On-Load Tap Changer Automated Setting via Motor Drive Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-load tap changers require manual connection of different tap positions, making the installation and operation time-consuming and prone to errors, and existing setting reporting arrangements are not suitable for high current circuits due to slow contact separation.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a parameterized control device to activate the motor drive in a first rotational direction to reach the end of the regulating range, then reverses direction to normalize to a predefined operational setting, utilizing nonvolatile storage to define and maintain the operational setting, allowing for automated switching between winding taps without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual connection of different tap positions is used, then installation and operation can be completed, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically determines operational settings by activating the motor drive in a first rotational direction to reach the end abutment, then reversing to normalize to a predefined setting. The system self-configures without manual intervention, storing the determined setting in nonvolatile memory, thereby eliminating human error and accelerating installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical connection with an automated electronic control system. The control device uses electrical signals to activate the motor drive, which mechanically positions the tap changer, and stores the configuration electronically in nonvolatile memory, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electromechanical systems.
2Speed
If existing setting reporting arrangements are used, then operational settings can be reported, but contact separation is too slow for high current circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the operational setting determination function from the traditional setting reporting arrangement. Instead of using mechanical reporting contacts that require slow separation, the control device independently determines settings through motor drive activation and stores them electronically, removing the bottleneck of slow contact separation entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical setting reporting arrangement with an electronic control system. The control device uses electrical activation of the motor drive and electronic storage in nonvolatile memory to determine and retain operational settings, eliminating the mechanical contact separation process and enabling high current circuit applications.
3Loss of time
If automated switching is implemented, then installation time is reduced, but complex control mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the control device actively determine operational settings through motor drive activation rather than passively receiving settings from mechanical reporting contacts. This inversion simplifies the control mechanism while enabling automated switching, as the system self-configures by reaching the end abutment and normalizing to a predefined setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs multiple functions: it activates the motor drive, determines operational settings, stores them in nonvolatile memory, and enables automated switching. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall control mechanism while achieving automated installation and operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An operational setting of an on-load tap changer used to switch between various winding taps of a tapped transformer is determined by first placing the on-load tap changer in operation with the tapped transformer and then moving the changer in a first rotational direction through a regulating range of its stationary operational settings on different winding taps of the tapped transformer toward an end abutment of the tapped transformer. The position is registered on reaching the end abutment of the regulating range of the on-load tap changer, and then the movement is reversed to return to the first stationary operational setting that is then configured as a predefined operational setting with the help of the parameterization that is stored in a nonvolatile memory of the control device.