Modular Tap Changer With Segmented Windings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tap changers with semiconductor switching elements face high circuit complexity and reliability issues due to the need for special adaptation and potential failure of individual switching elements, which can lead to inadequate voltage regulation.

Innovation Solution

A modular, expandable tap changer design utilizing magnetically coupled partial windings with series-connected semiconductor switching elements and center taps, allowing for redundant voltage generation and simplified adaptation to different voltage levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If semiconductor switching elements are used to replace mechanical selector arms in tap changers, then voltage regulation control is improved, but circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulation controlVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control winding is divided into multiple independent partial windings (first partial winding, second partial winding, third partial winding), each controlled by its own switching element. This segmentation allows simplified control logic for each segment while achieving overall automated voltage regulation, resolving the contradiction between automation extent and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If individual semiconductor switching elements are used to control winding taps, then voltage regulation precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential failure of individual elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulation precisionVSAvoidregulation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different partial windings are assigned different numbers of turns (first partial winding: 1 turn, second partial winding: 3 turns, third partial winding: 6 turns), creating local quality variations. This allows the system to achieve precise voltage regulation through weighted combinations of partial windings while maintaining reliability, as the failure of one switching element does not completely disable the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If the control winding is subdivided into multiple partial windings with individual switching elements, then voltage regulation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulation accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple partial windings are magnetically coupled and electrically combined in series or parallel configurations to achieve the desired voltage regulation. The magnetic coupling allows the partial windings to work together as a unified system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high regulation accuracy through coordinated operation of the switching elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides a simple, adaptable, and highly reliable tap changer capable of maintaining accurate voltage regulation even if individual switching elements fail, with reduced wiring complexity and the ability to expand or modify the system as needed.

Implementation Method 1

The individual modules of the controllable transformer with tap changer according to the invention each comprise an electrical partial winding of the control winding which is magnetically coupled to the control winding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2652868B1Adjustable transformer with tap changer
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 MASCHFAB REINHAUSEN GMBH
  • EP2652868B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2652868B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2652868B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a tap changer for regulating voltage, comprising semiconductor switching elements on a regulating transformer having a regulating winding. The tap changer is modularly constructed, wherein each module comprises a sub-winding of the regulating winding that can be switched on or off by semiconductor switching elements.