Transformer Switching Chain for Fast Voltage Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transformer arrangements for electrical power applications require expensive and slow tap changers to adjust output voltage, and there is a need for a simpler mechanical structure that can perform current interruption and voltage adaptation.
Innovation Solution
A transformer arrangement with a chain link of switching blocks connected to the windings, comprising voltage contribution blocks for adjusting voltage and circuit breaker blocks for current interruption, allowing for faster and more efficient voltage adjustment without a tap changer, and enabling reactive and active power injection, as well as harmonic regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tap changer is used to adjust output voltage, then voltage adaptation is achieved, but the mechanical structure becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tap changer system with an electronic power electronic module (PEM) that uses semiconductor switches and energy storage elements to achieve voltage adaptation. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical moving parts while maintaining voltage regulation capability through electronic control of switching devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The power electronic module performs multiple functions simultaneously: voltage adaptation, current interruption, reactive power compensation, and harmonic filtering. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate mechanical devices into a single electronic system, reducing overall mechanical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tap changer is used to adjust output voltage, then voltage adaptation is achieved, but the adjustment speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic switching devices in the PEM can change state instantaneously, enabling rapid voltage adjustment without the mechanical inertia and wear associated with tap changers. The semiconductor switches respond to control signals in microsecond timescales, dramatically improving adjustment speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The power electronic module uses periodic switching of semiconductor devices at high frequencies to synthesize the desired output voltage waveform. This periodic switching action allows continuous and rapid voltage adjustment by modulating the duty cycle of the switches, achieving fast response to changing load conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a power electronic module is added to the transformer, then voltage adaptation and current interruption are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power electronic module with the transformer into an integrated unit where the PEM is directly connected to the transformer winding. This merging allows shared magnetic components and coordinated control, reducing the need for separate standalone devices while achieving both voltage adaptation and current interruption functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The power electronic module is designed to perform multiple functions: voltage adaptation through DC voltage contribution, current interruption via circuit breaker blocks, reactive power compensation using capacitor banks, and harmonic filtering. By consolidating these functions into one module, the patent avoids adding multiple separate devices that would increase overall system complexity.
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 simplifies the mechanical structure, enables faster voltage adjustment, and provides continuous impedance regulation, allowing for reactive and active power management, while eliminating the need for tap changers, thus reducing costs and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first energy storage element may be an element for short-term energy supply, such as a capacitor
Implementation Method 2
The second energy storage element may be an energy storage element for long term energy supply, such as a battery or a supercapacitor
Implementation Method 3
a transformer with a primary and a secondary winding
Data Source
AI summary
A transformer arrangement is provided. The transformer arrangement includes a transformer with a primary and a secondary winding and a chain link of switching blocks connected in series between one of the windings and a load, where the switching blocks comprise a first set of voltage contribution blocks and a second set of circuit breaker blocks, where the first set of voltage contribution blocks is configured to adjust a voltage output by the transformer with an offset voltage and the second set of circuit breaker blocks is configured to interrupt a current running through the chain link.