Air Multiplier Cooling Structure for Low-Noise Transformer Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems for electric induction devices like transformers and shunt reactors are inefficient, noisy, and require high power consumption, with conventional fans producing turbulence and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
An airflow generator with a ducted fan and an air multiplier having a specific aerodynamic profile that efficiently pressurizes airflow, reducing power consumption and noise, while minimizing turbulence and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional bladed fans are used for transformer cooling, then cooling capability is achieved, but noise is high, structure is complex, and maintenance is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional bladed fans with an air multiplier device that uses aerodynamic principles instead of mechanical blades. The air multiplier creates a jet stream that entrains surrounding air through the Coandă effect, eliminating the need for complex bladed mechanisms while reducing noise and simplifying structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid conduit as an intermediary component that connects the ducted fan to the air multiplier, optimizing airflow transmission. This intermediary structure allows efficient pressure transmission while simplifying the overall system architecture compared to direct fan-to-radiator connections.
2Device complexity
If natural convection is used for transformer cooling, then structure is simple, but cooling capability is insufficient for high-power transformers
Solution Approach 1:
The air multiplier device utilizes the jet stream it generates to automatically entrain and accelerate surrounding ambient air through the Coandă effect. This self-service mechanism multiplies the airflow without requiring additional power input, achieving enhanced cooling capability while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles through the air multiplier device, which generates a controlled jet stream that interacts with ambient air through fluid dynamic effects. This pneumatic approach provides forced convection capability suitable for high-power transformers while keeping the structure relatively simple.
3Productivity
If large fans are used to increase airflow rate, then cooling efficiency improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air multiplier device uses the kinetic energy of its own jet stream to automatically draw in and accelerate surrounding ambient air. This self-service mechanism creates a multiplicative effect where a small amount of powered air generates a much larger total airflow, significantly reducing power consumption compared to conventional fans.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of airflow generation from direct mechanical displacement (conventional fans) to aerodynamic entrainment (air multiplier). This parameter change allows achieving higher airflow rates with lower power input by utilizing fluid dynamic effects rather than direct mechanical force.
4Ease of operation
If conventional fans are used for cooling, then cooling function is provided, but the system is heavy and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical fan assemblies with a lighter air multiplier device based on aerodynamic principles. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components such as blades, motors with heavy housings, and associated mounting structures, thereby reducing overall system weight and simplifying maintenance requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The airflow generator achieves efficient cooling with reduced power consumption, lower noise, and extended service life by enhancing airflow without internal edges causing turbulence.
Implementation Method 1
The air multiplier comprises an aerodynamic profile defined by a cross-sectional profile shape swept along a profile path... The fan provides an airflow into the air multiplier... a much larger amount of air than the amount of air supplied by the fan, is discharged towards the oil-to-air heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
The cooling process typically uses natural convection or forced convection to move ambient air past the radiator... The fan provides an airflow into the air multiplier. The ducted nature of the fan enables it to efficiently pressurize the fluid conduit.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~6
AI summary
An airflow generator (1) comprising: an electrically powered ducted fan (2) provided with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4), a fluid conduit (5); and an air multiplier (6) for discharging air along a first axis (A), said air multiplier (6) comprising an inlet (8) and an outlet (9), said fluid conduit (5) fluidly connecting the outlet (4) of the ducted fan (2) to the inlet (8) of the air multiplier (6). The air multiplier (6) comprises an aerodynamic profile defined by a cross-sectional profile shape (P) swept along a profile path (PA), wherein the cross-sectional profile shape (P) comprises outer wall portions defining an inner space (S) and defining said outlet (9) which fluidly connects the inner space (S) to ambient air. The outer wall portions comprise a rounded leading portion (P1) for facing incoming ambient air moved by the air multiplier (6), an elongated first side portion (P2) extending from the leading portion (P1) towards a trailing portion (PT) of the profile shape (P), and an elongated second side portion (P3) extending from the leading portion (P1) towards the trailing portion (PT) of the profile shape (P), wherein the first side portion (P2) extends non-overlapping with respect to itself, wherein the second side portion (P3) extends non-overlapping with respect to itself, and wherein the first side portion comprises a curved end portion (P4) extending along said first axis (A) past a free end (E) of the second side portion (P3).