Tapped Transformer Converter Coupling for Flexible Voltage Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transformer arrangements lack flexibility in voltage conversion rates, as they rely on constant winding ratios and on-load tap changers, which are costly and limited to discrete conversion values.

Innovation Solution

A transformer arrangement comprising a transformer with four taps on its secondary windings, a converter that couples three taps to the secondary side, and filter circuits that smooth the voltage between taps, allowing for the generation of multiple output voltages and flexible control of the conversion rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an on-load tap changer (OLTC) is used to vary the conversion rate, then the conversion rate can be adjusted, but the manufacturing costs increase and only distinct values are achievable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion rate adjustmentVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary windings are divided into multiple segments with taps at different positions along the winding. Instead of using a complex OLTC mechanism, the patent segments the windings and uses simple switching means to connect different tap points to the output, achieving conversion rate adjustment without increasing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical OLTC system with an electronic switching system. The switching means (such as thyristors or transistors) electronically switch between different tap points on the secondary windings, eliminating the need for mechanical tap changers and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining conversion rate adjustability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an on-load tap changer (OLTC) is used to vary the conversion rate, then the conversion rate can be adjusted, but the system becomes more complex and limited to discrete values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion rate adjustmentVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical OLTC system with an electronic switching system. The switching means (such as thyristors or transistors) electronically switch between different tap points on the secondary windings, eliminating the need for mechanical tap changers and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining conversion rate adjustability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If constant winding ratios are used, then the transformer structure is simple, but the conversion rate cannot be varied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidconversion rate flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary windings are divided into multiple segments with taps at different positions along the winding. This segmentation allows different portions of the windings to be connected to the output, providing multiple conversion rate options while maintaining a simple transformer structure without complex adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic switching capability to an otherwise static transformer structure. The switching means can dynamically change the connection point on the secondary windings during operation, enabling the conversion rate to be adjusted without changing the physical transformer structure, thus maintaining structural simplicity while achieving adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables continuous and fast regulation of the output voltage, reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for regulation windings, and provides flexibility in voltage conversion, addressing the limitations of traditional transformer arrangements.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer with first windings coupled to the first arrangement side and with second windings having a first to a fourth tap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first filter circuit coupling the first tap to the third tap and a second filter circuit coupling the third tap to the second tap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS12316235B2Transformer arrangement and method for voltage conversion including a transformer and a converter coupling

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 HITACHI ENERGY LTD

AI summary

A transformer arrangement includes a first and a second arrangement side and a transformer with first windings coupled to the first arrangement side and with second windings having a first to a fourth tap. The transformer arrangement comprises a converter coupling the first, second and third tap to the second arrangement side, a first filter circuit coupling the first tap to the third tap and a second filter circuit coupling the third tap to the second tap.