Transformer Air-Flow Redirector for Targeted Air-Gap Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air-forced cooling methods for dry-type transformers, utilizing centrifugal fans, result in a significant portion of cooling air being directed away from the transformer due to divergent airflow, leading to inefficient cooling and increased temperature rise.
Innovation Solution
An air-flow re-director with independently adjustable surfaces is introduced to redirect a portion of the cooling air from centrifugal fans into pre-determined air-gaps around the transformer, optimizing airflow distribution and reducing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If centrifugal fans with very high air-flow rate are used for air-forced cooling, then cooling capacity is improved, but a substantial portion of cooling air flow becomes directed away from the transformer resulting in wasted cooling air and inefficient cooling
Solution Approach 1:
An air-flow re-director is introduced as an intermediary device between the centrifugal fan and the transformer. This re-director includes a plurality of independently adjustable surfaces that intercept the divergent cooling air flow and redirect it toward the transformer core and winding coils, thereby recovering otherwise wasted cooling air and improving cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The air-flow re-director features independently adjustable surfaces that can be dynamically positioned to optimize airflow direction. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions and maximize the utilization of cooling air flow, preventing energy waste while maintaining effective cooling
2Productivity
If centrifugal fans with very high air-flow rate are used for air-forced cooling, then cooling capacity is improved, but cooling efficiency deteriorates due to diverge direction of centrifugal fans
Solution Approach 1:
The air-flow re-director serves as a mediator that couples the high-capacity centrifugal fan with the transformer cooling requirements. It captures the high-volume air flow from the fan and redirects it efficiently onto the transformer, ensuring that the high productivity of the fan is translated into actual cooling efficiency at the transformer
Solution Approach 2:
The re-director creates localized high-velocity air flow zones at critical heat generation areas of the transformer (core and winding coils) by directing air through specific air-gaps. This local concentration of cooling air flow maximizes the effectiveness of the high-volume air supply from the centrifugal fan
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 enhances cooling efficiency, reduces temperature rise, and improves transformer reliability and heat transfer efficiency, while also offering potential material cost savings.
Implementation Method 1
an air-flow re-director including a plurality of independently adjustable surfaces angled to re-direct a flow of a portion of a cooling air received into the re-director into at least one pre-determined air-gap
Implementation Method 2
air-forced cooling are employed to reduce their temperature rise
Data Source
AI summary
A transformer including a core, a plurality of winding coils arranged in proximity of the core to inductively couple to the core, a plurality of air-gaps to allow air flow in the proximity of at least one of the core and winding coils, and an air-flow re-director including a plurality of independently adjustable surfaces angled to re-direct a flow of a portion of a cooling air received into the re-director into at least one pre-determined air-gap.