Non-bridging Tap Changer Controller for Transformer Voltage Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transformers experience significant operating losses when tap settings are on bridging positions, which existing technologies fail to effectively prevent, leading to increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a voltage monitor, non-bridging tap changer controller, and tap changer motor that generates and executes control data to prevent tap settings from being left on bridging positions, utilizing configuration data to adjust tap positions and maintain terminal voltage within desired ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tap settings are allowed to be on bridging positions, then voltage control resolution is improved, but operating losses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful bridging positions from the set of available tap settings. The controller is configured to identify bridging positions and exclude them from selection, effectively taking out the problematic configurations that cause high operating losses while maintaining the ability to select from remaining non-bridging positions for voltage control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by modifying which tap positions are available for selection. Instead of allowing all tap positions including bridging ones, the system changes the parameter set to exclude bridging positions, thereby altering the operating characteristics to reduce losses while maintaining voltage control capability through the remaining positions
2Ease of operation
If existing tap changer control is used, then tap settings can be adjusted for voltage control, but bridging positions cannot be prevented, leading to increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the controller continuously monitor the tap changer position and the configuration data to identify when a bridging position would be selected. The controller uses this feedback information to prevent selection of bridging positions, automatically adjusting the tap setting to a non-bridging position while maintaining voltage control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the controller with configuration data that identifies bridging positions before operation. The controller is prepared in advance to recognize and avoid these positions, preventing the harmful effect before it occurs rather than correcting it after the fact
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling voltage comprising a transformer having a terminal, a plurality of windings and a plurality of winding taps. A voltage monitor coupled to the terminal of the transformer and configured to generate voltage data representing a voltage appearing at the terminal of the transformer. A non-bridging tap changer controller coupled to the voltage monitor and configured to generate tap changer control data for changing a configuration of a tap changer in response to the voltage data. A tap changer motor coupled to the non-bridging tap changer controller and configured to move the tap changer in response to the tap changer control data.