Series Injection Transformer on Power Tower

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current high voltage power distribution systems face challenges in efficiently controlling active power flow due to congested networks, leading to unbalanced line currents and increased losses, with existing distributed impedance injection systems being costly and unreliable.

Innovation Solution

An active impedance injection module with a multi-turn primary winding transformer is suspended from a tension-bearing tower, enabling higher voltage and current injection capabilities while reducing the number of modules needed, and using a non-gapped transformer core with ribbon conductors to minimize weight and heating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of stationary object

If a single-turn primary winding transformer is used for distributed impedance injection, then the device weight is reduced and installation is simplified, but the voltage injection capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransformer weightVSAvoidvoltage injection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The primary winding is divided into multiple turns instead of a single turn, allowing the transformer to achieve higher voltage injection capability through increased winding turns while maintaining a distributed installation approach on the transmission line

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer is mounted on the transmission line structure (tower or pole) rather than being clamped directly to the conductor, transitioning from a conductor-mounted configuration to a structure-mounted configuration that provides additional space and support for higher power capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If more distributed impedance injection modules are deployed to improve power flow control, then the coverage and control capability are enhanced, but the system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower flow control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of modules
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer design with multi-turn primary winding provides enhanced voltage injection capability in a single unit, allowing one module to perform the work of multiple single-turn modules, thereby reducing the total number of devices needed while maintaining or improving control capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Weight of moving object

If ribbon conductors are used in the transformer windings, then the weight and heating are reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductor weightVSAvoidwinding precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Ribbon conductors with flat cross-section are used instead of round conductors, providing better packing density in the winding and reduced skin effect, which decreases weight and heating while the precision requirements are managed through controlled winding techniques

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 enhances the influence on power flow, improves system reliability, and reduces costs by allowing for dynamic and static control of power transfer, increasing the efficiency and stability of the power grid.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer having a multi-turn primary winding, the voltage converter generating voltages at the appropriate phase angle to be impressed on a secondary winding of the series injection transformer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3387454B1Power transmission tower mounted series injection transformer
Publication Date: 2020.12.30 SMART WIRES INC
  • EP3387454B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3387454B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3387454B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

The power transmission tower mounted series injection transformer (TMIT) injects impedance and/or voltage on a transmission tower power line. A tension bearing tower uses vertical and horizontal insulators to support and stabilize the ΤΜΓΤ. The TMIT can be much heavier than a transformer device clamped to the high-voltage transmission line. The TMIT is connected in series with the tension bearing tower's jumper allowing it to use a multi-turn transformer. By operating at the line voltage potential, the TMIT does not require the large bushings and oil drums used by sub-station injection transformers.