Transformer Clamping Structure Openings for Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dry-type transformers with air-forced cooling face inadequate airflow to inner zones due to electric shielding devices, leading to temperature issues that affect performance and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating openings in the clamping structure with electric shielding means to allow gas flow from blowing equipment to both inner and outer windings, ensuring effective cooling and protection against electric fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electric shielding devices are used to protect the clamping structure from electric fields, then the clamping structure is protected against electric fields, but the airflow to the inner zone of the winding is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of clamping structureVSAvoidcooling of inner winding zone

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The electric shielding device is segmented by introducing openings that divide the continuous shielding structure into sections, allowing airflow to pass through while maintaining the protective function against electric fields in the non-opening portions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding device has non-uniform properties: areas with openings allow airflow penetration for cooling, while areas without openings provide electric field protection, creating local variations in functionality to resolve the contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the shielding device covers the clamps completely, then electric field protection is maximized, but the cooling airflow rate to the inner winding zone becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric shielding effectivenessVSAvoidcooling airflow rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous shielding coverage is segmented by creating openings, allowing the system to simultaneously provide electric field protection in the solid portions and adequate cooling airflow through the opening portions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 maintains optimal temperatures for both inner and outer windings, enhancing transformer performance and lifespan by improving cooling efficiency without compromising dielectric integrity.

Implementation Method 1

This air cooling may be forced or natural. In case of forced-air cooling the blowing equipment may be positioned to blow the airflow to the winding.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

the openings are configured to allow the gas flow to pass from the blowing equipment towards at least one winding of the transformer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3255644B1Cooling arrangement

Publication Date: 2021.06.02 HITACHI ENERGY SWITZERLAND AG

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AI summary

Cooling arrangement for a dry-type transformer, the arrangement comprising: a blowing equipment configured to blow a gas flow, an opening positionable in a clamping structure of the transformer, the opening being configured to allow the gas flow to pass from the blowing equipment towards a winding of the transformer, so that the winding is properly cooled, the opening comprising an electric protecting means for dielectric protection of the clamping structure; a transformer comprising such cooling arrangement is also disclosed.