Expandable Transformer Tank for Rupture Pressure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transformer failures result in sudden gas generation, leading to increased pressure and potential catastrophic rupture, posing hazards and environmental pollution due to the inability of existing systems to safely manage excessive pressure.
Innovation Solution
A rupture-resistant system for transformers that includes a tank with connected top, sidewall, and bottom members capable of increasing inner volume under pressure, combined with a radiator configured to directionally vent gases and liquids, and a header pipe system to manage excessive pressure conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the transformer tank is designed with rigid fixed volume, then the structural strength is improved, but the rupture pressure is limited and catastrophic failure occurs when pressure exceeds the rupture pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The tank members are designed to dynamically change their configuration under pressure. The curved non-linear surfaces are connected in a manner that allows them to expand outward when pressure increases, creating additional volume to accommodate gas generation during faults, thereby increasing rupture pressure resistance while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The tank's inner volume parameter is made changeable under pressure conditions. The curved surfaces and their connections are designed to transform the tank from a fixed volume to an expandable volume when pressure exceeds a certain threshold, allowing the tank to adapt to pressure changes and prevent catastrophic rupture
2Reliability
If the tank volume is increased to accommodate pressure, then the rupture pressure is improved, but the tank size and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tank expands dynamically only when needed under pressure conditions rather than maintaining a permanently larger volume. The curved non-linear surfaces and their connections enable the tank to maintain its original compact size during normal operation and expand to a larger volume only when pressure increases during fault conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable structure allows the tank to effectively nest between two volume states: a compact original volume during normal operation and an expanded volume during pressure events. The curved surfaces fold or expand like nested structures to provide volume on demand without permanently occupying the expanded space
3Reliability
If pressure relief is provided without directional control, then the rupture pressure is reduced, but gases and liquids are released in uncontrolled directions causing hazards and environmental pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief capability is localized to specific directional outlets rather than being omnidirectional. The radiator and its connection to the tank create a localized pressure relief path that directs gases and liquids in controlled directions away from the transformer and surrounding environment, providing pressure relief while minimizing harmful effects
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful effect of pressure buildup is converted into a controlled beneficial release. Instead of allowing uncontrolled catastrophic rupture that releases gases and liquids in all directions causing hazards, the system uses the pressure itself to drive gases and liquids through the radiator in controlled directions, transforming the harmful pressure into a managed pressure relief mechanism
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 increases the rupture pressure of transformers, preventing catastrophic failures by creating additional volume and safely venting gases and liquids, thereby reducing the risk of hazards and environmental pollution.
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
Implementation Method 2
The radiator is configured to directionally vent gases and liquids under excessive pressure conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A rupture resistant system is provided and comprises a tank comprising a top member, a combined body member, the combined body member forming a side and bottom of the tank, the combined body member comprising at least one curved non-linear surface to define a partially curved interior in at least a portion of the tank; and a component situated within the tank and susceptible to creating increasing pressure within the tank when under a fault condition. 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.