An active-shunt diverter for on-load tap changers

Rogers, Daniel J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8814-5332 and Green, Tim C. 2013. An active-shunt diverter for on-load tap changers. IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery 28 (2) , pp. 649-657. 10.1109/TPWRD.2013.2243171

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Abstract

This paper presents a new hybrid diverter design for on-load tap changers. The design uses “active-shunt” current diversion principles. At its core, the design employs a low-voltage high-current switch-mode amplifier to divert current out of the mechanical contacts and into a pair of anti-parallel thyristors. Commutation between transformer taps may then be performed by the thyristors. The amplifier and thyristors are placed outside the normal load current path and only conduct during a tap change, producing efficiency savings and improving robustness when compared to previous hybrid on-load tap changer implementations. An amplifier control loop that autonomously produces zero-current conditions at switch opening and zero-voltage conditions at switch closure is demonstrated. Experimental results investigating the wear characteristics of contacts operated under the new hybrid diverter are presented, along with comparison results from a passive-type switching scheme. Contact lifetime of more than 25 million operations is demonstrated under the new scheme.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Engineering
Subjects:	T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Arc discharges; closed-loop systems; contacts; power distribution; power electronics; power grids; smart grids; sparks; transformers; voltage control
Publisher:	IEEE Power & Energy Society
ISSN:	0885-8977
Funders:	EPSRC
Last Modified:	08 May 2023 02:29
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/45534

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