Transformer Winding Segmentation for Short-Circuit Impedance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transformers face challenges in achieving sufficient short-circuit impedance for secondary windings, particularly when used in medium or high voltage inverters, leading to potential current overload issues.

Innovation Solution

The transformer design includes a magnetic core with a primary winding divided into sections and pull-out portions, and secondary windings arranged along the axial direction, with adjustable gaps between winding sections and windings to increase leakage flux and short-circuit impedance. This configuration allows for customization of gap sizes and numbers to achieve the required short-circuit impedance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the secondary windings are wound using disk winding method, then the winding structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the short-circuit impedance is insufficient leading to current overload problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewinding manufacturing easeVSAvoidshort-circuit impedance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary windings are divided into multiple independent winding units arranged axially along the magnetic core. Each winding unit is separated from others by insulating structures, creating distinct magnetic circuits. This segmentation increases leakage flux between windings and thereby increases short-circuit impedance while maintaining the simplicity of disk winding manufacturing method

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Insulating structures including insulating pillars and insulating layers are introduced between adjacent secondary windings. These intermediary elements increase the physical distance and magnetic reluctance between windings, enhancing leakage flux and short-circuit impedance without complicating the winding process itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the short-circuit impedance is increased to prevent current overload, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional insulating structures and winding configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent overload protectionVSAvoidwinding structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary windings are divided into multiple independent winding units arranged axially along the magnetic core. Each winding unit is separated from others by insulating structures, creating distinct magnetic circuits. This segmentation increases leakage flux between windings and thereby increases short-circuit impedance while maintaining the simplicity of disk winding manufacturing method

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating structures serve multiple functions: they provide electrical insulation between windings, increase leakage flux for higher short-circuit impedance, and maintain mechanical spacing. This multi-functionality achieves current overload protection without proportionally increasing device complexity

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

3Reliability

If multiple secondary windings are arranged axially distributed along the magnetic core, then the short-circuit impedance is increased, but the space utilization and compactness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshort-circuit impedanceVSAvoidtransformer volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary windings are arranged in the axial dimension along the magnetic core rather than being stacked radially or in parallel. This axial distribution along the length of the core efficiently utilizes the available space while creating the necessary leakage flux paths, achieving higher short-circuit impedance without excessive volume increase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design effectively increases short-circuit impedance, reducing the risk of current overload and enhancing safety by managing inter-layer voltage and facilitating heat dissipation, while maintaining efficient operation and space utilization.

Implementation Method 1

The uncoupled magnetic flux between the second windings and the first winding (that is the leakage flux) can generate inductive impedance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2846335B1Transformer
Publication Date: 2016.11.02 DELTA ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • EP2846335B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2846335B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2846335B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A transformer includes a magnetic core, a primary winding, and a plurality of secondary windings. The magnetic core has an axial and a radial direction. The primary winding includes a plurality of winding sections and at least one connecting section. The winding sections are arranged along the axial direction. The connecting section is connected between the two adjacent winding sections. Each of the winding sections includes a plurality of primary winding layers and pull-out portions. The primary winding layers surround the magnetic core and are arranged along the radial direction. One pull-out portion connects two primary winding layers adjacent to the pull-out portion. Part of normal projections of the primary winding layers on a surface of the magnetic core are located between normal projections of the pull-out portions on the surface of the magnetic core. The secondary windings surround the primary winding.