On-Load Tap Changer Head Detector Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing on-load tap-changer systems face challenges in cost-effective protection against faults that cause pressure increases due to reduced insulating oil effectiveness, leading to potential oil decomposition and gas formation, which existing flow relays struggle to address efficiently.

Innovation Solution

An on-load tap changer head with a detector device featuring a flow flap and magnetic clutch system, allowing for the detection of increased fluid flow rates and actuation of switches without being under oil, reducing costs and enhancing durability and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If switches are placed in the first area under insulating oil for fault detection, then fault detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to expensive oil-resistant components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detector device is segmented into two distinct areas: a first area exposed to insulating oil for flow detection, and a second area isolated from oil for housing switches and electronics. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally designed for its specific environment, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining fault detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switches and electronic components are extracted from the oil-exposed environment and placed in a separate second area. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive oil-resistant components while preserving the fault detection function through magnetic coupling across the boundary wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If switches are placed in the first area under insulating oil, then fault detection is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases due to expensive oil-resistant switches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The expensive oil-resistant switches are extracted from the first area and replaced with standard, cost-effective switches located in the second area. The extraction is enabled by magnetic coupling through the wall, which transmits the flow detection signal without requiring direct contact between the switch and insulating oil.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic field acts as an intermediary to transmit the flow detection signal from the first area to the switches in the second area. This intermediary mechanism allows standard switches to be used instead of expensive oil-resistant switches, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining fault detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If flow detection components are isolated from insulating oil, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but transmission of movement signals becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsignal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

A magnetic field serves as an intermediary to transmit movement signals from the flow flap in the first area to the switches in the second area. The magnetic coupling through the wall enables reliable signal transmission without requiring physical penetration of the oil barrier, solving the signal transmission challenge while maintaining component isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical signal transmission system is replaced with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of using mechanical linkages that would require penetrating the wall barrier, the invention uses magnetic coupling to transmit the flow detection signal, simplifying the overall system while enabling effective signal transmission across the isolated boundary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 design simplifies construction, reduces costs by eliminating expensive oil-resistant components, and ensures reliable detection and signaling of faults, enhancing the overall protection and efficiency of the on-load tap-changer system.

Implementation Method 1

The transmission of the movements by means of the magnetic couplings is particularly durable and reliable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a flow flap which is arranged in the first area and folds from a first position into a second position above a specified flow rate of the insulating fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3465710B1On-load tap changer head and on-load tap changer having an on-load tap changer head
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 MASCHFAB REINHAUSEN GMBH
  • EP3465710B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3465710B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3465710B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

An on-load tap changer head (20) for an on-load tap changer (10) comprises a first region (21) which is formed in the on-load tap changer head (20) and through which an insulating fluid (17) of the on-load tap changer (10) can flow; a second region (23) which is separated from the first region (21) by a wall (22); a detector apparatus (39) for detecting an elevated flow rate of the insulating fluid (17), comprising a flow control flap (24) which is arranged in the first region (21) and switches from a first position (24A) to a second position (24B) starting from a defined flow rate of the insulating fluid (17); a first coupling magnet (25) which is fastened to the flap (24) and is located in the immediate vicinity of the wall (22) in the second position (24B) of the flow control flap (24); a second coupling magnet (26) which is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the wall (22) in the second region (23); a switch (27) which is arranged in the second region (23) and is coupled to the second coupling magnet (26) in such a way that the process of switching over the flow control flap (24) from the first position (24A) to the second position (24B) operates the switch (27).