Transformer Switching Chain for Fast Voltage Adaptation and Interruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transformer arrangements for electrical power applications require complex and expensive tap changers to adjust output voltage, which are also slow and mechanically cumbersome, and lack efficient current interruption capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A transformer arrangement with a chain link of switching blocks connected to the secondary winding, comprising voltage contribution blocks for adjusting voltage output and circuit breaker blocks for current interruption, allowing for simpler mechanical structure, faster voltage adjustment, and continuous impedance regulation, along with reactive and active power injection and harmonic regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a tap changer is used to adjust output voltage, then voltage adaptation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage adaptationVSAvoidmechanical structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical tap changer system with an electronic switching block system. The switching blocks, controlled by control signals, electronically adjust the transformer winding connections to achieve voltage adaptation without mechanical moving parts, thereby eliminating the complexity and cost associated with traditional mechanical tap changers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching block is designed to perform multiple functions: voltage adaptation through winding ratio adjustment, current interruption capability, and potential reactive power compensation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mechanical tap changer and circuit breaker systems, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a tap changer is used to adjust output voltage, then voltage adaptation is achieved, but response speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage adaptationVSAvoidresponse speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical tap changer is replaced with an electronic switching system that can change winding connections instantaneously through electronic control signals. This eliminates the mechanical movement time and contact wear issues, providing rapid voltage adaptation response suitable for dynamic load conditions and fast transient protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If traditional transformer structure is used, then simplicity is maintained, but current interruption capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical structureVSAvoidcurrent interruption capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Speed

If a switching block system is implemented, then response speed improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into modular components that correspond to each switching block. Each switching block can be controlled independently or in coordination with others, allowing for simplified control logic. The segmentation enables incremental implementation and reduces the complexity burden by distributing control functions across multiple independent units rather than requiring a single complex control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 a compact structure for voltage adaptation with current interruption capability, simplifying the mechanical structure, enabling faster voltage adjustments, and allowing for continuous impedance regulation, reactive power injection, and harmonic regulation, thus improving transformer efficiency and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer with a primary and a secondary winding and a chain link of switching blocks connected to one of the secondary windings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The voltage contribution block may additionally comprise a first energy storage element. Optionally it may also comprise a second energy storage element.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3839999B1Transformer arrangement

Publication Date: 2023.10.18 HITACHI ENERGY SWITZERLAND AG

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AI summary

The invention is concerned with a transformer arrangement (10) comprising a transformer (12) with a primary and a secondary winding (12P, 12S) and a chain link (14) of switching blocks connected in series between one of the windings and a load (L), 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 (12) with an offset voltage and the second set of circuit breaker blocks is configured to interrupt a current running through the chain link (14).