Systems that include transformers

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system (10) including a transformer (12) including a tank (14) configured to receive a liquid (20). The system (10) further includes an overflow device (22) and a connection device (24) configured to fluidly connect the tank (14) and the overflow device (22). The overflow device (22) includes an elastically deformable flexible member (26). The overflow device (22) is configured, under deformation of the flexible member (26), to periodically receive a portion of the liquid (20) from the tank (14) and return at least a portion of the received liquid to the tank (14) through the connection device. The system (10) further includes a heat transfer device (42) configured to provide a flow (44) of a cooling medium (46) in at least a portion of the overflow device (22) and / or the connection device. The present disclosure also relates to additional systems.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] background Transformers are widely used to convert electricity from a first voltage level to a second voltage level, where the second voltage level is similar to, higher than, or lower than the first voltage level. Transformers generally achieve such voltage conversion by using one or more windings that contain electrical conductors and are wound around the transformer core with multiple turns.

[0002] Transformers may be supplied with one or more liquids for a variety of reasons. For example, some transformers include an insulating liquid, specifically insulating oil, to insulate the transformer. Specifically, the insulating liquid may be placed in a tank along with the transformer's core and windings to immerse the core and windings in the insulating liquid. Such transformers are often referred to as liquid-immersed transformers. However, additionally or alternatively, one or more further liquids may be used in the transformer for various other purposes.

[0003] Furthermore, transformers may generate a significant amount of heat during operation, which may increase the temperature of the liquid within the transformer. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature of the liquid may increase due to one or more ambient conditions, such as an increase in the temperature of the environment within the respective transformer. Thus, the temperature of the liquid may fluctuate. As the temperature of the liquid increases, the density of the liquid may decrease, which may cause the liquid to expand. To address such liquid expansion, some transformers known from the prior art include an expansion vessel configured to compensate for the expansion of the liquid.

[0004] However, expansion vessels known from the prior art have several drawbacks. For example, they are relatively bulky and / or consume a relatively large amount of space. Furthermore, they often have a relatively complex structure and / or are often operated in a relatively complex manner, for example, by utilizing one or more air cushions within each expansion vessel. Furthermore, at least some of the expansion vessels known from the prior art are prone to damage and / or failure. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Accordingly, the present disclosure describes one or more embodiments for providing improved means for dealing with liquid expansion within a transformer, as detailed below.

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. According to second and third aspects of the present disclosure, respectively, further systems are described in the present disclosure.

[0007] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to providing features that will become readily apparent by reference to the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In accordance with various embodiments, exemplary devices are disclosed herein. It is understood, however, that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not limitation, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure that various modifications to the disclosed embodiments may be made while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. These and other aspects and implementations thereof are described in more detail in the drawings, description, and claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a system according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a system according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a system according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a system according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 6] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a system according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 7] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a system according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 8] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a system according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 9] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a system according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 10] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a system according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. It should be noted that some aspects of any one of the described embodiments may also be found in some other embodiments, unless otherwise specified or obvious. However, for the sake of clarity, each aspect will be described in detail only when first mentioned, and any repeated description of the same aspect will be omitted.

[0011] A system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure may include at least one transformer, which may include at least one tank configured to at least partially receive at least one core and at least one winding wound at least partially around the at least one core. The at least one tank may be configured to at least partially receive at least one liquid, such as an insulating liquid and / or a cooling liquid.

[0012] The system may further include at least one overflow device and at least one first connection device configured to fluidly connect the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device. The at least one overflow device may include at least one elastically deformable flexible member. The at least one overflow device may be configured to periodically receive a portion of liquid from the at least one tank and return at least a portion of the received liquid to the at least one tank via the connection device under deformation of at least a portion of the at least one flexible member, particularly during at least expansion of the liquid in the at least one tank.

[0013] The system may further include at least one heat transfer device configured to provide at least one flow of the at least one cooling medium in at least a portion of the at least one overflow device and / or connection device to increase heat transfer from a liquid therein to the cooling medium.

[0014] As initially described, one or more liquids disposed within the transformer may periodically expand, for example, during operation of the transformer, due to fluctuations in the temperature of the liquid, for example, due to heat generated by the transformer during operation. Accordingly, the at least one overflow device described above may receive and accommodate at least a portion of the respective liquid from the tank of the transformer via the connection device, particularly when the liquid expands. Thus, the at least one overflow device effectively provides an additional volume, particularly a variable additional volume, to receive and accommodate at least a portion of the respective liquid from the tank of the transformer via the connection device, particularly when the liquid expands. This may prevent damage to the transformer due to an increase in the pressure of the liquid, for example, when the liquid expands in the at least one tank.

[0015] The at least one flexible member can provide a variable liquid storage volume within the at least one overflow device, for example, by elastically deforming when the at least one overflow device receives liquid from the at least one tank to increase the liquid storage volume within the at least one overflow device. When the density of the liquid increases again, for example, due to a decrease in temperature of the liquid, the at least one flexible member can at least partially return to its undeformed state to decrease the liquid storage volume within the at least one overflow device. The at least one flexible member can be configured to encourage at least a portion of the liquid received in the at least one overflow device to return to the at least one tank when the at least one flexible member at least partially returns to its undeformed state.

[0016] By configuring the system so that at least a portion of the liquid from at least one tank is received by at least one overflow device and at least partially returned to the at least one tank through the same (first) connecting device, i.e., along substantially the same flow path through the same conduit, the space required by the at least one overflow device and the connecting device can be reduced, which can provide a relatively compact structure of the system. In other words, the flow direction of the liquid through the (first) connecting device from the overflow device to the at least one tank can be reversed relative to the flow direction of the liquid through the same (first) connecting device from the at least one tank to the overflow device. The liquid can flow through the (first) connecting device in a first flow direction from the at least one tank to the overflow device, and can flow through the same (first) connecting device in a second flow direction substantially opposite to the first flow direction from the overflow device to the at least one tank.

[0017] The at least one overflow device may contain or contain at least a portion of the liquid throughout the entire operation of the transformer / system, or for at least a majority of the operation of the transformer / system. Thus, the phrase that the at least one overflow device may be configured to "receive a portion of the liquid from the at least one tank" may mean that additional liquid is received by the at least one overflow device from the at least one tank.

[0018] By configuring a system with at least one heat transfer device configured to provide at least one flow of at least one cooling medium in at least a portion of at least one overflow device and / or connecting device, at least one heat transfer coefficient between the at least one overflow device and / or connecting device and the cooling medium can be increased, thereby enhancing cooling of the liquid in the at least one overflow device and / or connecting device and reducing the temperature of the liquid. This can result in more favorable thermal conditions, such as reduced temperature, in the at least one overflow device, particularly in the at least one flexible member. For example, this can allow greater flexibility in selecting materials for manufacturing the at least one flexible member. Many materials used to manufacture flexible and elastically deformable members have limited tolerances for temperature rise. Therefore, exposing each flexible member to temperatures approaching or exceeding its respective tolerance threshold temperature can result in damage and / or degradation of the respective flexible member. Therefore, by reducing the temperature of the liquid by the at least one heat transfer device, damage to the at least one flexible member can be prevented or at least the risk of this can be reduced and / or the life of the at least one flexible member can be extended.

[0019] Reducing the exposure of the flexible member to higher temperatures and / or lowering the temperature of the liquid to which the flexible member is exposed can also reduce the permeation rate of gases, e.g., oxygen, and / or liquids, e.g., water, through the flexible member and into, e.g., the liquid.

[0020] By configuring at least one heat transfer device to provide at least one flow of at least one cooling medium in at least a portion of at least one overflow device and / or connecting device, cooling means can be provided for cooling liquid with relatively high efficiency and / or effectiveness and / or in a personalized manner. For example, the degree of heat transfer from the liquid to the at least one cooling medium may be adjusted / adapted by configuring the at least one cooling medium flow, e.g., by increasing or decreasing the flow rate of the flow, in particular by adjusting the direction of the flow relative to the at least one overflow device and / or connecting device, by adjusting the temperature of the at least one cooling medium in the flow, by selecting the at least one cooling medium according to one or more properties of the at least one cooling medium, by adjusting the degree of turbulence of the flow, etc. In general, the flows may be configured such that the interaction between the flow and the at least one overflow device and / or connecting device, respectively, provides one or more desired heat transfer coefficients between the flow and the at least one overflow device and / or connecting device.

[0021] The at least one heat transfer device may be configured to direct flow towards at least one outer surface of the at least one overflow device and / or connecting device, i.e., at least one surface of the at least one overflow device and / or connecting device that is positioned substantially opposite the at least one contact surface of the at least one overflow device and / or connecting device that contacts and / or faces the liquid during operation of the system.

[0022] The at least one heat transfer device may be configured to generate forced convection of the at least one flow. For example, the system may include one or more mechanical devices, such as at least one pump, at least one extractor, at least one fan, at least one compressor, etc., configured to increase and / or decrease pressure in the at least one cooling medium to move the at least one cooling medium.

[0023] The at least one cooling medium may be any medium suitable for transferring heat from a liquid to the cooling medium, for example, the at least one cooling medium may be a liquid, such as water or a mixture including water and glycol, and / or a gas, such as air, for example ambient air.

[0024] The above language that the connection device is configured to "fluidly connect at least one tank and at least one overflow device" may mean that the fluid connection between the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device allows liquid to be transferred at least partially between the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device via the connection device.

[0025] The at least one flexible member may be configured to allow at least one shape and / or at least a dimension of at least a portion of the at least one flexible member to be changed, in particular passively, in particular when liquid is received by the at least one overflow device and / or returned from the at least one overflow device to the at least one tank. The change in shape and / or dimension of the at least one flexible member may result in an increase and / or a decrease in the liquid storage volume in the at least one overflow device.

[0026] The term "deform" may refer to any type of change in at least one shape and / or at least one dimension of at least a portion of the at least one flexible member. This may include bending, curving, expanding, contracting, collapsing, flexing, stretching, contracting, elongating, etc. of the at least one flexible member. The at least one flexible member may be configured to be elastically deformable, such that the at least one flexible member is configured to transform from a first state to a second state and, for example, can at least partially return to the first state when a volume of liquid received in the at least one overflow device changes, e.g., increases or decreases, and / or vice versa.

[0027] The at least one flexible member may be configured to receive at least a portion of the liquid from the at least one tank by at least partially transforming, in particular expanding, from a first state to a second state. The at least one flexible member may be configured to at least partially return from the second state to the first state when at least a portion of the liquid is returned from the at least one overflow device to the at least one tank. The at least one flexible member may be configured to encourage the liquid to return to the at least one tank when the at least one flexible member at least partially returns from the second state to the first state.

[0028] The liquid may be any type of liquid and / or may be for any purpose and / or function, such as insulation, cooling, etc. For example, the liquid may be oil. The liquid may be an insulating liquid, such as insulating oil, configured to insulate at least a portion of at least one winding and / or at least a portion of at least one core of the transformer. In other words, the transformer may be configured as a liquid-immersed transformer, in which at least one core and / or at least one winding may be at least partially, in particular completely, immersed in liquid.

[0029] The at least one flexible member may be made from any type of flexible material, for example a polymer material, in particular a flexible material that has a lower tolerance for temperature increases than materials used in at least some of the expansion vessels known from the prior art, since the temperature of the liquid may be reduced by the at least one heat transfer device.

[0030] The connection device may be configured as or at least include a conduit for conducting liquid between the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device.

[0031] The overflow device may be configured such that when at least a portion of the liquid is received by the overflow device, the liquid directly contacts the at least one flexible member. In other words, the liquid received by the at least one overflow device may be in fluid communication / connection, i.e., direct contact, with the flexible member. This can eliminate or at least reduce empty space, i.e., void, within the overflow device when at least a portion of the liquid is received by the overflow device. This can save space and provide the overflow device with a relatively compact construction compared to the available liquid storage space within the overflow device for storing the liquid. This may enable the overflow device to be installed in applications where installation space is limited, such as traction transformers, and / or where a relatively compact installation is advantageous. As initially described, many expansion vessels known from the prior art include one or more air cushions. Such air cushions reduce the available liquid storage space within the overflow device for storing liquid in each expansion vessel of a given size. Furthermore, this can result in a relatively bulky construction.

[0032] The at least one flexible member may be configured as a barrier between the liquid and the environment. For example, the at least one flexible member may be configured as a membrane. The "environment" may be the surroundings, or a space at least fluidly connected to the surroundings, or a closed, e.g., sealed, space. If the environment is a closed, e.g., sealed, space, the space may be filled with a gas, e.g., nitrogen.

[0033] The at least one flexible member may include at least one flexible member wall defining a lumen configured to receive at least a portion of the liquid from the at least one reservoir. For example, the at least one flexible member may be configured as a bladder or pouch. Thus, the at least one flexible member may be deformable / expandable in that when at least a portion of the liquid is received in the overflow device, the liquid exerts a force against an inner surface of the at least one flexible member wall.

[0034] The system may further include at least one directing device configured to direct the at least one cooling medium to at least a portion of the at least one overflow device and / or connecting device. This may increase the effectiveness and / or efficiency of heat transfer from the liquid to the at least one cooling medium by concentrating and / or directing the at least one cooling medium to at least a portion of the at least one overflow device and / or connecting device, respectively, to provide a relatively greater degree of interaction between the at least one cooling medium and the at least one overflow device and / or connecting device. The at least one directing device may be configured as any type of structure configured to direct the at least one cooling medium to at least a portion of the at least one overflow device and / or connecting device. For example, the at least one directing device may include one or more conduits configured to carry the at least one cooling medium and direct the at least one cooling medium to at least a portion of the at least one overflow device and / or connecting device. The at least one directing device may include at least one (cooling) circuit, which may include one or more conduits for directing the at least one cooling medium to and / or away from the connecting device. At least one circuit may be fluidly connected to at least one heat exchanger, e.g., a shell-and-tube heat exchanger or a plate heat exchanger, for example, to transfer heat from the at least one cooling medium to a further medium. The circuit may be configured as an open circuit or a closed circuit, e.g., to recirculate the cooling medium.

[0035] The at least one heat transfer device may be configured to transport the at least one cooling medium along the connection device in and / or opposite to the direction in which the liquid is transported between the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device. This may provide a relatively high heat transfer coefficient between the cooling medium and the connection device, which may provide a relatively greater degree of heat transfer from the liquid to the at least one cooling medium, compared to, for example, a configuration in which the at least one cooling medium is transported in a direction non-parallel, e.g., perpendicular, to the direction in which the liquid is transported between the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device. In particular, the at least one heat transfer device may be configured to transport the at least one cooling medium along the connection device opposite to the direction in which the liquid is transported from the at least one tank to the at least one overflow device. This may provide a relatively high heat transfer coefficient between the cooling medium and the connection device, compared to, for example, a configuration in which the at least one cooling medium is transported in the direction in which the liquid is transported from the at least one tank to the at least one overflow device. This may provide a relatively greater cooling effect to the liquid as it flows from the at least one tank to the at least one overflow device.

[0036] The system may further include one or more protrusions, particularly one or more fins, extending from at least one surface of the connection device and / or the at least one overflow device. The one or more protrusions may be configured to conduct heat to and from the connection device and / or the at least one overflow device to increase heat dissipation from the liquid. This can increase the area for conducting heat to and from the connection device and / or the at least one overflow device. This can further reduce the temperature of the liquid in the connection device and / or the at least one overflow device.

[0037] The system may further include one or more deflectors configured to deflect the liquid and / or the at least one cooling medium outside the at least one overflow device and / or outside the connecting device and / or within the at least one overflow device and / or within the connecting device, thereby (further) increasing heat transfer between the liquid and the at least one cooling medium and further reducing the temperature of the liquid in the connecting device and / or the at least one overflow device.

[0038] The connection device may be configured as a conduit that is guided in at least a portion thereof in a coiled and / or serpentine manner, thereby increasing the outer surface of the connection device, and more particularly the conduit, and thereby increasing the heat transfer between the liquid and the at least one cooling medium, further reducing the temperature of the liquid in the connection device.

[0039] The at least one heat transfer device may include at least one cooling circuit configured to direct at least one cooling medium to and / or away from the connection device and / or the at least one overflow device.

[0040] The connection device may be fluidly connected to the at least one tank at a portion of the at least one tank disposed on at least one side of the tank, particularly toward the bottom of the at least one tank. Specifically, the connection device may be fluidly connected to the at least one tank at a portion of the at least one tank disposed below a transverse central axis of the at least one tank, particularly below the midpoint between the bottom of the at least one tank and the transverse central axis of the at least one tank. This may allow a cooler portion of the liquid in the at least one tank to flow to the at least one overflow device, as the liquid in the at least one tank is generally cooled at the side, particularly the bottom, of the at least one tank, for example, due to stratification of the liquid in the at least one tank. The stratification of the liquid in the at least one tank may be greater when the liquid is limited to natural convection in the at least one tank, compared to forced convection of the liquid in the at least one tank, for example, via a mixer and / or a pump. Thus, the above-described effects may be used for natural and forced convection of the liquid in at least one tank, although the effects may be greater for natural convection.

[0041] The connection device may be fluidly connected to the at least one tank at a portion of the at least one tank located at 50% or less of the liquid fill level of the tank, particularly 40% or less of the liquid fill level of the tank, particularly 30% or less of the liquid fill level of the tank, particularly 20% or less of the liquid fill level of the tank, particularly 10% or less of the liquid fill level of the tank.

[0042] The system may further include at least one heat conduction reduction device including at least one heat conduction reduction material configured to reduce heat conduction between the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device. The at least one heat conduction reduction device may include at least one heat conduction reduction material disposed on at least a portion of the connection device. The at least one heat conduction reduction material may have a lower thermal conductivity than adjacent materials of the connection device. This may reduce the amount of heat conducted from the at least one tank to the at least one overflow device. This may further reduce the temperature of the liquid in the connection device and / or the at least one overflow device.

[0043] The system may further include at least one buffer vessel fluidly connected to the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device. The at least one buffer vessel may be positioned such that liquid transferred from the at least one tank to the at least one overflow device is received by the at least one buffer vessel before being received by the at least one overflow device. The at least one buffer vessel may further reduce the temperature of the liquid applied to the at least one flexible member. In particular, the at least one buffer vessel may increase the heat transfer area for transferring heat from the liquid to the surroundings and / or at least the cooling medium. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one buffer vessel may store a portion of the liquid, referred to as a "buffer vessel," that remains essentially outside the at least one tank during at least an extended period of time or throughout the entire operation of the transformer. This may allow the buffer vessel to remain relatively cool so that, upon expansion of the liquid in the at least one tank, the buffer vessel is forced into the at least one overflow device by liquid flowing from the at least one tank toward the at least one overflow device. This may allow the colder buffer solution to at least predominantly and / or at least initially come into contact with the at least one flexible member, which may prevent or at least limit exposure of the at least one flexible member to the hotter liquid flowing from the at least one tank towards the at least one overflow device, which may prevent or at least reduce the risk of damage to the at least one flexible member and / or may extend the life of the at least one flexible member.

[0044] The at least one buffer can be substantially rigid. Therefore, in contrast to the at least one flexible member, the at least one buffer can not be deformed / expanded by the liquid. In other words, the at least one buffer can have a fixed liquid storage volume for storing at least a portion of the liquid.

[0045] The transformer may be configured as any type of transformer, for example, the transformer may be configured as a traction transformer, particularly for use in rail vehicles, particularly for supplying power to rail vehicles.

[0046] The system, particularly the at least one overflow device and / or the connection device, may not contain a hygroscopic material, particularly a desiccant.

[0047] Further systems according to the second aspect of the present disclosure are described below: The system according to the first aspect and the system according to the second aspect may be combined or provided separately.

[0048] The system may include at least one transformer, which may include at least one tank configured to at least partially receive at least one core and at least one winding wound at least partially around the at least one core. The at least one tank may be configured to at least partially receive at least one liquid, such as an insulating liquid and / or a cooling liquid.

[0049] The system may further include at least one overflow device and at least one first connection device configured to fluidly connect the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device. The at least one overflow device may include at least one elastically deformable flexible member. The at least one overflow device may be configured to periodically receive a portion of liquid from the at least one tank and return at least a portion of the received liquid to the at least one tank via the connection device under deformation of at least a portion of the at least one flexible member.

[0050] The system may further include at least one surface enlargement means configured to provide an enlargement of the area of ​​a heat transfer surface of the connection device across which heat can be dissipated from the liquid. The at least one surface enlargement means may include one or more protrusions, in particular one or more fins. The one or more protrusions may extend from at least one surface of the connection device. The one or more protrusions may be configured to conduct heat to or from the connection device.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the connection device may be configured as a conduit that is guided in a coil and / or serpentine manner in at least a portion thereof.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the connection device may be configured as a conduit having a total effective length of at least 25 cm.

[0053] Providing the above-mentioned at least one surface enlargement means, for example by including one or more protrusions, in particular one or more fins, by configuring the connection device as a conduit guided in a coil and / or serpentine shape in at least a portion thereof, and / or by configuring the connection device as a conduit having a total effective length of at least 25 cm, can increase heat dissipation from the liquid through the connection device, e.g. to the at least one cooling medium and / or to the surroundings, by enlarging the area of ​​the heat transfer surface of the connection device over which heat can be dissipated from the liquid to lower its temperature, which can result in more favorable thermal conditions in the at least one overflow device, in particular in the at least one flexible member, as described above in relation to the first aspect.

[0054] The term "total effective length" refers to the total length of a conduit along which a liquid flows. In other words, "total effective length" refers to the total length of an equivalent straight conduit in which a liquid would travel the same distance as a real, e.g., non-linear, e.g., bent, straight, coiled, serpentine, etc., conduit.

[0055] At least one surface of the connection device from which the one or more protrusions may extend may include an outer surface and / or an inner surface of the connection device.

[0056] The system may include one or more deflectors configured to deflect the liquid within the connection device and / or deflect the at least one cooling medium external to the connection device. The one or more deflectors may be positioned and configured to apply one or more forces to the liquid to direct and / or redirect the at least one cooling medium toward the exterior of the connection device, which may increase the effectiveness and / or efficiency of the cooling medium in cooling the liquid.

[0057] The conduit may have a total effective length of at least 30 cm, more particularly at least 40 cm, more particularly at least 50 cm, more particularly at least 60 cm, more particularly at least 70 cm, more particularly at least 80 cm, more particularly at least 90 cm, more particularly at least 100 cm, more particularly at least 110 cm, more particularly at least 120 cm, more particularly at least 130 cm, more particularly at least 140 cm, more particularly at least 150 cm, more particularly at least 160 cm, more particularly at least 170 cm, more particularly at least 180 cm, more particularly at least 190 cm, and more particularly at least 200 cm.

[0058] Further systems according to the third aspect of the present disclosure are described below. The systems according to the first aspect and / or the systems according to the second aspect and / or the systems according to the third aspect may be combined or provided separately.

[0059] The system may include at least one transformer, which may include at least one tank configured to at least partially receive at least one core and at least one winding wound at least partially around the at least one core. The at least one tank may be configured to at least partially receive at least one liquid, such as an insulating liquid and / or a cooling liquid.

[0060] The system may further include at least one overflow device and at least one first connection device configured to fluidly connect the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device. The at least one overflow device may include at least one elastically deformable flexible member. The overflow device may be configured to periodically receive a portion of liquid from the at least one tank and return at least a portion of the received liquid to the at least one tank via the connection device under deformation of at least a portion of the flexible member.

[0061] The system may further include at least one cooling device, which may include at least one phase change material. The at least one cooling device may be disposed in thermal communication with a liquid of the connection device to dissipate heat from the liquid to the at least one phase change material when the liquid is received within the connection device.

[0062] The provision of at least one cooling device can increase heat dissipation from the liquid by increasing the temperature difference between the liquid and the heat sink, i.e., the at least one phase change material, of the at least one cooling device, which can increase heat dissipation from the liquid and reduce the temperature of the liquid, which can lead to more favorable thermal conditions in the at least one overflow device, as explained in relation to the first aspect above.

[0063] These and other aspects and their implementations are described in more detail in the drawings, description, and claims.

[0064] The following list of embodiments provides alternative and / or further features of the present disclosure. 1. At least one transformer including at least one tank configured to at least partially receive at least one liquid; at least one overflow device and at least one first connecting device configured to fluidly connect the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device, wherein the at least one overflow device includes at least one flexible member that is elastically deformable, and the at least one overflow device is configured to periodically receive a portion of liquid from the at least one tank under deformation of at least a portion of the flexible member and return at least a portion of the received liquid to the at least one tank via the connecting device; at least one heat transfer device configured to provide at least one flow of at least one cooling medium in at least a portion of the at least one overflow device and / or connection device to increase heat transfer from the liquid therein to the cooling medium; Including, the system.

[0065] 2. The system of embodiment 1, wherein the overflow device is configured such that when at least a portion of the liquid is received by the overflow device, the liquid directly contacts the flexible member.

[0066] 3. The system of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the flexible member is configured as a barrier between the liquid and the environment.

[0067] 4. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the flexible member includes at least one flexible member wall defining a lumen configured to receive at least a portion of the liquid from the at least one reservoir.

[0068] 5. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the at least one heat transfer device includes at least one overflow device and / or at least one induction device configured to induce at least one cooling medium to at least a portion of the connection device.

[0069] 6. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the at least one heat transfer device is configured to convey at least one cooling medium along the connection device in and / or opposite to a direction in which liquid is transferred from the at least one tank to the at least one overflow device.

[0070] 7. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the liquid is oil. 8. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, further including one or more protrusions, particularly one or more fins, extending from at least one surface of the connection device and / or the at least one overflow device, the one or more protrusions configured to conduct heat to and from the connection device and / or the at least one overflow device to increase heat dissipation from the liquid.

[0071] 9. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, further including one or more deflectors configured to deflect liquid and / or the at least one cooling medium outside the at least one overflow device and / or outside the connection device and / or within the at least one overflow device and / or within the connection device.

[0072] 10. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the connection device is configured as a conduit that is guided in a coil and / or serpentine shape in at least a portion thereof.

[0073] 11. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the at least one heat transfer device includes at least one cooling circuit configured to direct at least one cooling medium to and away from the connection device and / or the at least one overflow device.

[0074] 12. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the connection device is fluidly connected to the at least one tank at a portion of the at least one tank disposed on at least one side of the tank, particularly toward a bottom of the at least one tank.

[0075] 13. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the connection device is fluidly connected to the at least one tank at a portion of the at least one tank located at or below 50% of the liquid fill level of the tank, particularly at or below 40% of the liquid fill level of the tank, particularly at or below 30% of the liquid fill level of the tank, particularly at or below 20% of the liquid fill level of the tank, particularly at or below 10% of the liquid fill level of the tank.

[0076] 14. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, further including at least one heat conduction reduction device comprising at least one heat conduction reduction material configured to reduce heat conduction between the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device, particularly wherein the at least one heat conduction reduction device comprises at least one heat conduction reduction material disposed on at least a portion of the connection device, the at least one heat conduction reduction material having a lower thermal conductivity than an adjacent material of the connection device.

[0077] 15. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising at least one buffer vessel in fluid communication with the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device, the at least one buffer vessel configured such that liquid transferred from the at least one tank to the at least one overflow device is received by the at least one buffer vessel before being received by the at least one overflow device.

[0078] 16. The system of aspect 15, wherein the at least one buffer enclosure is substantially rigid. 17. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the transformer is configured as a traction transformer, particularly for use on a rail vehicle, particularly to supply power to the rail vehicle.

[0079] 18. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the system does not include a hygroscopic material, particularly a desiccant.

[0080] 19. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising at least one cooling device comprising at least one phase change material, the at least one cooling device being disposed in thermal communication with a liquid of the connection device to dissipate heat from the liquid to the at least one phase change material when the liquid is received within the connection device.

[0081] 20. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising at least one surface enlargement means configured to provide an enlargement of the area of ​​a heat transfer surface of the connection device across which heat can be dissipated from the liquid by providing one or more protrusions, in particular one or more fins, extending from at least one surface of the connection device; configuring the connection device as a conduit that is coiled and / or serpentine guided in at least a portion thereof; and configuring the connection device as a conduit having a total effective length of at least 25 cm.

[0082] 21. At least one transformer including at least one tank configured to at least partially receive at least one liquid; at least one overflow device and at least one first connecting device configured to fluidly connect the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device, wherein the at least one overflow device includes at least one flexible member that is elastically deformable, and the overflow device is configured to periodically receive a portion of liquid from the at least one tank under deformation of at least a portion of the flexible member and return at least a portion of the received liquid to the at least one tank via the connecting device; at least one surface enlargement means configured to provide an enlargement of the area of ​​the heat transfer surface of the connection device over which heat can be dissipated from the liquid by providing one or more protrusions, in particular one or more fins, extending from at least one surface of the connection device; configuring the connection device as a conduit that is coiled and / or serpentine oriented in at least a portion thereof; and configuring the connection device as a conduit having a total effective length of at least 25 cm; Including, the system.

[0083] 22. The system of aspect 21, wherein the one or more protrusions are configured to conduct heat to and from the connection device.

[0084] 23. The system of any one of aspects 21 or 22, wherein the conduit has a total effective length of at least 30 cm, more particularly at least 40 cm, more particularly at least 50 cm, more particularly at least 60 cm, more particularly at least 70 cm, more particularly at least 80 cm, more particularly at least 90 cm, more particularly at least 100 cm, more particularly at least 110 cm, more particularly at least 120 cm, more particularly at least 130 cm, more particularly at least 140 cm, more particularly at least 150 cm, more particularly at least 160 cm, more particularly at least 170 cm, more particularly at least 180 cm, more particularly at least 190 cm, and more particularly at least 200 cm.

[0085] 24. The system of any one of aspects 21-23, further comprising at least one heat transfer device configured to provide at least one flow of at least one cooling medium in at least a portion of the at least one overflow device and / or connection device to increase heat transfer from a liquid therein to the cooling medium.

[0086] 25. The system of aspect 24, wherein the at least one heat transfer device includes at least one cooling circuit configured to direct at least one cooling medium to and away from the connection device and / or the at least one overflow device.

[0087] 26. The system of aspect 24 or 25, further comprising at least one overflow device and / or at least one directing device configured to direct at least one cooling medium to at least a portion of the connecting device.

[0088] 27. The system of any one of aspects 24 to 26, wherein at least one heat transfer device is configured to transport at least one cooling medium along the connection device in and / or opposite to a direction in which liquid is transferred from the at least one tank to the at least one overflow device.

[0089] 28. The system of any one of aspects 21-27, wherein the overflow device is configured such that when at least a portion of the liquid is received by the overflow device, the liquid comes into direct contact with the flexible member.

[0090] 29. The system of any one of aspects 21-28, wherein the flexible member is configured as a barrier between the liquid and the environment.

[0091] 30. The system of any one of aspects 21-29, wherein the flexible member includes at least one flexible member wall defining a lumen configured to receive at least a portion of the liquid from the at least one tank.

[0092] 31. The system of any one of aspects 21-30, wherein the liquid is oil. 32. The system of any one of aspects 21-31, further comprising one or more deflectors configured to deflect the liquid and / or at least one cooling medium outside the at least one overflow device and / or outside the connection device and / or within the at least one overflow device and / or within the connection device.

[0093] 33. The system of any one of aspects 21-32, wherein the connection device is fluidly connected to the at least one tank in a portion of the at least one tank positioned on at least one side of the tank, particularly toward the bottom of the at least one tank.

[0094] 34. The system of any one of aspects 21-33, wherein the connection device is fluidly connected to the at least one tank at a portion of the at least one tank located at 50% or less of the liquid fill level of the tank, particularly 40% or less of the liquid fill level of the tank, particularly 30% or less of the liquid fill level of the tank, particularly 20% or less of the liquid fill level of the tank, particularly 10% or less of the liquid fill level of the tank.

[0095] 35. The system of any one of aspects 21 to 34, further comprising at least one heat conduction reduction device including at least one heat conduction reduction material configured to reduce heat conduction between the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device, and more particularly, the at least one heat conduction reduction device including at least one heat conduction reduction material disposed in at least a portion of the connection device, and the at least one heat conduction reduction material having a lower thermal conductivity than an adjacent material of the connection device.

[0096] 36. The system of any one of aspects 21-35, further comprising at least one buffer vessel in fluid communication with the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device, wherein the at least one buffer vessel is configured such that liquid transferred from the at least one tank to the at least one overflow device is received by the at least one buffer vessel before being received by the at least one overflow device.

[0097] 37. The system of embodiment 36, wherein at least one buffer enclosure is substantially rigid. 38. The system of any one of aspects 21-37, wherein the transformer is configured as a traction transformer, particularly for use in a rail vehicle, particularly for supplying power to the rail vehicle.

[0098] 39. The system of any one of aspects 21-38, wherein the system does not contain a hygroscopic material, in particular a desiccant.

[0099] 40. The system of any one of aspects 21-39, further comprising at least one cooling device comprising at least one phase change material, the at least one cooling device being positioned in thermal communication with a liquid of the connection device to dissipate heat from the liquid to the at least one phase change material when the liquid is received within the connection device.

[0100] 41. at least one transformer including at least one tank configured to at least partially receive at least one liquid; at least one overflow device and at least one first connecting device configured to fluidly connect the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device, wherein the at least one overflow device includes at least one flexible member that is elastically deformable, and the overflow device is configured to periodically receive a portion of liquid from the at least one tank under deformation of at least a portion of the flexible member and return at least a portion of the received liquid to the at least one tank via the connecting device; at least one cooling device optionally including at least one phase change material, the at least one cooling device being disposed in thermal communication with the liquid of the connection device to dissipate heat from the liquid to at least one cooling medium of the at least one cooling device when the liquid is received in the connection device, the at least one cooling device being configured to cool the at least one cooling medium, optionally to a temperature below ambient temperature; Including, the system.

[0101] 42. The system of aspect 41, further comprising at least one heat transfer device configured to provide at least one flow of at least one cooling medium in at least a portion of the at least one overflow device and / or connection device to increase heat transfer from a liquid therein to the cooling medium.

[0102] 43. The system of aspect 42, wherein the at least one heat transfer device includes at least one cooling circuit configured to direct at least one cooling medium to and away from the connection device and / or at least one overflow device.

[0103] 44. The system of aspect 42 or 43, further comprising at least one overflow device and / or at least one directing device configured to direct at least one cooling medium to at least a portion of the connecting device.

[0104] 45. The system of any one of aspects 42 to 44, wherein at least one heat transfer device is configured to transport at least one cooling medium along the connection device in and / or opposite to a direction in which liquid is transferred from the at least one tank to the at least one overflow device.

[0105] 46. ​​The system of any one of aspects 41 to 45, further comprising at least one surface enlargement means configured to provide an enlargement of the area of ​​a heat transfer surface of the connection device across which heat can be dissipated from the liquid by providing one or more protrusions, particularly one or more fins, extending from at least one surface of the connection device, configuring the connection device as a conduit that is coiled and / or serpentine guided in at least a portion thereof, and configuring the connection device as a conduit having a total effective length of at least 25 cm.

[0106] 47. The system of aspect 46, wherein the one or more protrusions are configured to conduct heat to and from the connection device.

[0107] 48. The system of aspect 46 or 47, wherein the conduit has a total effective length of at least 30 cm, more particularly at least 40 cm, more particularly at least 50 cm, more particularly at least 60 cm, more particularly at least 70 cm, more particularly at least 80 cm, more particularly at least 90 cm, more particularly at least 100 cm, more particularly at least 110 cm, more particularly at least 120 cm, more particularly at least 130 cm, more particularly at least 140 cm, more particularly at least 150 cm, more particularly at least 160 cm, more particularly at least 170 cm, more particularly at least 180 cm, more particularly at least 190 cm, or more particularly at least 200 cm.

[0108] 49. The system of any one of aspects 41-48, wherein the overflow device is configured such that when at least a portion of the liquid is received by the overflow device, the liquid comes into direct contact with the flexible member.

[0109] 50. The system of any one of aspects 41-49, wherein the flexible member is configured as a barrier between the liquid and the environment.

[0110] 51. The system of any one of aspects 41-50, wherein the flexible member includes at least one flexible member wall defining a lumen configured to receive at least a portion of the liquid from the at least one tank.

[0111] 52. The system of any one of aspects 41-51, wherein the liquid is oil. 53. The system of any one of aspects 41-52, further comprising one or more deflectors configured to deflect the liquid and / or at least one cooling medium outside the at least one overflow device and / or outside the connection device and / or within the at least one overflow device and / or device.

[0112] 54. The system of any one of aspects 41 to 53, wherein the connection device is fluidly connected to the at least one tank in a portion of the at least one tank positioned on at least one side of the tank, particularly toward the bottom of the at least one tank.

[0113] 55. The system of any one of aspects 41-54, wherein the connection device is fluidly connected to the at least one tank at a portion of the at least one tank located at 50% or less of the liquid fill level of the tank, particularly 40% or less of the liquid fill level of the tank, particularly 30% or less of the liquid fill level of the tank, particularly 20% or less of the liquid fill level of the tank, particularly 10% or less of the liquid fill level of the tank.

[0114] 56. The system of any one of aspects 41 to 55, further comprising at least one heat conduction reduction device comprising at least one heat conduction reduction material configured to reduce heat conduction between the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device, and more particularly, the at least one heat conduction reduction device comprising at least one heat conduction reduction material disposed in at least a portion of the connection device, and the at least one heat conduction reduction material having a lower thermal conductivity than an adjacent material of the connection device.

[0115] 57. The system of any one of aspects 41-56, further comprising at least one buffer vessel in fluid communication with the at least one tank and the at least one overflow device, wherein the at least one buffer vessel is configured such that liquid transferred from the at least one tank to the at least one overflow device is received by the at least one buffer vessel before being received by the at least one overflow device.

[0116] 58. The system of embodiment 57, wherein at least one buffer enclosure is substantially rigid. 59. The system of any one of aspects 41-58, wherein the transformer is configured as a traction transformer, particularly for use on a rail vehicle, particularly for supplying power to the rail vehicle.

[0117] 60. The system of any one of aspects 41-59, wherein the system does not contain a hygroscopic material, particularly a desiccant.

[0118] 61. The system of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the flexible member is made at least partially, particularly entirely, from at least one polymeric material.

[0119] FIG. 1 illustrates, in cross-section, a schematic representation of a system 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 10 may include at least one transformer 12 including at least one core 16, at least one winding 18 wound at least partially around the at least one core 16, and at least one tank 14 configured to at least partially receive at least one liquid 20. An exemplary fill level 21 of the liquid 20 in the at least one tank 14 is shown in FIG. 1. The at least one tank 14 is typically completely filled with liquid, i.e., there is no air at the top of the at least one tank 14.

[0120] The system 10 may further include at least one overflow device 22 and at least one first connection device 24 configured to fluidly connect the at least one tank 14 and the at least one overflow device 22. The at least one overflow device 22 may include at least one elastically deformable flexible member 26. The at least one overflow device 22 may be configured to periodically receive a portion of liquid 20 from the at least one tank 14 under deformation of at least a portion of the flexible member 26, as indicated by double-headed arrow 23 in the figure, and return at least a portion of the received liquid 20 to the at least one tank 14 via the connection device 24. The connection device 24 may include at least one conduit 25 through which the fluid 20 is guided between the at least one tank 14 and the at least one overflow device 22.

[0121] As shown in the figures, the connection device 24 may be fluidly connected to the at least one tank 14 at a portion of the at least one tank 14 that is disposed on a side of the at least one tank 14, particularly toward the bottom of the at least one tank 14. However, the connection device 24 may be disposed in any other location on the at least one tank 14. For example, the connection device 24 may be disposed toward or at the top of the at least one tank 14.

[0122] The at least one flexible member 26 may include at least one flexible member wall 28 defining a lumen 30 configured to receive at least a portion of the liquid 20 from the at least one reservoir 14. The at least one flexible member 26, and more particularly the at least one flexible member wall 28 of the at least one flexible member 26, may be configured as a barrier between the liquid 20 received in the lumen 30 and the environment 32.

[0123] 1, the at least one flexible member 26 may be configured as a bladder or pouch. Thus, the at least one flexible member 26 may be deformable / expandable in that when liquid 20 or more liquid flows into the at least one overflow device 22, and more specifically, into the lumen 30 of the at least one flexible member 26, the liquid 20 exerts a force on the interior surface of the at least one flexible member wall 28.

[0124] Figure 2 schematically illustrates, in cross-section, a variation of the system 10 according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, in contrast to the at least one flexible member 26 illustrated in Figure 1, the at least one flexible member 26 in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 may be configured as a barrier separating at least one liquid-receiving chamber 34 of the at least one overflow device 22 from at least one expansion chamber 36 of the at least one overflow device 22, as illustrated in Figure 2. Specifically, the at least one overflow device 22 may include at least one housing 38 that defines the at least one liquid-receiving chamber 34 and the at least one expansion chamber 36 and that houses the at least one flexible member 26.

[0125] Thus, the at least one flexible member 26 may be deformable / expandable in that when the liquid 20 or more liquids flow into the at least one overflow device 22, and more specifically into the at least one liquid-receiving chamber 34, the liquid 20 exerts a force on the surface of the at least one flexible member 26 facing the at least one liquid-receiving chamber 34. Thus, the at least one flexible member 26 can increase or decrease the volume of the at least one liquid-receiving chamber 34 and the at least one expansion chamber 36 by changing the shape, i.e., deforming, of the at least one flexible member 26 when the liquid 20 or more liquids flow into the at least one overflow device 22, and more specifically into the at least one liquid-receiving chamber 34. The at least one expansion chamber 36 may be substantially closed, and in particular sealed, from the environment 32.

[0126] Figure 3 shows, in cross-section, a further variation of the system 10 according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. The embodiment shown in Figure 3 is similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 2. However, in contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, at least one expansion chamber 36 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 may be open to the environment 32 via at least one opening 40.

[0127] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates, in cross-section, yet another variation of the system 10 according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the at least one flexible member 26 may include at least one flexible member wall 28 defining a lumen 30. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the at least one overflow device 22 may include at least one liquid-receiving chamber 34. However, in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the lumen 30 may be configured as a compressible bladder that can be filled with at least one compressible medium, e.g., at least one gas such as air or nitrogen. Thus, the at least one flexible member 26 can increase or decrease the volume of the at least one liquid-receiving chamber 34 via compression or expansion of the at least one flexible member 26 when liquid 20 or more liquid flows into the at least one overflow device 22, and more specifically, into the at least one liquid-receiving chamber 34.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 5 , the system 10 may include at least one heat transfer device 42 configured to provide at least one flow 44 of at least one cooling medium 46 in at least a portion of the at least one overflow device 22 and / or connection device 24 to increase heat transfer from the liquid 20 therein to the at least one cooling medium 46. This may result in more favorable thermal conditions in the at least one overflow device 22, and particularly in the at least one flexible member 26. For example, this may allow greater flexibility in selecting materials for manufacturing the at least one flexible member 26. Many materials used to manufacture flexible and elastically deformable members are limited in their tolerance of temperature rise. Therefore, exposing each flexible member 26 to temperatures approaching or exceeding an acceptable threshold temperature may result in damage and / or degradation of the each flexible member 26. Therefore, by lowering the temperature of the liquid 20 by the at least one heat transfer device 42, damage to the at least one flexible member 26 can be prevented or at least the risk of such damage can be reduced and / or the life of the at least one flexible member 26 can be extended.

[0129] The at least one heat transfer device 42 may be configured to generate forced convection of the at least one flow 44. For example, the system 10 may include one or more mechanical devices, such as at least one pump, at least one extractor, at least one fan, at least one compressor, etc., configured to increase and / or decrease the pressure in the at least one cooling medium 46 to move the at least one cooling medium 46.

[0130] The system 10 may further include at least one directing device configured to direct the at least one cooling medium 46 to at least a portion of the at least one overflow device 22 and / or the connecting device 24. For example, the at least one cooling medium 46 may be directed to and away from the connecting device 24 in at least one cooling circuit, as shown in FIG. 8 . Generally, the at least one directing device may include any directing structure configured to direct the at least one cooling medium 46 to at least a portion of the at least one overflow device 22 and / or the connecting device 24. For example, one or more plates and / or channels may be provided to direct the at least one cooling medium 46 to at least a portion of the at least one overflow device 22 and / or the connecting device 24, e.g., by redirecting the at least one cooling medium 46.

[0131] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the system 10 may include one or more protrusions 50, particularly one or more fins, that may extend from at least one surface of the connection device 24. The one or more protrusions 50 may be configured to conduct heat to and from the connection device. Thus, the one or more protrusions 50 may increase the area of ​​the heat transfer surface of the connection device 24 across which heat may be dissipated from the liquid 20, which may further reduce the temperature of the liquid 20. The system 10 according to the embodiment of FIG. 6 may be combined with one or more features of any of the other embodiments described herein, for example, by including at least one heat transfer device 42 shown in FIG. 5 and described above.

[0132] Alternatively or additionally, connection device 24 may be configured as a coiled and / or serpentine-guided conduit at least in a portion thereof to increase the area of ​​the heat transfer surface of connection device 24 and further reduce the temperature of liquid 20. An exemplary embodiment in which connection device 24 is configured as a serpentine-guided conduit is shown in FIG.

[0133] Alternatively or additionally, connection device 24 may be configured as a conduit having a total effective length of at least 25 cm to increase the heat transfer surface area of ​​connection device 24 and further reduce the temperature of liquid 20. For example, connection device 24 may be configured as a straight conduit having a length of at least 25 cm. Alternatively, connection device 24 may be configured as a bent and / or curved conduit having a total effective length of at least 25 cm. To provide a more compact conduit while providing a relatively long total effective length, connection device 24 may be configured as a conduit that is coiled and / or serpentine-guided along at least a portion thereof, as detailed above.

[0134] 8 , the system 10 may include at least one cooling circuit 52 configured to direct at least one cooling medium 46 to and away from the connection device 24 and / or the at least one overflow device 22. The cooling circuit 52 may include at least one cooling medium inlet 54 and at least one cooling medium outlet 56.

[0135] 9 , the system 10 may further include at least one buffer receptacle 60 in fluid communication with the at least one tank 14 and the at least one overflow device 22. The at least one buffer receptacle 60 may be in fluid communication with the at least one tank 14 via a connection device 24 that may be configured as, or may at least include, a conduit for conducting the liquid 20. The at least one buffer receptacle 60 may be in fluid communication with the at least one overflow device 22 via a conduit 62.

[0136] The at least one buffer receptacle 60 may be positioned such that liquid 20 transferred from the at least one tank 14 to the at least one overflow device 22 is received by the at least one buffer receptacle 60 before being received by the at least one overflow device 22.

[0137] 9, the system 10 may include at least one cooling device 70 configured to cool the liquid 20 via the connection device 24. The at least one cooling device 70 may be disposed in thermal communication with the connection device 24 to dissipate heat from the liquid 20 to the at least one cooling device 70. The at least one cooling device 70 may at least partially, and in particular completely, surround the connection device 24.

[0138] The at least one cooling device 70 may include at least one cooling medium 72, and the at least one cooling device 70 may be configured to reduce the temperature of the at least one cooling medium 72 to a temperature below ambient temperature, thereby increasing the temperature gradient between the liquid 20 and the heat sink, i.e., the at least one cooling medium 72 of the at least one cooling device 70. This may increase heat dissipation from the liquid 20.

[0139] The at least one cooling device 70 may include at least one phase change material, for example, as the at least one cooling medium 72. Alternatively, for example, the at least one cooling device 70 may include a refrigerant circuit for cooling the at least one cooling medium to a temperature below ambient temperature.

[0140] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Similarly, various diagrams may depict example architectures or configurations, which are provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand example features and functionality of the present disclosure. However, such persons will understand that the present disclosure is not limited to the example architectures or configurations shown, but may be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. Moreover, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, one or more features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the example embodiments described above.

[0141] It is also understood that when designations such as "first," "second," etc. are used herein to refer to elements, they are not generally intended to limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations may be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be used or that the first element must precede the second element in any way.

[0142] Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. at least one transformer (12) including at least one tank (14) configured to at least partially receive at least one liquid (20); at least one overflow device (22) and at least one first connection device (24) configured to fluidly connect the at least one tank (14) and the at least one overflow device (22), wherein the at least one overflow device (22) includes at least one elastically deformable flexible member (26), and the at least one overflow device (22) is configured to periodically receive a portion of the liquid (20) from the at least one tank (14) under deformation of at least a portion of the at least one flexible member (26) and return at least a portion of the received liquid to the at least one tank (14) via the connection device (24); at least one heat transfer device (42) configured to provide at least one flow (44) of at least one cooling medium (46) in at least a portion of the at least one overflow device (22) and / or the connection device (24) to increase heat transfer from the liquid (20) therein to the cooling medium (46); A system (10) comprising:

2. 2. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the at least one heat transfer device (42) is configured to transport the at least one cooling medium (46) along the connection device (24) in and / or opposite to a direction in which the liquid (20) is transported from the at least one tank (14) to the at least one overflow device (22).

3. 3. The system (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one heat transfer device (42) comprises at least one cooling circuit (52) configured to direct the at least one cooling medium (46) to and away from the connection device (24) and / or the at least one overflow device (22).

4. 10. The system (10) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one directing device (52) configured to direct the at least one cooling medium (46) to at least a portion of the at least one overflow device (22) and / or the connection device (24).

5. at least one transformer (12) including at least one tank (14) configured to at least partially receive at least one liquid (20); at least one overflow device (22) and at least one first connection device (24) configured to fluidly connect the at least one tank (14) and the at least one overflow device (22), wherein the at least one overflow device (22) includes at least one elastically deformable flexible member (26), and the at least one overflow device (22) is configured to periodically receive a portion of the liquid (20) from the at least one tank (14) under deformation of at least a portion of the at least one flexible member (26), and return at least a portion of the received liquid (20) to the at least one tank (14) via the connection device (24); at least one surface enlargement means configured to provide an enlargement of the area of ​​the heat transfer surface of the connection device (24) over which heat can be dissipated from the liquid (20) by providing one or more protrusions (50), in particular one or more fins, extending from at least one surface of the connection device (24); configuring the connection device (24) as a conduit that is coiled and / or serpentine oriented in at least a portion thereof; and configuring the connection device (24) as a conduit having a total effective length of at least 25 cm; A system (10) comprising:

6. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the conduit (24) has a total effective length of at least 30 cm, more particularly at least 40 cm, more particularly at least 50 cm, more particularly at least 60 cm, more particularly at least 70 cm, more particularly at least 80 cm, more particularly at least 90 cm, more particularly at least 100 cm, more particularly at least 110 cm, more particularly at least 120 cm, more particularly at least 130 cm, more particularly at least 140 cm, more particularly at least 150 cm, more particularly at least 160 cm, more particularly at least 170 cm, more particularly at least 180 cm, more particularly at least 190 cm, and more particularly at least 200 cm.

7. at least one transformer (12) including at least one tank (14) configured to at least partially receive at least one liquid (20); at least one overflow device (22) and at least one first connection device (24) configured to fluidly connect the at least one tank (14) and the at least one overflow device (22), wherein the at least one overflow device (22) includes at least one elastically deformable flexible member (28), and the at least one overflow device (22) is configured to periodically receive a portion of the liquid (20) from the at least one tank (14) under deformation of at least a portion of the at least one flexible member (26), and return at least a portion of the received liquid (20) to the at least one tank (14) via the connection device (24); at least one cooling device (70) including at least one phase change material (72), said at least one cooling device (70) being disposed in thermal communication with a liquid of said connection device (24) to dissipate heat from said liquid (20) to said at least one phase change material (72) when said liquid (20) is received within said connection device (24); A system (10) comprising:

8. 10. The system (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one overflow device (22) is configured such that when at least a portion of the liquid (20) is received by the at least one overflow device (22), the liquid (20) comes into direct contact with the flexible member (26).

9. 10. The system (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one flexible member (26) is configured as a barrier between the liquid (20) and the environment (32).

10. 10. The system (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one flexible member (26) includes at least one flexible member wall (26) defining a lumen (30) configured to receive at least a portion of the liquid (20) from the at least one tank (14).

11. 10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one said liquid (20) comprises an oil, in particular an insulating oil or an insulating ester fluid.

12. 10. The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the connection device (24) is fluidly connected to the at least one tank (14) in a portion of the at least one tank (14) located on at least one side of the tank (14), in particular towards a bottom of the at least one tank (14).

13. 10. The system (10) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection device (24) is fluidly connected to the at least one tank (14) in a portion of the at least one tank (14) located at 50% or less of the liquid fill level (21) of the at least one tank (14), in particular 40% or less of the liquid fill level (21) of the at least one tank (14), in particular 30% or less of the liquid fill level (21) of the at least one tank (14), in particular 20% or less of the liquid fill level (21) of the at least one tank (14), in particular 10% or less of the liquid fill level (21) of the at least one tank (14).

14. 10. The system (10) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one buffer receptacle (60) in fluid communication with the at least one tank (14) and the at least one overflow device (22), the at least one buffer receptacle (60) being configured such that the liquid (20) transferred from the at least one tank (14) to the at least one overflow device (22) is received by the at least one buffer receptacle (52) before being received by the at least one overflow device (22).

15. 10. The system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system, in particular at least the at least one overflow device (22) and / or the connection device (24), does not contain a hygroscopic substance, in particular a desiccant.

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