Transformer Cooling Airflow Redistribution for Low-Noise Heat Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air-cooling systems for transformers are inefficient, noisy, and difficult to maintain, with high-power transformers requiring forced cooling that is not effectively addressed by natural convection, and existing fans consume excessive power and produce noise.

Innovation Solution

A compact airflow generator system comprising an electrically powered ducted fan, an air multiplier, and an airflow redistribution device that redirects airflow from higher to lower speed regions, enhancing airflow distribution and reducing power consumption and noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional bladed fans are used for forced cooling, then cooling capability is improved, but noise increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional bladed fans with an air multiplier that uses a jet of pressurized air to induce and accelerate ambient air flow through the radiator. This substitution eliminates the need for large rotating blades, thereby reducing noise while maintaining cooling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a ducted fan to generate a high-velocity jet of pressurized air that is directed into the radiator. This pneumatic approach creates forced convection currents that enhance heat dissipation without requiring large conventional fans, thus reducing noise and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If conventional bladed fans are used for forced cooling, then cooling capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex bladed fan mechanisms with a simpler air multiplier system consisting of a ducted fan, fluid conduit, and air multiplier chamber. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining effective forced cooling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If air multiplier discharges air directly without redistribution, then airflow speed near the discharge point is high, but airflow distribution becomes uneven further downstream

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow speed near dischargeVSAvoidairflow distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an airflow redistribution device with deflectors positioned at different locations and angles to redirect the high-velocity jet of air from the air multiplier. This creates a more uniform distribution of airflow across the radiator surface, ensuring even heat dissipation while maintaining high overall airflow speed.

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 system achieves a more even airflow distribution, allowing for a more compact design, reduced power consumption, and lower noise levels while effectively cooling transformers, improving cooling efficiency and reducing the size of the cooling arrangement.

Implementation Method 1

an air multiplier for discharging air along a first axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoanda effect: Coanda Effect

Implementation Method 2

This disclosure concerns cooling systems using forced convection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 3

a transformer provided with an oil-to-air heat exchanger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchanger: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP4421832A1A transformer arrangement
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • EP4421832A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4421832A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4421832A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A transformer arrangement (12) comprising an airflow generator (1) and a transformer (10) provided with an oil-to-air external heat exchanger (11), the airflow generator (1) being configured to discharge air towards the oil-to-air heat exchanger (11). The airflow generator (1) comprises an electrically powered ducted fan (2), a fluid conduit (5), an air multiplier (7) for discharging air along a first axis (A), and an airflow redistribution device (14, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) axially displaced from the air multiplier (7) along a first axis (A), downstream of the air multiplier (7). The airflow redistribution device (14, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d) is configured to redirect airflow from regions of higher speed airflow discharged from the air multiplier (7) to regions of lower speed airflow discharged from the air multiplier (7), thereby promoting a more even distribution of airflow speeds downstream of the airflow redistribution device (14, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d).