Toroidal Voltage Regulator With Tap Switching for Stable Power Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transformer-type power control devices are bulky and heavy, while switching control-type devices have poor durability, reliability, and generate electromagnetic interference (EMI), and fail to provide stable voltage regulation, leading to inefficiencies and heat issues.
Innovation Solution
A power saving device utilizing a toroidal core with a primary and secondary coil wound in opposite directions, a multi-channel switch, and a control means to adjust voltage through taps, along with core fixing members to secure and dissipate heat, ensuring stable voltage supply to the load side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional transformer-type power control devices are used, then voltage regulation function is provided, but the device becomes excessively bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large transformer into multiple small transformers (first transformer, second transformer, third transformer, fourth transformer), each handling a portion of the voltage regulation task. This segmentation reduces the weight and size of each individual transformer while collectively providing the required voltage regulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-phase transformer system to a three-phase transformer system, utilizing the third dimension of phase separation. By distributing power regulation across three phases with multiple transformers per phase, the system achieves better weight distribution and reduced overall device bulk while maintaining regulation capability.
2Weight of stationary object
If switching control-type power control devices are used, then device size is reduced, but durability, reliability, and economic feasibility deteriorate and EMI is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic switching control mechanisms with a magnetic-based transformer system that uses tap switches and selector switches. This substitution eliminates the need for high-frequency switching semiconductors, thereby removing the source of EMI while maintaining compact device size through efficient magnetic coupling and multiple tap points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple intermediate tap points and selector switches as intermediaries between the input power and output load. These intermediaries allow for stepped voltage regulation without requiring direct switching of the main power flow, reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining reliable control.
3Reliability
If primary coil polarity conversion switching method is used, then constant voltage control is attempted, but delicate constant voltage control cannot be performed and overheating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic tap selection mechanism where the selector switch can choose from multiple tap points (first tap, second tap, third tap, etc.) on each transformer based on the required output voltage. This dynamic adaptability allows for precise constant voltage control by selecting the optimal tap combination, while the distributed transformer structure reduces heat concentration and overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage regulation approach from polarity conversion to tap point selection, where the transformation ratio is adjusted by selecting different tap points on the transformers. This parameter change enables delicate constant voltage control through discrete voltage steps, reducing excessive heat generation associated with rapid polarity switching.
4Productivity
If primary coil circuit switch is closed, then load current flows through secondary coil, but current induced in primary coil generates heat and power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission path into multiple transformer stages, each handling a portion of the total power. By distributing the current load across four transformers instead of one, the current density and associated I²R losses in each transformer are reduced, improving overall power transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different tap point selections to different transformers based on local voltage requirements. Each transformer can be optimized for its specific function (e.g., first transformer for stepping down, second for fine adjustment), reducing overall power loss through localized optimization of each transformer's operating point.
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 device effectively reduces power consumption by stabilizing the supplied voltage, improving load performance and lifespan, and preventing temperature rises through efficient heat dissipation, while minimizing EMI and enhancing practicality.
Implementation Method 1
a toroidal core with a primary and secondary coil wound in opposite directions, a multi-channel switch, and a control means to adjust voltage through taps
Implementation Method 2
along with core fixing members to secure and dissipate heat, ensuring stable voltage supply to the load side
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed is the power saving device capable of reducing power consumption by maintaining a constant output voltage even when an input voltage changes, and more particularly, the power saving device capable of improving the performance and lifespan of a load by stably adjusting a supplied voltage through the toroidal core, the multi-channel switch, and the control means for controlling the same and then supplying it to the load side and also reducing power consumption accordingly, and particularly, safely and firmly fixing the toroidal core in which the primary coil and the secondary coil are wound inside the power saving device by using the core fixing members and also preventing a temperature rise by easily discharging the heat generated in the toroidal core out of the device.