Modular On-Load Tap Changer for Rapid Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-load tap-changers with semiconductor switching elements face challenges in maintenance and repair due to high costs and time consumption.
Innovation Solution
A switching device with exchangeable modules, featuring detachable connections between fixed and loose contacts, and a movable distribution plate on guide rails, allowing for easy replacement and reduced installation space, insulation, and coolant requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If semiconductor switching elements are used in on-load tap-changers, then switching performance is improved, but maintenance and repair costs increase and become more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device is divided into modular switching modules, each containing semiconductor switching elements. These modules can be independently exchanged during maintenance, allowing technicians to replace only the faulty module rather than the entire switching device. This segmentation maintains high switching performance while significantly simplifying maintenance procedures and reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor switching elements are extracted from the main housing and placed into separate, removable switching modules. This extraction allows the modules to be easily removed and replaced without disassembling the entire switching device, thereby maintaining the advanced switching capabilities of semiconductor elements while making maintenance much more manageable and less costly.
2Area of stationary object
If a compact design is implemented, then installation space is reduced, but access for maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The compact switching device is segmented into modular units that can be independently accessed. The front-accessible switching modules are designed to be easily removable from the compact housing, allowing maintenance personnel to access and replace modules without requiring disassembly of the entire compact unit. This maintains the space-saving compact design while ensuring easy maintenance access.
3Loss of time
If exchangeable modules are used, then maintenance time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device is organized into standardized modular units with uniform connection interfaces. This segmentation allows pre-tested modules to be quickly exchanged during maintenance, significantly reducing downtime. The standardized design actually simplifies the overall system architecture compared to integrated designs, as each module can be independently manufactured, tested, and replaced without affecting other parts of the system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a switching device, in particular an on-load tap changer, having a housing and at least one exchangeable switching module. The switching device (1), in particular on-load tap changer, comprises a housing (2); an exchangeable switching module (3, 3', 3"); a fixed contact (20) arranged inside the housing (2); a guide rail (25) arranged inside the housing (2). The switching module (3, 3', 3") has a movable contact (10) that can be releasably connected to the fixed contact (20). The switching module (3, 3', 3") has a lower distribution plate (51) that is movably connected to the guide rail (25).