Non-rotating portable voltage sag generator

• US 5,920,132 A
• Filed: 09/29/1997
• Issued: 07/06/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 09/29/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute
• Inventors: Rockfield, Martin L. Jr., Singh, Tejindar P., Bhatt, Siddharth C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Elms, Richard T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): FLEMING, FRITZ M
• Application Number:
  US08/938,462
• Time in Patent Office: 645 Days
• Field of Search: 307/130, 307/83, 307/17, 324/102, 323/220, 327/261
• US Class Current: 307/130
• CPC Class Codes: G05F 1/14 using tap transformers or tap changing inductors as final control devices

Abstract

A non-rotating portable voltage sag generator includes for each phase a pair of cascaded standard industrial auto-transformers each having, for example, six taps and when they are cascaded the final output voltage of each phase is a product of the per unit value of each individual auto-transformer. Closed transition switching is provided to switch the auto-transformer into and out of the circuit effectively only during the time a voltage sag is desired. All of the switches and auto-transformers are conveniently carried in a single portable enclosure. There are no moving parts or diesel engines; thus, the non-rotating sag generator is useable in any part of an industrial plant.

Claims

1. A non-rotating portable voltage sag generator for connection between a utility type electric power source and an industrial load comprising;

a pair of cascaded auto-transformers for each phase, each having a plurality of voltage taps, one of the voltage taps of a first auto-transformer being connected to a second auto-transformer and including at least two bipolar switches, a first bipolar switch for connecting in a closed condition said power source directly to said load, and in an open condition diverting said power source through said first auto-transformer, a second bipolar switch in a closed connection connecting said second auto-transformer to said load and means for connecting one of said auto-transformers to a common or neutral;

timing means for initiating a voltage sag for a predetermined time interval by actuating said bipolar switches, said first bipolar switch being opened and said second bipolar switch being closed at substantially the same time to initiate said voltage sag, said timing means to terminate said voltage sag closing said first bipolar switch and opening said second bipolar switch at substantially the same time;

means for selecting the said one tap of said first transformer which is connected to said second transformer and also said tap of said second transformer which is connected to said load by said second bipolar switch, the product of the per unit of voltage of each auto-transformer being the final output voltage sag to said load.

2. A non-rotating portable voltage sag generator as in claim 1 where said timing means actuates said bipolar switches to provide closed transition switching of said switches by an overlap of said open and close.

3. A non-rotating portable voltage sag generator as in claim 1 where said power source is three phase and each cascaded auto-transformer includes a separate neutral whereby different voltage sags for each phase may be provided.

4. A non-rotating portable voltage sag generator as in claim 1 including means for recording voltage and current to said load.

5. A non-rotating portable voltage sag generator as in claim 1 where said voltage taps of each of said auto-transformers is non-linear whereby a reverse connection provides a greater number of variations.

6. A non-rotating portable sag generator as in claim 1 where said auto-transformers are of a standard indusrial type.

7. A non-rotating portable sag generator as in claim 1 where said means for connecting one of said auto-transformers to a common or neutral is a third switch, said timing means opening and closing said third switch with said second switch.