Transformer Diaphragm Cooling Airflow Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical transformers, particularly dry-type transformers, face challenges with inhomogeneous cooling distribution leading to local overheating, which reduces their lifespan and reliability, despite existing cooling schemes.

Innovation Solution

The transformer design incorporates a magnetic core assembly with coaxially disposed coil assemblies separated by gaseous fluid ducts, guided by diaphragms to facilitate series flow of cooling air through these ducts, ensuring efficient heat dissipation by prioritizing internal coil cooling before external surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional cooling schemes are used, then cooling is provided, but inhomogeneous cooling distribution occurs leading to local overheating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidtransformer lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces separate cooling channels (first cooling channel and second cooling channel) that deliver cooling air to different locations - one channel cools the coil while the other cools the core. This localized cooling approach ensures that each component receives dedicated cooling attention, preventing local overheating and improving temperature distribution uniformity throughout the transformer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If cooling air flows directly past outermost coils, then external surfaces are cooled, but internal coil cooling is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoil temperatureVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is segmented into distinct cooling channels: one dedicated to cooling the coil and another for cooling the core. This segmentation allows cooling air to be directed systematically - first through the coil cooling channel to remove heat from the coil, then through the core cooling channel. This sequential and separated approach ensures thorough internal cooling before external surface cooling.

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 approach significantly reduces temperature in both coils and core, enhancing cooling efficiency and extending the transformer's lifespan while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

guiding the cooling fluid through the first inner fluid duct thereby cooling the first core limb and the first coil assembly at least partially; and guiding the cooling fluid having been heated within the first inner fluid duct past the first outermost coil thereby cooling the first outermost coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2502242B1Electrical transformer with diaphragm and method of cooling same
Publication Date: 2013.10.02 ABB RES LTD
  • EP2502242B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2502242B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An electrical transformer comprises an enclosure (10); a magnetic core assembly arranged within the enclosure, the magnetic core assembly having a first core limb, a second core limb and a third core limb; three coil assemblies (30, 40, 50) comprising a first coil assembly (30) and a second coil assembly (40) and a third coil assembly (50). The first coil assembly (30) is co-axially disposed about the first core limb and radially separated therefrom by an axially- extending first inner duct (38) situated between the first core limb and the first coil assembly. The first coil assembly has a first outermost coil. A second coil assembly (40) is co- axially disposed about the second core limb and radially separated therefrom by an axially- extending second inner duct (48) situated between the second core limb and the second coil assembly. A third coil assembly (50) is co-axially disposed about the third core limb and radially separated therefrom by an axially- extending third inner duct (58) situated between the third core limb and the third coil assembly. At least one diaphragm (62, 64) is arranged within the enclosure (10), the diaphragm (62, 64) being essentially sealed to the first outermost coil and arranged for guiding a cooling in series through the first inner duct (38),through the second inner duct (48), through the third inner duct (58) and through an extra-coil volume along the outsides of the third, second and first outermost coil.