HVDC Transformer Insulating Liquid Resistivity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) environments, transformers experience excessive electrical DC stress due to the high resistivity of Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) oil, which shifts the electric field to dielectrically weaker liquid insulation, leading to adverse effects on the insulation system.

Innovation Solution

A blend of a high-resistivity gas-to-liquid oil with a second oil or additive, such as mineral oil or synthetic ester, is used to adjust the equilibrium resistivity of the insulating liquid, ensuring it remains at least 10^11 ohm-meters but no more than half the value of the primary oil's resistivity, thereby reducing stress on the liquid insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the resistivity of the insulating liquid is increased, then the dielectric strength is improved, but the DC electric field shifts to the liquid causing excessive stress on the insulation system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedielectric strengthVSAvoidDC electric field stress
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the resistivity parameter to a specific range by controlling the blend ratio of GTL oil and mineral oil or by selecting appropriate additives. This ensures the liquid insulation has sufficient dielectric strength while maintaining resistivity low enough to prevent excessive DC field stress concentration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If mineral oil with additives is used, then the high temperature operating stability is improved, but the resistivity decreases which may shift stress to the liquid insulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelife durationVSAvoidresistivity balance
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully controls the type and concentration of additives (0.001-1% by weight) to achieve the desired balance between thermal stability and resistivity. By selecting specific additives and optimizing their concentrations, the patent maintains adequate resistivity levels while still benefiting from the high-temperature stability that additives provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively lowers the resistivity of the insulating liquid, reducing stress and improving the reliability and safety of inductive devices by ensuring the liquid insulation can withstand electrical DC fields, while maintaining a favorable resistivity ratio with solid insulation, thus optimizing insulation performance.

Implementation Method 1

a blend of a high-resistivity gas-to-liquid oil with a second oil or additive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMixing:

Implementation Method 2

the resistivity of the oil is an important factor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistivity: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

Transformers that experience strong electrical DC potential fields are subjected to DC stress

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical stress:

Implementation Method 4

The dielectric insulation in converter transformers usually comprises liquid insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3754674B1Insulating liquid and inductive arrangement comprising a container with insulating liquid
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • EP3754674B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an insulating liquid (26) for an enclosure (24) intended to enclose an inductive device comprising a winding (20) surrounded by solid insulation (22) as well as to an inductive arrangement comprising a container (24) with such an inductive device (12) and insulating liquid (26). The insulating liquid (26) comprises a first main component in the form of a first oil having an equilibrium resistivity of at least 1013 ohm metres and at least one second auxiliary component in the form of a second oil or additive having a lower equilibrium resistivity causing the equilibrium resistivity of the insulating liquid to be at least 1011 ohm metres and at most half the value of the equilibrium resistivity of the first oil when in use in the enclosure.