Transformer Desiccant Regeneration via Temperature Second Derivative

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional temperature-based methods for determining positive pressure in transformers for desiccant regeneration are unreliable due to variability in transformer loading cycles, necessitating a more reliable approach based on temperature measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method involving repeated temperature measurements over cycles, with analysis of first and second derivatives of the temperature signal to determine optimal regeneration timing, using temperature sensors located in the vessel, breather, or oil, to ensure accurate detection of positive pressure for desiccant regeneration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional temperature-based monitoring is used to determine positive pressure for desiccant regeneration, then the monitoring cost is reduced, but the reliability of determining optimal regeneration timing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring costVSAvoidreliability of determining optimal regeneration timing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the temperature signal through mathematical operations (first derivative and second derivative calculations) to extract meaningful information about pressure conditions. By analyzing the rate of temperature change and its acceleration, the system can reliably determine positive pressure conditions without requiring direct pressure sensing, thus maintaining low cost while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct pressure measurement (mechanical sensing) with temperature-based indirect measurement combined with mathematical analysis. Instead of using pressure sensors to directly detect positive pressure conditions, the system uses temperature sensors and derivative calculations to infer pressure states, achieving reliable detection through signal transformation rather than mechanical measurement.

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

2Device complexity

If temperature measurements are taken at hourly intervals over several days to predict positive pressure, then the measurement approach is simplified, but the response time for regeneration timing deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement approach complexityVSAvoidresponse time for regeneration timing
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic temperature measurements at fixed intervals (e.g., hourly) and uses derivative analysis to identify characteristic patterns that indicate positive pressure conditions. By analyzing the temporal pattern of temperature changes and their derivatives, the system can detect optimal regeneration timing from routine periodic data without requiring continuous monitoring or extended observation periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from temperature derivative analysis to determine when positive pressure conditions exist. By continuously analyzing the first and second derivatives of the temperature signal and comparing them against threshold criteria, the system provides timely feedback about regeneration readiness, enabling prompt action based on simplified periodic measurements rather than lengthy prediction periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2749343B1Methods of regenerating desiccant in a breathing apparatus
Publication Date: 2017.06.21 QUALITROL CORP
  • EP2749343B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A method of regenerating a desiccant in a breather communicating with a vessel includes creating a temperature signal that is a temperature associated with at least one of the vessel and the breather for a plurality of cycles, each cycle having a predetermined duration, and regenerating the desiccant when the second derivative of the temperature signal reaches a peak value.