On-Load Tap Changer Selector Switch With Delayed Vacuum Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional selector switches for on-load tap changers require complex drive mechanisms and multiple insulation sectors, making them unstable and difficult to coordinate.
Innovation Solution
A selector switch with a central insulation tube housing both main and resistor vacuum interrupters, a common actuation device, and a simplified drive mechanism using a Geneva drive, which rotates to perform a coordinated switching sequence with a time delay, eliminating the need for separate insulation sectors and reducing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional selector switches use two separate vacuum interrupters with different insulation sectors, then the switching operation can be performed, but the drive mechanism becomes very complex and coordination becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the main vacuum interrupter and resistor vacuum interrupter into a single shared insulation tube, eliminating the need for separate insulation sectors. Both interrupters share the same insulation structure and are actuated by a common driving mechanism, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable switching operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single insulation tube serves multiple functions: it provides insulation for both the main vacuum interrupter and the resistor vacuum interrupter, acts as a common structural support, and enables coordinated actuation of both interrupters through a single driving mechanism, reducing the overall system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional selector switches use different insulation sectors for fastening vacuum interrupters and resistor vacuum interrupter, then the components can be mounted, but the system becomes unstable and difficult to coordinate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting structure for both vacuum interrupters into a single insulation tube, creating a unified and stable assembly. This common mounting structure eliminates coordination issues between separate insulation sectors and provides inherent mechanical stability to the entire selector switch assembly.
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 achieves a stable and compact configuration with simplified insulation and drive mechanisms, enabling efficient and coordinated switching of vacuum interrupters without the need for precise coordination, resulting in a more reliable on-load tap changer system.
Implementation Method 1
two vacuum interrupters (VI) are provided, one having a low resistivity for carrying a nominal current and one resistor type vacuum interrupter
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A selector switch for an on-load tap changer comprises a stationary insulation tube enclosing an insulation compartment; a central insulation tube disposed inside the insulation compartment; and a drive mechanism. The central insulation tube has, per each phase, a main vacuum interrupter (110) including one end having a movable contact and including a fixed end; a resistor vacuum interrupter (120) including one end having a movable contact and including a fixed end; an actuation device (150) configured to commonly actuate the movable contacts of the vacuum interrupters; a main sliding arm (115) extending from the fixed end of the main vacuum interrupter; and a resistor sliding arm (125) extending from the fixed end of the resistor vacuum interrupter. The drive mechanism is configured to rotationally drive the central insulation tube such that by the rotation a switching sequence is performed, the switching sequence including moving the main sliding arm (115) from a current tap to a next tap and, after a time delay has passed, moving the resistor sliding arm (125) from a current tap to a next tap.