Transfer-Core Transformer for Dynamic Voltage and Power Factor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electrical power infrastructure faces challenges in maintaining operational stability and efficiency due to the integration of asynchronous variable renewable generation, which leads to increased energy prices and fragility, necessitating additional and costly equipment for voltage transformation, dynamic control, and power factor correction.

Innovation Solution

A transformer apparatus with a unique electromagnetic core configuration, including outer and inner transformer limbs, transfer coils, and a controller for dynamic voltage control and power factor correction, allowing simultaneous transformation of three-phase power with harmonics suppression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional transformers are used for voltage transformation, then voltage transformation is achieved, but the system lacks dynamic voltage control capability and requires additional expensive equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic voltage control capabilityVSAvoidadditional equipment requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: voltage transformation, dynamic voltage control, power factor correction, and harmonics suppression. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated equipment for each function, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer incorporates dynamic control capabilities through variable reactance coils and control circuitry that can adjust transformation ratios and voltage levels in real-time. This dynamic nature allows the single device to adapt to changing system conditions without requiring additional control equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If asynchronous variable renewable generation is integrated into the electricity system, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but operational stability and system reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverenewable generation integrationVSAvoidoperational stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer apparatus incorporates feedback control mechanisms that continuously monitor system conditions and adjust transformation ratios and reactive power compensation accordingly. This feedback control helps stabilize the system by compensating for the variability introduced by asynchronous renewable generation, maintaining operational stability while enabling high renewable integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer can dynamically change its transformation ratio and reactive power output parameters in response to varying renewable generation levels. This parameter adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to the intermittent nature of renewable sources while maintaining stable operation and preventing reliability degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple separate devices are used for voltage transformation, dynamic control, and power factor correction, then each function is performed adequately, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality completenessVSAvoidnumber of equipment components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges voltage transformation, dynamic voltage control, power factor correction, and harmonics suppression functions into a single integrated transformer apparatus. This consolidation reduces the number of equipment components while maintaining complete functionality, thereby lowering system complexity and cost without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer apparatus is designed as a universal device that performs multiple essential functions simultaneously through shared components and control mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated equipment for each function, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring all required functionalities are adequately provided.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional transformer design is used, then simplicity of design is maintained, but dynamic regulation of power transfer is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidpower transfer regulation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer design incorporates dynamic elements such as variable reactance coils and controllable transformation ratios that enable real-time regulation of power transfer. These dynamic features are integrated into the transformer structure in a way that maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly enhancing adaptability and control capability.

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 provides efficient, cost-effective voltage transformation and power factor correction, enhancing the stability and reliability of electrical power systems by dynamically controlling voltage and isolating input and output phases, while reducing the need for additional equipment.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer is an electromagnetic device that transfers electric energy from one circuit to another circuit via mutual inductance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMutual inductance: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

When an alternating voltage is applied to the primary winding, an alternating current flows through the primary winding. This magnetizing current produces an alternating magnetic flux. The flux is mostly constrained within the magnetic core, and induces voltage in the linked secondary winding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250206741A1Electrical power transformation system and process
Publication Date: 2025.06.26 IONATE LTD
  • US20250206741A1 patent drawing
  • US20250206741A1 patent drawing
  • US20250206741A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A transformer apparatus for an electrical power transformation system is provided. The transformer apparatus comprises three outer transformer limbs, an inner transformer limb a transfer star, and first and second connection portions. The transfer star comprises an electromagnetic transfer core and three transfer coils. The electromagnetic transfer core extends from the inner transformer limb to each of the three outer transformer limbs at a point on each outer transformer limb between the first coil assembly and the second coil assembly. The transfer coils are wound around the electromagnetic transfer core such that each transfer coil is arranged between the inner transformer limb and a respective outer transformer limb. The transfer star is configured to allow transfer of magnetomotive force between the outer transformer limbs and the inner transformer limb of the transformer apparatus. First and second connecting portions are to allow magnetic flux to flow between the inner and outer transformer limbs.