Transformer tray and transformer stand for a large transformer
The transformer tray with solid load-bearing elements and stainless steel collection containers addresses the challenges of heavy concrete basins by enabling modular assembly, cost-effective transport, and stable load distribution, enhancing safety and reducing environmental impact.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JUNO-BAU BURKHARD JURK E K
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-30
AI Technical Summary
Large transformers require heavy concrete containment basins that are costly, complex to transport and assemble, and result in uneven load distribution, necessitating specialized logistics and equipment.
A transformer tray with solid, parallel load-bearing elements and connecting elements, featuring collection containers made of stainless steel, allowing for modular assembly and transport, and efficient liquid exchange, with a design that optimizes load distribution and reduces material usage.
The solution reduces material and transport costs, simplifies assembly, and ensures stable, uniform load distribution while maintaining containment volume, with reduced environmental impact and improved safety through stainless steel's temperature resistance and conductivity.
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a transformer tray for a large transformer with a load transfer device and collection containers. The invention further relates to a transformer stand and a transformer arrangement with such a transformer tray.
[0002] Large transformers are key components of the energy infrastructure and require containment basins to reliably collect any escaping cooling and insulating oil for safe operation. Currently, such containment basins are usually made of concrete and installed directly on concrete foundations. However, this design has significant disadvantages: the massive concrete basins are very heavy, which not only results in high material usage and associated costs, but also complicates manufacturing and procurement.
[0003] Another key problem lies in the transport and assembly of these heavy components. Due to their considerable weight and size, costly special transports requiring specific permits and significant logistical effort are often necessary. On-site assembly is also complex, as heavy lifting equipment is required.
[0004] Constructions made from other materials are also known, but the load distribution is often uneven, and the assembly and transport of these structures are particularly complex and costly.
[0005] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a transformer tray that overcomes these disadvantages, in particular reducing material and weight, lowering transport and assembly costs, and yet still meeting the high requirements for stability and containment volume.
[0006] The problem is solved by a device with the features of the independent claims. Further developments are specified in the dependent claims.
[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a transformer housing for a large transformer, comprising • a load-bearing device with two parallel and spaced-apart load-bearing elements of solid construction, which are connected to each other by means of two connecting elements, wherein each of the load-bearing elements has a running rail at its upper end which is connected to the remaining section of the respective load-bearing element in a force-transmitting manner, and wherein the load-bearing element has a support area at its lower end, which is facing away from the upper end of the load-bearing element, • three collection containers with a total volume of at least 30 m³ 3, wherein one of the collection containers is arranged as the main collection container within the load-discharge device, wherein two of the collection containers are arranged as secondary collection containers adjacent to the load-discharge device and • a collection container cover that completely covers the main collection container and the secondary collection containers and has openings for collecting liquid.
[0008] An advantageous embodiment of the transformer enclosure provides that the collection tanks are connected to each other by at least one liquid exchange device, for example a pipe, preferably including an adequate seal. Two adjacent tanks are connected via one or more such liquid exchange devices, so that all collection tanks are at least indirectly connected via liquid exchange devices, thus enabling an exchange of the liquid contained in the collection tanks.
[0009] For the purposes of this disclosure, a "solid" component is defined as a component made from a single piece of material, for example, a solid steel beam, whose cross-section and material thickness are designed such that the component exhibits high mechanical strength and stability without significant cavities or thin-walled areas. Thin-walled, hollow-profile, or lattice-like structures are not considered solid. A solid component, such as a solid steel beam, is particularly suitable for safely supporting and transferring substantial loads. A solid component may also have openings, provided that the openings have a small volume of no more than 5% of the component's total volume.
[0010] Preferably, a section of the load-bearing element is designed as a plate-shaped section. This plate-shaped section constitutes a large proportion of the load-bearing element. Specifically, the plate-shaped section of the load-bearing element has a height that is at least 80% of the total height of the load-bearing element.
[0011] For the purposes of this disclosure, "plate-shaped" refers to a geometric form in which the dimensions in two dimensions, i.e., length and height, are significantly larger than in the third dimension, i.e., thickness, preferably at least three times, more preferably at least five times, and most preferably at least ten times. A plate-shaped element thus has a planar, largely flat structure whose thickness is small in relation to its length and width, with the thickness typically being constant or varying only slightly, i.e., by a maximum of 10%, over at least 90% of the area (width times length). In the remaining areas, bulges, i.e., larger variations in thickness, may also be present.
[0012] The base area preferably has a greater thickness than the plate-shaped section of the load-bearing element. The base area of the load-bearing element is a section of the element designed to establish a secure connection to the ground. This base area may, for example, have a certain contact area. This contact area is wider than the thickness of the plate-shaped section of the load-bearing element. This advantageously ensures a good distribution of the weight forces acting on the load-bearing element and thus also on the base area. Consequently, such a wider base area can improve the stability of the load-bearing device.
[0013] One advantage of the invention is that, unlike many smaller beams, the use of massive load-bearing elements eliminates the need for welds, thus reducing the risk of deformation.
[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the load-bearing elements are longer than the longest side of the main collection tank. Preferably, each load-bearing element has a length greater than 5.5 m, more preferably 6 m, and most preferably a length between 5 m and 7 m. This advantageously allows for simple assembly without additional welding.
[0015] Preferably, each load-bearing element comprises one, preferably exactly one, steel beam with a length of 5 to 7 m. According to one embodiment, the steel beam has a mass per unit length of up to 230 kg / m.
[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, the individual sections of the connecting elements are irreversibly connected to one another. This allows the load-bearing elements and the connecting elements to be transported separately and assembled quickly, easily, and with minimal error on the construction site.
[0017] The load-bearing device can advantageously be pre-assembled in such a way that it can be assembled from only four individual parts: two load-bearing elements and two connecting elements.
[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the load transfer device comprises four load transfer modules: two load-bearing elements and two connecting elements. The four load transfer modules are reversibly connected to one another, which advantageously allows for subsequent disassembly and reassembly.
[0019] Preferably, a plate-shaped section of a load-bearing element is already connected to a base and a guide rail. These pre-assembled elements advantageously only need to be connected on-site using two connecting elements. The significantly simplified handling advantageously reduces the time required for assembly and the potential for errors.
[0020] The track gauge of the guide rails is preferably 3.10 m. Other track gauges are possible. The guide rail can, for example, be an S49 rail mounted on an elastic noise-reducing pad.
[0021] Advantageously, such a load-discharge device can be dimensioned sufficiently small so that it can be transported as a unit, while still advantageously achieving efficient load dissipation and sufficient liquid absorption.
[0022] Advantageously, the present invention, in contrast to known transformer trays in which the load frame consists of upper and lower frames and is connected with individual force distribution elements, has solid load-bearing elements that enable a more uniform load distribution.
[0023] The load transfer device is not arranged around the secondary collection containers; instead, the secondary collection containers are positioned adjacent to the load transfer device. This allows the load transfer device to be significantly smaller. Consequently, considerably less material, particularly less steel, is required, resulting in both cost savings and weight reduction. Furthermore, the final assembly of the load transfer device can be significantly accelerated. This leads to lower CO2 emissions and a reduced environmental impact.
[0024] Another advantage is that the freestanding collection containers can expand in all directions with temperature changes. Because the containers are made entirely of stainless steel, they expand uniformly, ensuring that welds and seals remain tight. This prevents leaks. Experience has shown that with a temperature difference of 50°C, the expansion of the containers is only about 5 mm and is therefore negligible.
[0025] Although stainless steel loses strength at high temperatures, it remains dimensionally stable due to stiffening, ensuring tightness even in the event of a fire.
[0026] The simple design also reduces the amount of work required in the workshop compared to previously known variants.
[0027] The transformer housing can be advantageously manufactured using modular series production, which improves availability.
[0028] Furthermore, it is advantageous that no bottleneck resources, such as dependence on concrete plants or heavy haulage companies, are required. This allows for short manufacturing and assembly times and thus a fast delivery time.
[0029] The low weight and modular components allow for easy transport, even to hard-to-reach locations. The design according to the invention is lightweight, flexible, and robust, enabling simple assembly without a heavy-duty crane.
[0030] Preferably, the main collection container and the secondary collection containers of the transformer sump each have a base plate facing the bottom and side walls. At least two, preferably all, of the side walls extend perpendicularly to the base plate.
[0031] The base plate is designed to face the ground, so that it is facing the ground when erected.
[0032] This advantageous design of the collection containers, which can also be called tubs, and in particular the vertically arranged side walls of the collection containers when assembled, allows for a suitable load distribution.
[0033] The collection containers are preferably made of stainless steel, which allows for temperature resistance up to 600°C. Furthermore, stainless steel is conductive and facilitates reliable grounding. The stainless steel used is preferably a corrosion-resistant grade, such as 1.4401 or 1.4571. These are also advantageously suitable for use in saline environments.
[0034] Another advantage is that stainless steel protects itself against rust through a passive chromium oxide layer.
[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment, components located above the collection containers are coated, for example hot-dip galvanized, to prevent rust water.
[0036] This represents a significant improvement over known designs with inclined or curved side walls. Unlike collection containers with inclined side walls, transporting these containers is straightforward, as a trough rotated 90° can be easily transported resting on one of its side walls. Larger collection containers with a width of up to 4 meters can therefore be used, since the permissible width is no longer limited by the width allowed for standard road transport. Since exceeding the dimensions permitted for standard transport generally requires complex and costly special transport, transporting the troughs with their side walls extending vertically from the base plate, resting on one of their side walls, saves costs and reduces effort.
[0037] Advantageously, the containment basins can have widths of up to 4 m, eliminating the need for drip edges. Optionally, the transformer basin therefore has no drip edges on the outer side, i.e., in the area of the secondary containment basins that do not face the main containment basin.
[0038] Preferably, the collection containers are designed such that the base plates and side walls of the collection containers are made of a thin sheet metal, preferably with a thickness of no more than 5 mm, and the collection containers have stiffening elements, wherein the stiffening elements are preferably made of a gusset plate.
[0039] This design advantageously ensures good stability of the collection containers. The containers are preferably freestanding and stabilized by stiffening elements. This effectively prevents lateral warping.
[0040] The main collection container and the secondary collection containers are preferably rigidly and force-transmittingly connected to the base plate. This ensures high stability and prevents the collection containers from floating.
[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment, the collection containers have a length of at least 5 m, preferably at least 5.8 m, and a width. Preferably, the width of at least one of the collection containers, preferably of all collection containers, is at least 3.5 m. This advantageously allows for a larger volume of liquid to be accommodated.
[0042] The collection containers are preferably reversibly connected to the load-discharging device. This allows the transformer tray to be advantageously dismantled and relocated, i.e., reused, at a later date.
[0043] The collection container cover can be made up of multiple parts, which allows for easy transport and handling.
[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment, several collection container covers can also be arranged on the transformer housing. Thus, a separate collection container cover can be provided for each of the collection containers. These multiple collection container covers can also be multi-part. Furthermore, the multiple collection container covers can be spaced apart from one another.
[0045] The collection container cover, or the multiple collection container covers, are designed to be fire-retardant or flame-retardant. In the context of the invention, this means that materials or material combinations are selected that ensure flames cannot escape from the container to the transformer or the surrounding area above the container. This effectively prevents any further combustion of leaking oil.
[0046] Preferably, the collection container cover or the multiple collection container covers are made of a metal, preferably hot-dip galvanized steel.
[0047] Since steel is conductive, it advantageously supports secure grounding.
[0048] The connecting elements are preferably formed from several struts. Since the struts can be spaced apart, at least in sections, areas, especially cavities, can form between these struts.
[0049] According to an advantageous embodiment, the transformer housing has a facing element. This facing is arranged on the connecting element and prevents the ingress of dirt, such as leaves, between the struts of the connecting element. This also prevents animals from nesting in the cavities between the struts of the connecting element.
[0050] Due to the innovative design, in which the load-bearing device is no longer arranged around the secondary collection containers, the cladding elements in the area of the secondary collection containers can be advantageously omitted. The vertical outer walls of the trays provide sufficient protection against penetrating dirt and nesting animals and can therefore fulfill the function of a cladding. Animal welfare can thus be improved even without additional cladding elements.
[0051] According to one possible embodiment, the cladding elements are manufactured from expanded metal. Reducing the number of cladding elements significantly reduces the considerable effort required to manufacture them.
[0052] Another aspect of the invention relates to a transformer stand for a large transformer, comprising • A foundation, • A transformer tray according to the invention, arranged on the foundation.
[0053] Preferably, the foundation is designed as a base plate.
[0054] Preferably, the collection containers of the transformer trough, in particular the main collection container and the secondary collection containers, are rigidly connected to the foundation, which can be designed as a base slab or as a strip foundation consisting of several smaller base slab sections.
[0055] The firm connection to the foundation advantageously prevents the collection containers from floating, especially in the case of accumulating water, which contributes to the safety of the system.
[0056] Another aspect of the invention relates to a transformer arrangement comprising a transformer stand according to the invention and a large transformer, wherein the large transformer has a mass of at least 30 t and wherein the large transformer is arranged on the running rails.
[0057] The invention thus advantageously allows for a more even load distribution through the use of robust load-bearing elements. Furthermore, faster assembly and easier transport are achieved through the adjacent arrangement of the secondary collection containers and the transportability of the pre-assembled unit. Optimized transport is also possible because the vertical side walls of the collection containers allow them to be placed on one of their sides.
[0058] By design, the transformer tray for a large transformer features a load-bearing device consisting essentially of two spaced-apart, solid load-bearing elements and two connecting elements linking them. Guide rails are arranged in the upper section of the load-bearing elements, onto which a large transformer can be slid. A main containment basin is located within the load-bearing device, and two secondary containment basins are positioned on opposite sides outside the device. This design ensures the safe installation of a large transformer with minimal material requirements.
[0059] To construct a transformer stand, a foundation, for example a base plate, preferably a multi-part base plate, is provided beneath the transformer enclosure. The collection containers, i.e., the main collection container and the two secondary collection containers, can advantageously be fixed to the foundation, thus preventing them from floating. Preferably, the load-bearing elements, the connecting elements, and the collection containers are reversibly connected. This allows for modular assembly and disassembly, enabling the transformer enclosure to be relocated easily.
[0060] For the realization of the invention, it is also advantageous to combine the aforementioned inventive configurations, embodiments and features of the claims in an appropriate arrangement. Examples of implementation
[0061] Further details, features, and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiments are intended to describe the invention without limiting it. In particular, elements of the exemplary embodiments described below can be combined with elements of other exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. The drawings show: Fig. 1: a transformer tray with a load transfer device and three collection containers, Fig. 2: a perspective view of a load-bearing device with two load-bearing elements and two connecting elements and Fig. 3 A side view of the three collection containers.
[0062] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a transformer enclosure 1, which has a load transfer device 2. This load transfer device 2 has two parallel load-bearing elements 3, which are each connected to each other at their end faces by a connecting element 4. A large transformer can be arranged on the load transfer device 2, the weight of which is transferred by means of the load transfer device 2 to a foundation (not shown here), such as a base plate.
[0063] Furthermore, three collection containers 5 for receiving liquid are arranged on the load-discharge device 2. One of the collection containers 5 is arranged as the main collection container 6 inside the load-discharge device 2. The two other collection containers 5 are designed as secondary collection containers 7 and are arranged adjacent to the load-discharge device 2, in particular also adjacent to the load-bearing elements 3.
[0064] In an advantageous embodiment, the two secondary collection containers 7 have a length and a width that are identical for both secondary collection containers 7. The two secondary collection containers 7 can be designed as mirror images, which, for example, has an influence on the arrangement of connection points for liquid exchange devices.
[0065] The main collection container 6 is arranged within the load discharge device 2 and in one variant can have a length and width that is smaller than those of the secondary collection containers 7.
[0066] The height of the collection containers 5 can be higher than 50 cm, preferably at least 65 cm and less than 80 cm.
[0067] The collection containers 5, i.e. both the main collection container 6 and the secondary collection containers 7, each have at least one collection container cover 8 with openings for receiving liquid.
[0068] A perspective view of a load-discharge device 2 is shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows two spaced-apart and parallel load-bearing elements 3 connected by means of two connecting elements 4.
[0069] In the lower section of the load-bearing elements 3, a support area 10 is arranged, which improves the stability of the load-bearing element. Optionally, a further widened section 11 is arranged in the upper section. In particular, the load-bearing element 3 can correspond to a steel beam in shape and size or may even have a steel beam.
[0070] The connecting elements 4 have struts 12. This design of the connecting element 4 allows dirt to penetrate the spaces between these struts 12. To prevent this, cladding elements 13 can be arranged adjacent to the connecting elements 4 and thus adjacent to the end faces of the load-bearing device 2. The cladding elements 13 preferably have a grid-like structure, but they can also be designed as a solid plate, i.e., essentially without openings.
[0071] Openings 14 are arranged on the load-bearing elements 3, in which the fluid exchange devices, for example pipes, can be arranged.
[0072] In Fig. Figure 3 shows three collection containers 5. The main collection container 6 is suitable for being arranged within a load-discharge device (not shown). The secondary collection containers 7 can be arranged adjacent to a load-discharge device. Advantageously, the collection containers 5 have stiffening elements 15. Several stiffening elements 15 can be arranged spaced apart from one another within a single collection container 5. According to a preferred embodiment, the stiffening elements 15 are designed as gusset plates.
[0073] Preferably, the main collection container 6 and the secondary collection containers 7 of the transformer sump each have a base plate 16 facing the bottom and side walls 17. At least two, preferably all, of the side walls 17 extend perpendicularly from the base plate 16. The vertical arrangement of the side walls 17 of the collection containers 5 in the assembled state allows for suitable load distribution. Furthermore, the collection containers 5 can advantageously be positioned standing on one of the side walls 17, i.e., opposite to the illustration in Fig. 3. Rotated by 90°, they can be transported upright. This allows a larger collection container with a width b of up to 4 m to be transported advantageously without the need for a complex and expensive special transport. Reference symbol list 1 transformer tray 2 Load-discharge device 3 Load-bearing element 4 Connecting element 5 collection containers 6 main collection containers 7 secondary collection containers 8 Collection container cover 9 Running rail 10 Standing area 11 Widened section 12 struts 13 veneer element 14 openings 15 stiffening elements 16 Base plate 17 Side wall
Claims
[1] Transformer tray (1) for a large transformer, comprising a load-discharging device (2) with two parallel and spaced-apart, solid load-bearing elements (3) which are connected to each other by means of two connecting elements (4), wherein a guide rail (9) is arranged at the upper end of each of the load-bearing elements (3) and a support area (10) is arranged at the lower end of each load-bearing element (3), • three collection containers (5) with a total volume of at least 30 m³ 3 , wherein one of the collection containers (5) is arranged as the main collection container (6) within the load-discharge device (2), wherein two of the collection containers are arranged as secondary collection containers (7) adjacent to the load-discharge device (2) and • a collection container cover (8) that completely covers the main collection container (6) and the secondary collection containers (7) and has openings (14) for receiving liquid. [2] Transformer tray (1) according to claim 1, wherein the main collection container (6) and the secondary collection containers (7) each have a base plate (16) and side walls (17), wherein at least two side walls (17) extend perpendicularly to the base plate (16). [3] Transformer tray (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the collection containers (5) are connected to each other by at least one liquid exchange device. [4] Transformer tray (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base plates and the side walls (17) of the collection container (5) are made of a thin sheet metal and the collection container (5) has stiffening elements. [5] Transformer trough (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the collection tanks (5) have a length of at least 5 m and a width, wherein the width of at least one of the collection tanks (5) is at least 3.5 m. [6] Transformer tray (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the collection containers (5) are reversibly connected to the load discharge device (2). [7] Transformer tray (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the collection container cover (8) is made of a metal, preferably stainless steel. [8] Transformer stand for a large transformer, comprising • A foundation, • A transformer tray (1) arranged on the foundation according to one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Transformer stand for a large transformer, wherein the foundation is designed as a base plate. [10] Transformer stand according to claim 9, wherein the main collection container (6) and the secondary collection containers (7) are each rigidly and force-transmitting connected to the base plate. [11] Transformer arrangement comprising a transformer assembly according to one of claims 8 to 10 and a large transformer, wherein the large transformer has a mass of at least 30 t and wherein the large transformer is arranged on the running rails (9).