GB2575449A - Voltage control device - Google Patents

Voltage control device Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2575449A
GB2575449A GB1811218.5A GB201811218A GB2575449A GB 2575449 A GB2575449 A GB 2575449A GB 201811218 A GB201811218 A GB 201811218A GB 2575449 A GB2575449 A GB 2575449A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
control device
voltage control
continuous conductor
windings
voltage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1811218.5A
Other versions
GB201811218D0 (en
Inventor
Silcock Paul
Houghton Michael
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bristol Bluegreen Ltd
Original Assignee
Bristol Bluegreen Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bristol Bluegreen Ltd filed Critical Bristol Bluegreen Ltd
Priority to GB1811218.5A priority Critical patent/GB2575449A/en
Publication of GB201811218D0 publication Critical patent/GB201811218D0/en
Priority to GBGB1814897.3A priority patent/GB201814897D0/en
Publication of GB2575449A publication Critical patent/GB2575449A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05F—SYSTEMS FOR REGULATING ELECTRIC OR MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G05F1/00—Automatic systems in which deviations of an electric quantity from one or more predetermined values are detected at the output of the system and fed back to a device within the system to restore the detected quantity to its predetermined value or values, i.e. retroactive systems
    • G05F1/10—Regulating voltage or current
    • G05F1/12—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is ac
    • G05F1/14—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is ac using tap transformers or tap changing inductors as final control devices
    • G05F1/16—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is ac using tap transformers or tap changing inductors as final control devices combined with discharge tubes or semiconductor devices
    • G05F1/20—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is ac using tap transformers or tap changing inductors as final control devices combined with discharge tubes or semiconductor devices semiconductor devices only
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05F—SYSTEMS FOR REGULATING ELECTRIC OR MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G05F1/00—Automatic systems in which deviations of an electric quantity from one or more predetermined values are detected at the output of the system and fed back to a device within the system to restore the detected quantity to its predetermined value or values, i.e. retroactive systems
    • G05F1/10—Regulating voltage or current
    • G05F1/12—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is ac
    • G05F1/24—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is ac using bucking or boosting transformers as final control devices
    • G05F1/26—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is ac using bucking or boosting transformers as final control devices combined with discharge tubes or semiconductor devices
    • G05F1/30—Regulating voltage or current wherein the variable actually regulated by the final control device is ac using bucking or boosting transformers as final control devices combined with discharge tubes or semiconductor devices semiconductor devices only
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J3/00—Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
    • H02J3/18—Arrangements for adjusting, eliminating or compensating reactive power in networks
    • H02J3/1878—Arrangements for adjusting, eliminating or compensating reactive power in networks using tap changing or phase shifting transformers
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E40/00—Technologies for an efficient electrical power generation, transmission or distribution
    • Y02E40/30—Reactive power compensation

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Supply And Distribution Of Alternating Current (AREA)

Abstract

A voltage control device for adjusting the voltage of an output of a transformer, comprising a continuous conductor 12 electrically connectable to the output, and a plurality of windings 16 each forming a primary circuit and arranged so that the continuous conductor forms part of a secondary circuit that passes through a closed loop defined by each of the plurality of windings. Each of the plurality of windings is selectively energisable to induce a voltage on the conductor and thereby adjust the voltage of electricity passing through the conductor. The conductor may be a busbar or cable. The plurality of windings may each have more turns than the continuous conductor, for example between 50:1 and 150:1.

Description

Voltage Control Device [0001] This invention relates to a voltage control device, and in particular, to a voltage control device for adjusting the voltage of an output of a transformer.
BACKGROUND [0002] It is known that controlling the voltage of a low-voltage (LV) or secondary network brings benefits to both network operators and consumers. A recent study in the UK has demonstrated that a voltage reduction of 6-8% delivered a reduction in energy consumption of 5.5-8.8%, up to 15% loss reduction and a reduction in emissions of 7-10%.
[0003] In existing controllable LV networks, voltage on LV feeder cables may be adjusted using on-load tap changers (OLTCs). OLTCs may be motorized or manually operated to mechanically change the number of turns of a secondary winding of a transformer to provide a desired turns ratio. Due to the mechanical nature of OLTCs, they are typically expensive and require regular maintenance, thereby incurring further downstream costs. Combining a new transformer with an OLTC may cost of the order of tens of thousands of pounds (GBP) but the cost may vary depending on the compatibility of the OLTC with the existing transformer. An OLTC typically requires maintenance every 100,000 actuations.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for controlling the voltage of an output of a transformer that overcomes at least some of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE [0005] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voltage control device for adjusting the voltage of an output of a transformer, comprising:
a continuous conductor electrically connectable to the output; and a plurality of windings each forming a primary circuit and arranged so that the continuous conductor forms part of a secondary circuit that passes through a closed loop defined by each of the plurality of windings;
wherein each of the plurality of windings is selectively energisable to induce a voltage on the continuous conductor and thereby adjust the voltage of electricity passing through the continuous conductor.
[0006] Throughout the present specification (including the claims), the “output of a transformer” may comprise any location on a conductive path between the transformer and a load. In certain embodiments, this may be proximate to the transformer. In alternative embodiments, this may be remote from the transformer, and may, for example, be several miles from the transformer.
[0007] In certain embodiments, the continuous conductor may be a busbar. In alternative embodiments, the continuous conductor may be a cable.
[0008] The continuous conductor may comprise a number of turns, n, so that the continuous conductor may pass through the closed loop defined by each of the plurality of windings n+1 times. In certain embodiments, the continuous conductor may pass through the closed loops of more than one of the plurality of windings on a single turn of the continuous conductor. Each of the plurality of windings may have more turns than the continuous conductor. In certain embodiments, the ratio of turns of each of the plurality of windings relative to the turns of the continuous conductor may be between 50:1 and 150:1, and optionally about 100:1.
[0009] The windings of each of the plurality of windings may be wound around a core that follows the path of the closed loop.
[0010] The voltage control device may further comprise activation switching means for selectively activating the primary circuits.
[0011] The voltage control device may further comprise changeover switching means for selectively reversing the polarity of the primary circuits.
[0012] The voltage control device may further comprise control means. The control means may be configured to control operation of the activation switching means. Additionally or alternatively, the control means may be configured to control operation of the changeover switching means.
[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transformer having an output electrically coupled to the voltage control device described above.
[0014] The transformer may have a plurality of outputs wherein each output is electrically coupled to a separate voltage control device. In certain embodiments, the transformer may have three outputs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a voltage control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of a voltage control device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0016] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of voltage control device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 10 includes a continuous conductor 12 that has a first end 12a and a second end 12b. The first end 12a is electrically connectable to an output of a transformer such as that found on a boundary between a high-voltage (HV) and lowvoltage (LV) network. The second end 12b is electrically connectable to one or more properties such as one or more dwellings or commercial buildings. As will be appreciated, there may be additional conductors provided between the second end 12b and the building to be supplied and this may incorporate one or more additional electrical components. The second end 12b may be connected to a conductor, such as a feeder cable, possibly to supply up to a maximum of around 75 properties.
[0017] As noted above, throughout the present specification (including the claims), the “output of a transformer” may comprise any location on a conductive path between the transformer and a load. In certain embodiments, this may be proximate to the transformer. In alternative embodiments, this may be remote from the transformer, and may, for example, be several miles from the transformer.
[0018] In certain embodiments, the continuous conductor may be the live busbar output of the transformer. Alternatively, the continuous conductor may comprise any other conductor, such as a cable, connected to the transformer output.
[0019] A series of windings 16 is additionally provided and is arranged in stages labelled 16a, 16b and 16c in Figure 1. Each of the windings forms a primary circuit that is selectively energisable (e.g. by mains electricity). The windings 16 are each arranged so that the continuous conductor 12 forms a secondary circuit that passes through a closed loop that is defined by each of the windings 16. Considering the schematic drawing shown in Figure 1, the closed loop of each winding 16 extends in a plane that is perpendicular to the plane of the page. The path followed by the continuous conductor is labelled 13 in Figure 1.
[0020] The windings of each of the plurality of windings may be wound around a core that follows the path of the closed loop (i.e. the windings may be a toroid).
[0021] When a given one of the stages 16a, 16b, 16c is energized, a voltage is induced on the continuous conductor 12 and this adjusts the voltage of electricity passing therethrough (i.e. by increasing/decreasing it by an incremental amount).
[0022] By selectively energizing groups of or individual stages, the voltage induced on the continuous conductor can be controlled. Each stage may modify the voltage of the continuous conductor 12 by a small amount (e.g. 1-2 V). The voltage control device 10 may additionally include activation switching means (i.e. one or more activation switches) for selectively activating (i.e. energizing) the primary circuits. In certain embodiments, the activation switching means may comprise a relay, SSR, thyristor, IGBT, MOSFET or a triac. Additionally or alternatively, the voltage control device 10 may include changeover switching means (i.e. one or more changeover switches) for selectively reversing the polarity of the primary circuits. The voltage control device 10 may include control means (i.e. a controller such as a microcontroller), where the control means may control operation of the activation switching means and/or the changeover switching means. The control means may be configured to determine the desired voltage (e.g. by remote control command and/or by an internal algorithm) and control the activation switching means and/or changeover switching means to activate the appropriate number of primary circuits in order to provide the necessary adjustment to the voltage of the continuous conductor 12.
[0023] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the continuous conductor 12 comprises a turn so that it passes through the closed loop defined by the first stage 16a twice before it passes through the closed loop defined by the second stage 16b. Similarly, the continuous conductor 12 passes through the closed loop defined by the second stage 16b twice before it passes through the closed loop defined by the third stage 16c. In general, the continuous conductor 12 may have any number of turns, n, so that the continuous conductor 12 passes through the closed loop defined by each of the plurality of windings n+1 times. Whilst the voltage control device 10 described above in relation to Figure 1 has three stages 16a, 16b, 16c, in alternative embodiments, any other number of stages may be employed.
[0024] Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a voltage control device 110. Reference numerals used in Figure 2 correspond to those used in Figure 1 in respect of alike components and features, but are transposed by 100. In contrast to the arrangement described above in relation to Figure 1, in the embodiment of Figure 2, the continuous conductor 112 passes through the closed loops of more than one of the plurality of windings 116 on a single turn of the continuous conductor 112. That is, the path 113 of the continuous conductor 112 passes through more than one of the closed loops of the plurality of windings 116 before turning so as to pass therethrough again. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in Figure 2, the voltage control device 110 has three stages 116a, 116b, 116c. In alternative embodiments, any other number of stages may be employed.
[0025] In any embodiment, each of the plurality of windings may have more turns than the continuous conductor. For example, the ratio of turns of each of the plurality of windings relative to the turns of the continuous conductor may be between 50:1 and 150:1, and optionally about
100:1. Each stage may be identical to the others. Alternatively, the stages may differ from one another and may be capable of adjusting the voltage of the continuous conductor by different amounts (e.g. due to having differing numbers of turns).
[0026] In an example, the current through the continuous conductor may be up to 600 A. A voltage control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a turns ratio of 100:1 may be employed, providing a maximum adjustment of 2.5 V and a primary current of up to 6 A. Consequently, low-cost activation switching means may be used (e.g. solid-state devices).
[0027] In certain embodiments, the voltage control device may revert to a failsafe voltage (e.g. of 240 V) if a fault was detected (e.g. if communications were interrupted).
[0028] Another aspect of the invention relates to a transformer having an output electrically coupled to the voltage control device described above. In certain embodiments, the transformer may have several outputs (e.g. three outputs - each one being for an individual phase). A separate voltage control device 10 may be electrically coupled to each output of the transformer. The voltage control devices 10 may be surrounded by a single housing.
[0029] Embodiments of the present invention may provide an effective means for adjusting the voltage of a transformer on a boundary between a HV and LV network. The benefits usually associated with an OLTC system may be provided, but at a lower unit cost and with no maintenance cost or schedule. Furthermore, reduced voltage on an LV network provides reduced energy consumption and increased efficiency across the network.
[0030] Additionally, embodiments of the present invention do not rely on the use of electrical components in series with the live output of the transformer. Consequently, even in the event of failure of the voltage control device, there is no risk that this failure will result in interruption in the power supplied by the transformer.
[0031] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.
[0032] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
[0033] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which 10 are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims (16)

1. A voltage control device for adjusting the voltage of an output of a transformer, comprising:
a continuous conductor electrically connectable to the output; and a plurality of windings each forming a primary circuit and arranged so that the continuous conductor forms part of a secondary circuit that passes through a closed loop defined by each of the plurality of windings;
wherein each of the plurality of windings is selectively energisable to induce a voltage on the continuous conductor and thereby adjust the voltage of electricity passing through the continuous conductor.
2. A voltage control device according to claim 1, wherein the continuous conductor is a busbar.
3. A voltage control device according to claim 1, wherein the continuous conductor is a cable.
4. A voltage control device according to any preceding claim, wherein the continuous conductor comprises a number of turns, n, so that the continuous conductor passes through the closed loop defined by each of the plurality of windings n+1 times.
5. A voltage control device according to claim 4, wherein the continuous conductor passes through the closed loops of more than one of the plurality of windings on a single turn of the continuous conductor.
6. A voltage control device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each of the plurality of windings has more turns than the continuous conductor.
7. A voltage control device according to claim 6, wherein the ratio of turns of each of the plurality of windings relative to the turns of the continuous conductor is between 50:1 and 150:1, and optionally about 100:1.
8. A voltage control device according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the windings of each of the plurality of windings are wound around a core that follows the path of the closed loop.
9. A voltage control device according to any preceding claim, further comprising activation switching means for selectively activating the primary circuits.
10. A voltage control device according to any preceding claim, further comprising changeover switching means for selectively reversing the polarity of the primary circuits.
11. A voltage control device according to any preceding claim, further comprising control means.
12. A voltage control device according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 9, wherein the control means are configured to control operation of the activation switching means.
13. A voltage control device according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 10, wherein the control means are configured to control operation of the changeover switching means.
14. A transformer having an output electrically coupled to the voltage control device of any preceding claim.
15. A transformer according to claim 14, having a plurality of outputs wherein each output is electrically coupled to a separate voltage control device.
16. A transformer according to claim 15, having three outputs.
GB1811218.5A 2018-07-09 2018-07-09 Voltage control device Withdrawn GB2575449A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1811218.5A GB2575449A (en) 2018-07-09 2018-07-09 Voltage control device
GBGB1814897.3A GB201814897D0 (en) 2018-07-09 2018-09-13 Voltage Copntrol Device

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GB1811218.5A GB2575449A (en) 2018-07-09 2018-07-09 Voltage control device

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GB2575449A true GB2575449A (en) 2020-01-15

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3281654A (en) * 1963-10-09 1966-10-25 Sperry Rand Corp A. c. voltage regulating systems
US3582765A (en) * 1969-06-16 1971-06-01 Superior Electric Co Automatic voltage regulator with fast acting circuit
US4178539A (en) * 1978-08-03 1979-12-11 The Superior Electric Company Stepping AC line voltage regulator
US4634958A (en) * 1984-03-12 1987-01-06 Intermag Incorporated Transformer utilizing selectively loaded reactance to control power transfer
EP1054502A1 (en) * 1999-05-18 2000-11-22 VARAT S.r.l. Alternating current power supply with electronically regulated voltage
US20170163245A1 (en) * 2015-12-08 2017-06-08 Smart Wires Inc. Voltage or Impedance-Injection Method Using Transformers with Multiple Secondary Windings for Dynamic Power Flow Control

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3281654A (en) * 1963-10-09 1966-10-25 Sperry Rand Corp A. c. voltage regulating systems
US3582765A (en) * 1969-06-16 1971-06-01 Superior Electric Co Automatic voltage regulator with fast acting circuit
US4178539A (en) * 1978-08-03 1979-12-11 The Superior Electric Company Stepping AC line voltage regulator
US4634958A (en) * 1984-03-12 1987-01-06 Intermag Incorporated Transformer utilizing selectively loaded reactance to control power transfer
EP1054502A1 (en) * 1999-05-18 2000-11-22 VARAT S.r.l. Alternating current power supply with electronically regulated voltage
US20170163245A1 (en) * 2015-12-08 2017-06-08 Smart Wires Inc. Voltage or Impedance-Injection Method Using Transformers with Multiple Secondary Windings for Dynamic Power Flow Control

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Publication number Publication date
GB201811218D0 (en) 2018-08-29
GB201814897D0 (en) 2018-10-31

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