Implementation of a low-power electronic tap-changer in transformers

The criteria for optimal configuration of transformer windings as well as power electronics switches are proposed for the design and implementation of a low-power electronics tap-changer. The aims of this optimisation include minimisation of: 1) number of switches and their voltages and currents, 2) number of taps in the transformer, 3) deviation of the amplitude of voltage compared with the reference voltage in the regulation bus and finally increasing number of voltage steps. The hardware for designing and manufacturing a prototype electronic tap-changer is described. The test results for this prototype are presented which shows the advantages of the proposed tap-changer over a mechanical tap-changer.