Magnetic Amplifier Voltage Regulator for Grid Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Decentralized energy sources in power grids, such as photovoltaic and wind power systems, often generate line voltages above 440 V, exceeding the permissible limit for devices designed for 380 V ± 5%, leading to reduced efficiency, shortened service life, and increased risk of failure in consumers like pumps and compressors.

Innovation Solution

A device with a closed magnetic core having three parallel legs, featuring a control coil and two power coils operated in push-pull mode, where the control coil does not generate voltage, and a setting unit adjusts the control current to saturate the control magnet core, ensuring the output voltage does not exceed permissible limits, thus stabilizing grid voltages with minimal structural and cost effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If controllable transformers are used to regulate voltage, then voltage regulation is achieved, but the device becomes large and heavy due to required large windings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulation capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical transformer structure with a magnetic amplifier system that uses magnetic saturation control. Instead of large electromagnetic windings, the invention uses a closed magnetic core with controlled saturation regions to achieve voltage regulation, significantly reducing device weight and size while maintaining regulation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating parameter from mechanical winding adjustment to magnetic saturation control. By controlling the saturation level of the magnetic core through a control winding, the effective permeability changes, which directly controls the voltage ratio without requiring large physical transformers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If controllable transformers are used to regulate voltage, then voltage regulation is achieved, but the device becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic amplifier system replaces expensive transformer components with simpler magnetic core structures and control windings, reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity while achieving the same voltage regulation function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses cost-effective magnetic core materials and simple control circuitry instead of expensive transformer components, making the voltage regulation system more economically viable for widespread deployment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Power

If decentralized energy sources are integrated into power grids, then energy generation capacity is increased, but voltage stability deteriorates due to voltage exceeding permissible limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy generation capacityVSAvoidvoltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic amplifier system inherently provides feedback control through its magnetic saturation characteristics. The control winding detects voltage deviations and automatically adjusts the saturation level to maintain stable output voltage, ensuring voltage remains within permissible limits even with variable decentralized energy input

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the magnetic permeability parameter through controlled saturation, allowing it to adapt to varying input conditions from decentralized energy sources while maintaining stable voltage output, thus resolving the voltage stability issue

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for precise and reproducible voltage setting, preventing undesirable load impairments in consumers, ensuring safe operation, and is cost-effective and robust compared to semiconductor-based solutions, suitable for intelligent power grids.

Implementation Method 1

a control current for the control coil being generated in the setting unit depending on a target value for the output voltage, by means of which the control magnet core is brought fully or partially into saturation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic saturation: Magnetic Saturation

Implementation Method 2

at least one first power coil on a first power magnetic core, an input voltage being fed to the first power coil. Furthermore, the electromagnetic device comprises a second power coil on a second power magnetic core, the second power coil being routed to a voltage output at which an output voltage is present

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3024003B1Device for adjusting a voltage with at least one electromagnetic device
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 DIEZ MANFRED
  • EP3024003B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3024003B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3024003B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for adjusting a voltage, comprising at least one electromagnetic device (2), including at least one first power coil (10a) on a first power magnetic core (6a), wherein an input voltage (UN) is applied to the first power coil (10a), at least one second power coil (10b) on a second power magnetic core (6b), wherein the second power coil (10b) is connected to a voltage output (12) at which an output voltage (UR) is applied, and at least one control coil (7) on a control magnetic core (5). The device includes at least one adjustment unit connected to the control coil (7). The power coils (10a, 10b) are designed such that they do not generate a voltage at the control coil (7).In the setting unit, a control current for the control coil (7) is generated depending on a setpoint for the output voltage (UR), thereby providing a setting of the output voltage (UR).