Staggered Air Multiplier Layout for Transformer Cooling Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transformer cooling systems, particularly for high-power transformers, face inefficiencies in airflow generation, leading to high power consumption, noise, and complex maintenance due to the use of conventional fans and natural convection, which are inadequate for effective heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
An airflow generator comprising a ducted fan and multiple air multipliers of varying sizes positioned along an axis, with support means and optional actuators for adjustable positioning, to enhance airflow distribution and efficiency, reducing power consumption and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional bladed fans are used for transformer cooling, then forced convection cooling is achieved, but the system produces high noise, has complex structure, and is heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple air multipliers distributed along the first axis, each handling a portion of the cooling load. This distributes the complexity across multiple simpler units rather than one complex fan system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional bladed fans with air multipliers that use fluid dynamic principles (Coanda effect) to amplify airflow. This substitutes a complex mechanical fan system with a more elegant fluid-based solution that has fewer moving parts and lower complexity
2Productivity
If larger fans are used to increase airflow rate, then cooling efficiency improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air multipliers act as intermediaries that take the airflow from a relatively small ducted fan and amplify it to a much larger volume. The fan provides the initial driving force, and the air multipliers multiply this effect, achieving high airflow rates without requiring a proportionally large and power-hungry fan
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the airflow parameters through the air multipliers, which modify the flow characteristics and amplify the volume. This allows achieving high productivity with lower power input by optimizing the airflow parameters through the multiplier devices
3Area of stationary object
If air multipliers are positioned closer together in the same plane, then airflow coverage is improved, but flow restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning all air multipliers in the same plane, the patent distributes them along the first axis (longitudinal dimension). This spatial reconfiguration allows airflow from multiple multipliers to combine effectively without creating restrictions, as each multiplier operates in a slightly different position along the axis
4Productivity
If a single large fan is used to cool the transformer, then cooling coverage is sufficient, but noise emission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single large fan is replaced by multiple smaller air multipliers distributed along the first axis. Each multiplier operates at lower individual noise levels, and their distributed arrangement prevents the concentrated noise emission of a single large fan, achieving sufficient cooling coverage with reduced overall noise
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 airflow generator achieves a more even airflow distribution, lowers power consumption, and reduces noise, enabling a compact and efficient cooling system for transformers.
Implementation Method 1
US 2017/057621 shows a nesting of Coanda-effect air multipliers that increase the airflow within the multiplier. US 2019/277317 shows angled and staggered Coanda-effect air multipliers.
Implementation Method 2
This disclosure concerns cooling systems using forced convection. Forced convection is typically achieved using one or more large fans blowing air through or onto the radiator(s).
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An airflow generator (1) comprising a ducted fan (2) and a plurality of air multipliers (7a, 7b, 7c) for discharging air along a first axis (A), each air multiplier (7a, 7b, 7c) comprising an inlet (8) and an outlet (9), said ducted fan (2) being fluidly connected to the inlets (8) of the air multipliers (7a, 7b, 7c), wherein the air multipliers (7a, 7b, 7c) are differently sized to provide airflows of different cross-sectional size, and are positioned such that smaller ones (7b, 7c) of the air multipliers (7a, 7b, 7c) provide airflows reinforcing a respective sub-portion of the airflows provided by larger air multipliers (7a, 7b), and wherein the air multipliers (7a, 7b, 7c) are distributed along the first axis (A).