Motor-Driven Tap Changer Switching with Kinetic Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load-operated tap changers rely on spring energy storage for actuation, lacking control over the energy required for switching operations, leading to inefficiencies and potential overloading of components.
Innovation Solution
A switching unit that utilizes a drive system with a motor mechanically coupled to a load tap changer, where an actuating shaft stores kinetic energy and is used to actuate switching elements, optimizing energy use and preventing motor speed drops below a minimum value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If spring energy storage devices are used to actuate the load tap changer, then the switching operation can be performed, but the energy required for switching cannot be controlled and components may be overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring energy storage device from the system and replaces it with a motor-driven actuating shaft. This extraction eliminates the uncontrolled energy release characteristic of springs, allowing for controlled energy delivery through the motor while preventing component overload.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the motor speed and switching position continuously, enabling real-time feedback control. This ensures that the energy delivered during switching is precisely controlled and that the motor speed remains within safe operating limits, preventing component overload.
2Productivity
If a motor is sized to ensure minimum speed during switching, then switching times are met, but the motor becomes oversized and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit pre-calculates the optimal motor speed profile before switching begins. By planning the acceleration and deceleration phases in advance, the system ensures switching time compliance is achieved efficiently without requiring an oversized motor capable of maintaining minimum speed throughout the entire operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor operates in periodic cycles of acceleration, constant speed, and deceleration rather than maintaining continuous minimum speed. This periodic operation allows the motor to be sized for peak performance during switching moments rather than continuous operation at minimum speed, reducing overall motor size and cost.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the actuating shaft is used as kinetic energy storage, then energy efficiency is improved, but the shaft must be precisely matched to the switching elements
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the motor speed and adjusts the energy delivery to the actuating shaft in real-time. This feedback control compensates for variations in the shaft's moment of inertia and ensures optimal energy transfer, reducing the sensitivity to precise mass matching while maintaining high energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static spring energy storage system to a dynamic motor-driven system with variable speed control. The motor can adjust its output dynamically to match the instantaneous energy requirements of the switching elements, making the system more adaptable to variations in shaft mass and reducing the need for precise pre-matching.
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
Ensures efficient and safe switching operations by maintaining motor speed, preventing overcurrents, and reducing component stress, resulting in a cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
the drive system uses the actuating shaft as a storage device for kinetic energy, such that the actuating shaft is accelerated and the switching device is actuated by means of kinetic energy from the actuating shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a switch unit (1), comprising: - an on-load tap changer (17) having an actuating shaft (20) which actuates a switching means (21), and a drive system (3) having a motor (12); the drive system (3) being mechanically coupled to the on-load tap changer (17) and actuating it and, during actuation of the on-load tap changer (17), the drive system (3) using the actuating shaft (20) as a storage means for kinetic energy in such a way that the actuating shaft (20) is accelerated and the switching means (21) is actuated by means of kinetic energy from the actuating shaft (20) and additional energy which is provided by the motor (12).