Distribution Transformer Active Compensation Winding Voltage Regulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of distributed generators into existing power systems poses challenges such as voltage regulation, stability, and power quality issues, as traditional methods like transformer taps and capacitor banks have limitations, especially for frequent voltage variations and low X/R ratios, requiring an improved power quality control system.

Innovation Solution

An integrated power quality control system utilizing a distribution transformer with an active compensation winding to regulate voltage fluctuations, coupled with power electronic converters and a controller to manage magnetic flux and voltage across secondary windings, allowing for real-time adjustment of voltage and reactive power compensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If transformer taps are used to regulate voltage, then voltage regulation is improved, but the number of switchings is limited and frequent voltage variations cannot be handled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulationVSAvoidfrequency of voltage adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical transformer tap switching system with a power electronic converter system that uses semiconductor devices (IGBTs, MOSFETs, or diodes) to achieve voltage regulation. This electronic substitution allows for much faster and more frequent voltage adjustments without mechanical wear or switching limitations, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable voltage regulation and adaptability to frequent variations.

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

2Reliability

If capacitor banks or series transformers are used to adjust feeder voltages, then voltage regulation is improved, but separate installations are required and they may not work adequately for lower X/R ratio

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulationVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the voltage regulation function with the existing distribution transformer by integrating a power electronic converter directly into the transformer structure. The converter is coupled to the transformer windings, allowing voltage regulation to be achieved within the existing transformer housing rather than requiring separate capacitor bank or series transformer installations. This merging reduces installation complexity while maintaining effective voltage regulation for various X/R ratios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If series transformer is used to adjust feeder voltages, then voltage regulation is improved, but the feeder line must be broken for installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulationVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the voltage regulation functionality directly into the distribution transformer, eliminating the need for separate series transformer installations that would require breaking the feeder line. The power electronic converter is coupled to the transformer windings, allowing the existing transformer to perform both transformation and voltage regulation functions, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining effective voltage control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Power

If distributed generators are integrated into existing power systems, then power generation capacity is increased, but voltage regulation and power quality issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeneration capacityVSAvoidpower quality
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a control system that continuously monitors the output voltage and current of the distribution transformer and adjusts the power electronic converter accordingly. This feedback mechanism detects voltage fluctuations and power quality issues caused by distributed generators and automatically compensates for them, allowing the system to maintain high generation capacity while ensuring stable voltage and high power quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution provides stable feeder voltage supply, improves power quality, and optimizes system size and cost without the need to break feeder lines, effectively addressing voltage regulation and stability challenges across various load types.

Implementation Method 1

An integrated power quality control system utilizing a distribution transformer with an active compensation winding to regulate voltage fluctuations, coupled with power electronic converters and a controller to manage magnetic flux and voltage across secondary windings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2733809B1Power quality control
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2733809B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP2733809B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2733809B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

An integrated power quality control system (60) includes a transformer (62) with a primary winding (64), a secondary winding (66, 74) and a compensation winding (68, 75) wound on a magnetic core (158). A power electronic converter (78) in the system provides a reference voltage to the compensation winding (68, 75) for injecting a series voltage in the secondary winding (66, 76) of the transformer. A controller (80) is utilized to generate the reference voltage for the power electronic converter (78) based on a power quality control requirement.