Dynamic Transformer Tank Volume Expansion Under Fault Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Transformer failures result in sudden gas generation, leading to increased pressure and potential catastrophic rupture, which poses hazards by releasing gases and liquids into the environment.
Innovation Solution
A rupture-resistant system is designed to increase the inner volume of the transformer tank and radiator under pressure conditions, using connected top, sidewall, and bottom members, and a radiator with a header pipe configuration to manage and contain gases, thereby raising the rupture pressure and preventing catastrophic failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transformer tank is designed with fixed rigid walls, then the structural strength is sufficient to contain normal operating pressure, but the tank cannot accommodate sudden pressure increases from gas generation during fault conditions, leading to catastrophic rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The tank walls are designed to dynamically change their configuration in response to pressure changes. During normal operation, the tank maintains a compact rigid structure. During fault conditions with sudden pressure increases, the tank walls can deform or expand to increase internal volume, accommodating the generated gases and preventing rupture. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between structural strength and rupture resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank structure incorporates mechanisms that allow physical parameters such as volume and shape to change under different pressure conditions. The tank can transition from a fixed-volume state during normal operation to an expanded-volume state during fault conditions, thereby accommodating pressure increases without rupture while maintaining structural integrity throughout.
2Reliability
If the transformer tank volume is increased to accommodate pressure increases, then rupture pressure is raised, but the tank size and material requirements increase under normal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than designing the tank for maximum volume from the outset, the invention employs dynamic volume adjustment mechanisms. The tank maintains a compact size during normal operation but can expand its volume when pressure increases during fault conditions. This eliminates the need for excessive tank size and material under normal conditions while still providing high rupture pressure capability when needed.
3Reliability
If conventional rigid tank connections are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the tank cannot create additional volume under pressure to prevent rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanisms between tank components are designed to be dynamic rather than rigid. These connections allow relative movement and deformation between tank sections, enabling the overall tank structure to expand and create additional volume under pressure. While slightly more complex than rigid connections, they provide the necessary adaptability for pressure containment while remaining manufacturable.
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 system effectively contains gases and liquids, preventing transformer ruptures and reducing environmental hazards by creating additional volume to accommodate increased pressure without failure.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the top, sidewall, and bottom members is connected to another of the top, sidewall, and bottom members in a manner so as to cause an increase in inner volume of the tank under increased pressure conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A rupture resistant system, including a tank configured to increase an inner volume of the tank under increased pressure conditions, wherein the tank, a sidewall extending about the inner volume of the tank, and wherein the sidewall includes an interior surface and an exterior surface, a bottom wall coupled to the sidewall, and a tank cover coupled to the sidewall opposite the bottom wall, wherein the tank cover includes a first plate coupled to a second plate, wherein the second plate extends from the first plate, and the first plate couples to a second end of the sidewall with a joint without overlapping the interior and exterior surfaces of the sidewall. The system also includes a radiator coupled to the tank, the radiator comprising a first panel and a second panel positioned at a distance from the first panel, the first panel and second panel being configured to increase the distance of the inner volume of the radiator.