Transformer Gas Relay Calibration via Oil Flow Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional transformer protection systems using mineral insulation oil face challenges when transitioning to environment-friendly insulation liquids, as the changed oil flow velocity settings can lead to delayed protection actions and safety hazards due to differing properties of new insulation liquids.

Innovation Solution

A transformer simulation system that includes an oil tank, heating device, pump, and flow sensors to simulate oil flow conditions at fault temperatures, allowing for the measurement of oil flow velocity and determination of new setting values for gas relays, ensuring timely protection actions regardless of insulation oil type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If new environment-friendly insulation liquid is used instead of mineral insulation oil, then environmental protection and cleaning are improved, but the oil flow velocity changes causing delayed protection action

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental harmVSAvoidprotection timing
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the insulation liquid from traditional mineral oil to new environment-friendly types (such as ester-based oils). This parameter change improves environmental compatibility while requiring corresponding adjustments to the gas relay setting values to maintain proper protection timing. The system adapts by recalibrating the flow velocity thresholds to match the viscosity and flow characteristics of the new insulation liquid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If gas relay setting value is referenced to previous mineral oil value, then device complexity is reduced, but protection action is delayed causing equipment damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting value configurationVSAvoidprotection action timing
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical calibration method with a simulation-based measurement system. A test platform circulates the actual insulation liquid through a gas relay, using flow sensors and temperature control to replicate transformer operating conditions. This substitution allows precise determination of setting values based on actual fluid dynamics rather than relying on manufacturer defaults or theoretical calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-calibration of the gas relay by directly measuring the flow velocity characteristics of the specific insulation liquid being used. The test platform allows users to determine appropriate setting values through empirical measurement rather than requiring external expert intervention or complex calculation procedures, making the system self-sufficient for adaptation to different oil types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If traditional heating path outside oil tank is used, then heating efficiency is improved, but temperature uniformity and simulation accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heating element from the external positioning and relocates it directly into the oil tank. This extraction allows the heating source to be immersed in the insulation liquid, ensuring uniform heat distribution throughout the fluid. The heating rod is positioned within the test oil volume to maintain consistent temperature across the entire circulation system, which is critical for accurate flow velocity measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 simulates transformer fault conditions, measures oil flow velocity, and adjusts gas relay settings, preventing equipment damage and safety hazards by accounting for the properties of different insulation oils.

Implementation Method 1

a heating device, a heating temperature of which is set as the oil temperature at transformer fault

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

Said pump body is connected to said first oil pipe or said second oil pipe... the pump body is activated, so that the oil in the oil tank is sequentially circulated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 3

Said first flow sensor is disposed in said first oil pipe... the oil flow velocity in the first oil pipe can be measured by the first flow sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow measurement:

Implementation Method 4

a pressure sensor for detecting oil pressure is disposed in said oil tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3650874B1Transformer simulation system and setting value simulation measurement method
Publication Date: 2023.02.15 GUANGZHOU POWER SUPPLY CO LTD
  • EP3650874B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A transformer simulation system and a measurement method for setting value simulation are disclosed. The transformer simulation system includes an oil tank, a heating device, a pump body, a first oil pipe, a second oil pipe and a first flow sensor. The heating device is disposed in the oil tank. The oil tank is provided with a first inlet and a first outlet, the first outlet is connected to the first oil pipe, and the first inlet is connected to the second oil pipe. An end of the first oil pipe away from the oil tank is a first mounting end for being connected to an oil inlet of a gas relay, and an end of the second oil pipe away from the oil tank is a second mounting end for being connected to an oil outlet of the gas relay. The pump body is connected to the first oil pipe or the second oil pipe, and the first flow sensor is disposed in the first oil pipe. The above-described transformer simulation system can measure the oil flow velocity, that is the setting value of the gas relay, and the type of the insulation oil in the oil tank can be replaced, then the corresponding setting value of the gas relay is obtained, so as to prevent the original gas relay from not playing the role of the protection due to a different property of the insulation oil.