Light Weight Voltage Transformation Unit

Project Title

Light Weight Voltage Transformation Unit

Project Area of Specialization Electrical/Electronic EngineeringProject Summary

Heavy weight of stabilizer is due to heavy weighted transformer present in it. We can reduce the weight of stabilizer by reducing the weight of transformer. Transformer size can be reduced within defined limit to avoid core saturation. We are aiming to decrease the size of transformer which are can be used for the high-power application like Aeroplane and electric rail vehicle etc.

Project Objectives

This project is focusing on the Weight and possible size reduction of Power transformer using Variable frequency drives to reduce the cross-sectional area of transformer’s core, eventually leading to smaller transformer with same power transformation capability.

Project Implementation Method

The size of transformer core is dictated by many factors like area of core, magnetic flux, frequency etc but, somehow all these factors are linked with frequency. According to equation of flux, increasing the frequency will result in smaller cross sectional area of the transformer. Decreased magnetic flux of the transformer under the same magnetic density will result in the smaller the size of the corresponding transformer. By increasing the frequency, we can decrease the transformer size. The weight and volumes can be up to three times smaller compared to the corresponding Line-Frequency-Transformer due to the use of high frequency. AC energy
transfers across transformers via induction. Induction takes place as magnetic field lines of force cut across conductors. Magnetic fields in AC expand and collapse at the frequency rate. Higher frequency means more lines of force cutting conductors, more energy transferred. We are using variable frequency drive (VFD) to increase the frequency at input of transformer, which we will be designing application based from scratch. The magnetic flux will be decreased by increasing the frequency at input of transformer and flux being inversely proportional to the frequency will require less cross-sectional area in transformer core which will eventually lead us to smaller transformer. Reduced cross section area of core will allow us to use smaller transformer for voltage transformation of same power rating. In the end, we are again using VFD to decrease frequency back to standard frequency (50 Hz) at output.

Benefits of the Project

Low weight transformers are used in high power appliance like Train, Aero planes etc. In Rolling Stock, the weight of on-board equipment’s is a major constraint faced by train manufacturers, in which a lot of heavy weight is due to heavy weighted transformer. Light weight transformer can be used to overcome this problem. Furthermore, it is likely that future power generation and distribution will involve numerous distributed renewable energy sources and micro-grids. The traditional low frequency (50 Hz) distribution transformers are not suitable for such demanding applications.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

In the end of our project, we will be delivering a voltage transformation unit which will have more power transformation capability as compared to the converntional transformation unit with similar rating transformer.

Final Deliverable of the Project Hardware SystemCore Industry Energy Other IndustriesCore Technology OthersOther TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	37000
Power electronic components for VFD Designing	Equipment	2	10000	20000
Power Transfromer	Equipment	1	10000	10000
Other Expenses	Miscellaneous	1	7000	7000