Transformer Core Magnetization Control for Consistent Exciting Current Tests

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Solution Overview

Problem

The measurement of exciting currents in transformers is often affected by the residual magnetic state of the transformer's core, especially when the test voltage is significantly less than the rated voltage, leading to inconsistent and unreliable test results, and the process of demagnetization requires additional equipment and different test configurations that may not always be available.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for dynamically managing the core magnetic state by injecting a DC offset voltage during exciting current and loss tests, using an external DC voltage source connected in series with the test circuit, which adjusts polarity and magnitude to minimize residual magnetism, allowing for consistent test results without the need for separate demagnetization equipment or configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional demagnetization procedures are used to eliminate residual flux, then test result consistency is improved, but equipment complexity and test configuration requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest result consistencyVSAvoidequipment and test configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the demagnetization function with the existing test equipment by integrating a DC voltage source into the test circuit. This allows the same equipment to perform both testing and demagnetization operations, eliminating the need for separate demagnetization equipment and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The test equipment is designed to perform multiple functions: it can conduct exciting current tests, loss tests, and demagnetization operations using the same hardware configuration. The DC voltage source can be switched between testing mode and demagnetization mode, making the equipment universal and eliminating the need for different leads or configurations.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If separate demagnetization equipment is used, then residual magnetism is eliminated, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional equipment and configuration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual magnetism effectVSAvoidtest procedure simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the demagnetization operation into the existing test procedure by using the same test leads and equipment. The operator simply switches the equipment to DC mode and applies voltage in the opposite direction, eliminating the need for separate demagnetization equipment and complex reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service demagnetization capability where the test equipment itself performs the demagnetization function without requiring external specialized equipment. The operator can eliminate residual magnetism using the same equipment already connected to the transformer, making the process as simple as reversing polarity and applying DC voltage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If demagnetization is performed after testing, then residual flux is reduced, but time loss increases due to additional processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual fluxVSAvoiddemagnetization processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables demagnetization to be performed before testing or immediately between test sequences using the same equipment setup. By having the demagnetization capability integrated into the test equipment, the operator can eliminate residual flux from previous operations without waiting for separate demagnetization equipment or procedures, reducing overall processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous operational capability by allowing seamless transition between testing and demagnetization modes without equipment reconfiguration or setup changes. The same circuit and leads are used for both operations, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the testing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 approach enables consistent and reliable exciting current and loss test results independent of the initial magnetization state, eliminating the need for additional demagnetization steps and equipment, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and usability of the test results.

Implementation Method 1

injecting a direct current (DC) offset voltage; adjusting at least one of a polarity and a magnitude of the DC offset voltage while monitoring a test current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The extra component facilitates rotation of magnetic domains that translates in a reduction of residual magnetism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic domain rotation: Magnetic Hysteresis

Data Source

PatentEP4209795B1Optimizing transformer exciting current and loss test results by dynamically managing core magnetic state
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 DOBLE ENGINEERING CO
  • EP4209795B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4209795B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4209795B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for optimizing transformer exciting current and loss test results by dynamically managing core magnetic state. In an exemplary embodiment, a method includes injecting a direct current (DC) offset voltage; adjusting at least one of a polarity and a magnitude of the DC offset voltage while monitoring a test current for one or more criteria; and bypassing a source of the DC offset voltage when the test current has satisfied the one or more criteria, whereby residual magnetism, if any, of a core of the transformer is minimized.