Transformer Winding Segmentation for Tap Changer Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tap changer systems for dry-type transformers are complex and require significant design and insulation efforts, as they need to handle larger voltage fluctuations than typically required, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A transformer winding configuration with three winding modules, where only the middle module has a tap changer, allowing for reduced voltage swing and simplified insulation, with adjustments made during de-energized states using screw connections or cable attachments, and utilizing selector switches for short-term changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a tap changer is provided for the entire additional winding to handle large voltage fluctuations, then the voltage control range is improved, but the design complexity and insulation effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage control rangeVSAvoiddesign complexity and insulation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The additional winding is divided into three separate winding modules (first, second, and third winding modules), with only the second winding module equipped with a tap changer. This segmentation allows the voltage control function to be distributed, reducing the complexity and insulation requirements for each individual module while maintaining the overall voltage control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a tap changer is provided for the entire additional winding, then long-term voltage changes can be compensated, but the cost and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage fluctuation compensation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and maintenance effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the additional winding into three modules and equipping only the second module with a tap changer, the manufacturing cost and maintenance effort are reduced while still achieving the capability to compensate for long-term voltage changes through coordinated operation of the winding modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tap changer is locally applied only to the second winding module where it is most needed for handling voltage fluctuations, rather than being uniformly applied to the entire additional winding. This local quality approach optimizes resource allocation and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the additional winding is divided into three winding modules with only the second having a tap changer, then design complexity is reduced, but the voltage swing handling capability must be redistributed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign and insulation complexityVSAvoidvoltage swing distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The additional winding is segmented into three winding modules with the second module containing the tap changer. This segmentation reduces design and insulation complexity by limiting the tap changer's insulation requirements to only the second module, while the first and third modules contribute to the overall voltage swing handling through their series connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2528072B1Transformer winding
Publication Date: 2016.12.21 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP2528072B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2528072B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The auxiliary winding (10) has a three winding modules (12,14,16), each comprising a winding segment (18,20,22) provided with respective tapings (24,26,28,30,32). A tap changer (34) is associated with the tapping (28) of the intermediate winding module (14). The terminals (40,42) of the intermediate winding module are formed by an external tapping and the output of the tap changer. The intermediate winding module is connected to the winding segments (18,22) of winding modules (12,16) with the two terminals which are electrically connected in series with contacts (44, 46).