Polyurea-Coated Transformer Tank with Acoustic Impact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inductive devices such as power transformers are vulnerable to damage from environmental factors, animal and human-induced events, and extreme weather, leading to potential power outages due to the lack of effective protection against ballistic projectiles and other intrusions.
Innovation Solution
The development of a hardened inductive device with a polyurea-coated tank and integrated sensors to detect impacts, coupled with a secondary cooling system that activates upon detection of actionable events, ensuring the protection of the core and coil windings and maintaining operational integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a polyurea coating layer is applied to the tank walls to protect against ballistic projectiles, then protection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a polyurea coating layer to the tank walls to create a composite structure that combines the mechanical strength of the metal tank with the ballistic protection properties of the polyurea material. This composite approach provides enhanced protection against ballistic projectiles while maintaining the structural integrity of the original tank design.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyurea coating is applied as a relatively thin, cost-effective layer that can be sprayed onto the tank surface. This coating provides significant ballistic protection without requiring thick metal armor plating, thereby reducing overall material costs and simplifying the manufacturing process compared to traditional armored solutions.
2Reliability
If sensors and automated cooling system are integrated to detect and respond to catastrophic events, then reliability and rapid response are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensors that continuously monitor the transformer for signs of catastrophic events before they fully develop. The system is pre-configured with automated responses, such as activating the cooling system or isolating affected components, so that when a threshold is exceeded, protective actions are immediately triggered without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system uses sensors to detect parameters such as temperature, vibration, and acoustic signals that indicate impending catastrophic events. This feedback is processed by a control system that automatically adjusts operational parameters or activates protective measures, creating a closed-loop system that continuously adapts to the transformer's condition.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the inductive device is designed to withstand catastrophic events, then protection against environmental and human factors is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protection system into separate functional components: the polyurea coating layer for ballistic protection, the sensor network for event detection, and the automated control system for response activation. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining comprehensive protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the tank system by applying a polyurea coating that changes the surface properties to resist ballistic impact. The coating's molecular structure and thickness are optimized to provide maximum protection against specific threat levels while minimizing added weight and manufacturing complexity.
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 solution effectively prevents penetration by ballistic projectiles, reduces noise levels, and minimizes downtime by rapidly switching to secondary cooling, thereby enhancing the resilience and reliability of inductive devices against catastrophic events.
Implementation Method 1
A coating layer is bonded to the tank side wall outer substrate surfaces. The coating is a polyurea coating upon reaction and is formed of first and second components prior to reaction.
Implementation Method 2
The coating is a polyurea coating upon reaction and is formed of first and second components prior to reaction. The first component is an aromatic isocyanate mixture, an aromatic diisocyanate, an aliphatic isocyanate mixture or an aliphatic diisocyanate. The second component is an amine mixture or a polyamine.
Implementation Method 3
at least one acoustic sensor for measuring the sound pressure of the object approaching the electrical equipment
Implementation Method 4
at least one vibration sensor for measuring the acceleration of the electrical equipment housing surface caused by the object striking the housing
Implementation Method 5
a system for providing secondary cooling to the inductive device... primary and secondary cooling systems, each having: at least one fan, a radiator or cooler
Data Source
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AI summary
A hardened inductive device and systems and methods for protecting the inductive device from impact is provided. The inductive device is hardened with protective coating and/or an armor steel housing. The hardened inductive device is protected from impact by an object such as a bullet and leakage of dielectric fluid is prevented. Acoustic and vibration sensors are provided to detect the presence and impact, respectively, of an object in relation to the inductive device housing. The measurements of the acoustic and vibration sensors are compared to thresholds for sending alarms to the network control center and initiating shut-down and other sequences to protect the active part. The acoustic sensor results are utilized to determine the location of origin of the projectile.