Transformer Coil Support Structure for Low-Resistance Cooling Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transformer cooling methods are inefficient, leading to heat buildup, reduced performance, and increased operational costs, with existing solutions failing to effectively manage heat transfer and fluid flow within the transformer.

Innovation Solution

A support structure with an elongated body and fluid passage openings is arranged between transformer coil segments to redirect fluid flow, increasing cooling efficiency by reducing flow resistance and enhancing heat transfer without additional material costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional cooling methods are used in transformers, then the structure is simple, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient leading to heat buildup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is merged with fluid passage openings to create a multi-functional component that both supports the transformer core and enables efficient fluid flow for cooling, eliminating the need for separate cooling components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure serves multiple functions: providing mechanical support for the transformer core and simultaneously acting as a fluid conduit for heat transfer, thereby improving cooling efficiency without adding separate cooling systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If fluid flow is increased to improve cooling, then heat transfer is enhanced, but flow resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transferVSAvoidflow resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure incorporates fluid passage openings that allow fluid to flow through the support structure itself, creating multiple flow paths that reduce overall flow resistance while enhancing heat transfer from the transformer core

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure acts as an intermediary medium that facilitates heat transfer from the transformer core to the cooling fluid, allowing efficient thermal exchange while maintaining low flow resistance through its integrated passage design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 improves cooling efficiency, reduces heat buildup, and extends transformer lifespan while maintaining mechanical strength and design integrity, thereby lowering operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one fluid passage opening provided in at least a section of the elongated body, the at least one fluid passage opening being configured to allow a fluid to pass therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20230326653A1Support structure and transformer including a support structure

Publication Date: 2023.10.12 HITACHI ENERGY LTD

AI summary

A support structure is configured to be arranged at least partially in a space provided between at least two coil segments of a transformer. The support structure comprises an elongated body having at least a first side and a second side. The support structure comprises at least one fluid passage opening provided in at least a section of the elongated body. The at least one fluid passage opening is configured to allow a fluid to pass therethrough from the first side to the second side. A transformer has a support structure arranged in a space between at least two coils segments of the transformer.