Dry-Type Transformer Connection Bar for Terminal Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional submersible dry-type transformers have high voltage terminals and cables exposed on the front side, making them susceptible to damage from side impacts and increasing the risk of electrical hazards during maintenance, while also occupying more space and being costly to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

The design positions high voltage terminals above or below the transformer, using a connection bar with an insulating body and electrical pathways to create connections between coils, reducing the footprint and enhancing safety by shielding electrical connections from external impacts and environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If high voltage terminals and cables are exposed on the front side of the transformer, then electrical connections can be easily accessed, but the transformer becomes susceptible to damage from side impacts and electrical hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of electrical connectionsVSAvoidsusceptibility to damage from side impacts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the high voltage terminals from the front side (horizontal dimension) to the top or bottom axial positions (vertical dimension). This dimensional change allows electrical connections to remain accessible while removing them from the impact-prone front side, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If high voltage terminals and cables are exposed on the front side, then connections are readily accessible, but manufacturing costs increase and space occupation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of terminalsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the high voltage terminals directly into the coil structure at the axial ends, merging the terminal function with the coil assembly. This eliminates the need for separate front-side terminal assemblies and complex cable management systems, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining electrical accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If conventional front-side terminal configuration is used, then electrical connections are accessible, but the transformer occupies more space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterminal accessibilityVSAvoidtransformer footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By moving terminals to the axial top or bottom positions, the patent utilizes the vertical dimension for electrical connections rather than expanding the horizontal footprint. This dimensional reorganization maintains terminal accessibility while compacting the transformer's horizontal occupation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This configuration reduces the transformer's susceptibility to damage, enhances safety for maintenance personnel, and lowers manufacturing costs by simplifying shielding and reducing the need for front-side terminals and cables, while allowing for more efficient thermal dissipation and expanded conductor expansion.

Implementation Method 1

a ground shield embedded within and extending from the electrically insulating body and configured to shield high voltage terminals of each high voltage coil of the transformer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3750175B1Dry-type transformer and method of forming thereof
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3750175B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3750175B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP3750175B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C

AI summary

In some embodiments, a connection bar is provided for connecting multiple high voltage coils of a dry-type transformer along a top or bottom of the dry-type transformer. The connection bar includes (1) an electrically insulating body having a plurality of openings, each opening sized to receive at least one of high voltage terminals of the transformer; (2) an electrical connection pathway within the electrically insulating body configured to create a predetermined electrical connection between multiple high voltage coils of the transformer; (3) external connector terminals embedded within and extending from the electrically insulating body, the external connector terminals connected to the electrical connection pathway; and (4) a ground shield embedded within the electrically insulating body and configured to shield high voltage terminals of each high voltage coil of the transformer. Numerous other aspects are provided.