Cellulose Pressboard Insulation with Polyelectrolyte Additives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cellulose-based pressboard used in electrical transformers lacks improved mechanical properties, specifically in-plane and out-of-plane stiffness and strength, which affects manufacturing and longevity, without compromising dielectric properties.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating polyvinylamine (PVAm) and polyacrylamide (PAM) additives in a combined amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight into the cellulose-based pressboard, enhancing fibre bonding and mechanical performance through layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional cellulose pressboard is used, then dielectric properties are maintained, but in-plane and out-of-plane mechanical properties remain insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvein-plane tensile strengthVSAvoidmaterial composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining cellulose fibers with polyelectrolyte additives (PVAm and PAM) to create a pressboard with enhanced mechanical properties. The polyelectrolytes form bridges between cellulose fibers, creating a composite structure that maintains dielectric properties while significantly improving in-plane tensile strength and out-of-plane compressibility resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the pressboard by introducing polyelectrolyte compounds that modify the fiber bonding characteristics. The addition of PVAm and PAM alters the electrochemical properties of the cellulose matrix, enabling stronger inter-fiber bonds through electrostatic interactions, thereby improving mechanical strength without compromising electrical insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If conventional cellulose pressboard is used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but out-of-plane compressibility is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveout-of-plane compressive strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses polyelectrolytes as intermediary substances that mediate between cellulose fibers to create stronger bonds. These polyelectrolyte intermediaries form bridges between adjacent fibers, providing enhanced out-of-plane compressive strength while maintaining a manufacturing process that is relatively simple and compatible with existing pressboard production methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If pressboard mechanical properties are improved, then bending stiffness increases, but dielectric properties may be degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending stiffnessVSAvoiddielectric performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the polyelectrolyte additives at the fiber bonding interfaces rather than uniformly distributing them throughout the bulk material. This localized enhancement of fiber bonding provides improved bending stiffness and mechanical strength while maintaining the bulk dielectric properties of the cellulose matrix, as the polyelectrolytes primarily affect the inter-fiber regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 addition of PVAm and PAM significantly increases in-plane tensile strength and reduces out-of-plane compressibility, resulting in improved mechanical performance and stability of pressboard components in transformers.

Implementation Method 1

mixing an amount of cationic PVAm into the pulp, mixing an amount of anionic PAM into the pulp

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic interactions: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3012282B1Pressboard
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 ABB POWER GRIDS SWITZERLAND AG
  • EP3012282B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cellulose based pressboard for insulation in an electrical power transformer. The pressboard comprises polyvinylamine (PVAm), and polyacrylamide (PAM), in a combined amount of between 0.01% and 20% by weight of the pressboard. The invention also relates to the use of such a pressboard as insulation in a power transformer, to a power transformer comprising such pressboard, as well as to a method of producing the pressboard.