Transformer Bushing Fire Bulkhead for Smoke-Tight Heat Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire barriers for high-voltage electrical transformer bushings are unreliable in withstanding high temperatures and preventing smoke penetration during fires, especially when the transformer bushing deforms due to heat, posing a risk to sensitive converter devices in converter halls.
Innovation Solution
A method and device involving a metal frame with recessed metal plates and a support structure around the wall opening to create a fire and smoke-tight barrier, using Durasteel plates and mineral wool or PROMATECT panels, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1500°C for at least 90 minutes, and designed to accommodate deformation of the high-voltage electrical line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional firestops are used to seal wall openings for transformer bushings, then installation is simple, but reliability is insufficient when mechanical stress occurs due to heat-induced deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The firestop system is divided into multiple functional components: a support structure mounted on the jamb to bear mechanical loads, a frame structure surrounding the wall opening, and fire-resistant sealing materials. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the support handling deformation forces and the sealing materials maintaining fire integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary element between the transformer bushing and the firestop system. It absorbs and redirects mechanical stresses caused by heat-induced deformation away from the fire sealing materials, preventing their failure while maintaining the overall fire barrier integrity.
2Temperature
If the fire barrier is designed to withstand high temperatures and mechanical stress, then fire resistance is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the fire barrier system have different functional properties optimized for their specific roles. The support structure is designed for mechanical strength to handle deformation forces, while the sealing materials are optimized for fire resistance and smoke tightness. This local optimization allows the system to withstand both high temperatures and mechanical stress without requiring uniform over-engineering throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire barrier employs composite construction combining fire-resistant materials (such as mineral wool, PROMATECT panels, or Durasteel plates) with a structural frame and support system. This composite approach integrates materials with complementary properties to simultaneously achieve fire resistance, mechanical strength, and smoke tightness.
3Reliability
If absolute smoke tightness is ensured during transformer fire, then smoke control measures can be omitted, but achieving this is conventionally difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fire barrier system merges fire sealing and smoke sealing functions into a single integrated structure. The same fire-resistant materials and sealing mechanisms that block flames also prevent smoke penetration, eliminating the need for separate smoke control systems while ensuring absolute smoke tightness during transformer fires.
4Temperature
If the transformer bushing is allowed to deform due to heat, then thermal stress is reduced, but mechanical stress on the firestop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves as a mediator that decouples the thermal deformation of the transformer bushing from the firestop sealing system. It absorbs the mechanical stresses generated by heat-induced deformation and transfers them to the building structure, protecting the fire sealing materials from damaging forces while allowing the bushing to thermally expand and deform.
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 solution provides a reliable fireproof and smokeproof barrier that prevents smoke penetration and withstands high temperatures, ensuring the safety of converter devices by maintaining structural integrity and preventing damage from mechanical stress caused by transformer bushing deformation during fires.
Implementation Method 1
mechanical stress in case of fire
Implementation Method 2
withstand a fire with certain minimum temperatures for at least 90 minutes
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) is provided for fireproof sealing of a wall opening (3) through which a high-voltage electrical conductor (7) is routed, in particular in the event of a fire on a second side (11) of the wall (5), wherein the device comprises: a frame (12) mounted on a jamb (21) of the wall (5); at least one first metal plate (37a) with a first recess (39a) for a part of the high-voltage electrical conductor (7) and at least one further first metal plate (37b) with a further first recess (39b) for a further part of the high-voltage electrical conductor (7), which are mounted on a first end face (16) of the frame (12), which is in particular directed towards a first side (9) of the wall (5) opposite the second side (11), such that a free passage through the frame (12) is substantially covered; and a support (43) for the high-voltage electrical line (7) which is mounted on the reveal (21).