.

Innovation Solution

A system that controls a load tap changer to switch between phase angle firing and full cycle firing modes, using a gating software process synchronized with the power mains frequency to manage power delivery, and an EPower system that optimizes energy distribution based on temporal length and power of electrical signals to reduce energy consumption and harmonics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If phase angle firing operation mode is used to control power delivery, then precise temperature control is achieved, but harmonic induction and power factor degradation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidharmonic induction
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic full cycle firing bursts instead of continuous phase angle control. By delivering power in synchronized periodic bursts aligned with the AC mains cycle, the system eliminates harmonic distortion while maintaining temperature control through temporal modulation of power delivery intervals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the operation mode between phase angle firing and full cycle firing based on process conditions. This parameter switching allows optimization of both temperature precision and power quality by selecting the appropriate mode for different operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If phase angle firing operation mode is used for power control, then temperature regulation is maintained, but energy costs increase due to poor power factor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature regulationVSAvoidenergy costs
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic full cycle firing bursts synchronized with the AC mains frequency to deliver power in efficient intervals. This approach improves power factor by eliminating the phase shift between voltage and current that characterizes phase angle control, thereby reducing reactive power losses and energy costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system switches between phase angle firing mode and full cycle firing mode based on process conditions and power factor requirements, optimizing the balance between temperature regulation precision and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If sudden changes in electrical current occur, then power delivery flexibility is improved, but thermal shock and equipment downtime result

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery flexibilityVSAvoidequipment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides beforehand cushioning by using gradual power delivery through phase angle control during startup and transition phases. This gradual ramping prevents sudden thermal shocks to the load while maintaining the ability to deliver full power when needed, thereby protecting equipment reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts between phase angle firing and full cycle firing modes based on real-time process conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows flexible power delivery while preventing abrupt current changes that could cause thermal shock, thereby maintaining both flexibility and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2441165B1Improvements in the distribution and utilisation of electrical energy in industrial processes
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 EUROTHERM BV
  • EP2441165B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2441165B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2441165B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A system for distribution of electrical energy to a load is provided. The system comprises a load tap changer to distribute electrical energy to the load, wherein the load tap changer is controllable for operation in either phase angle firing operation mode or full cycle firing operation mode. The system also comprises a memory storing an electrical energy distribution strategy and a central unit that commands the load tap changer to change between phase angle firing operation mode and full cycle firing operation mode in accordance with the electrical energy distribution strategy.