Transformer Cooling Device Using Heat Pipe and Heat Sink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling devices for power transformers, which include radiators and cooling fans, increase occupied space and generate noise while attempting to dissipate heat, leading to potential overheating and damage.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device incorporating a heat pipe and heat sink configuration within the power transformer, utilizing radial and axial spacers to support the heat pipes and enhance heat dissipation, along with a fractionating column to optimize heat transfer, without the need for a cooling fan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If radiators and cooling fans are disposed at the exterior of the power transformer to dissipate heat, then cooling performance is improved, but occupied space significantly increases and loud noise occurs during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful cooling fan is extracted and eliminated from the system. The patent replaces the fan-based forced convection with a passive heat pipe system that eliminates the noise-generating moving part while maintaining cooling functionality through phase change and capillary action.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical cooling fan system is replaced with a thermal conduction-based heat pipe system. The heat pipe uses phase change (evaporation and condensation) and capillary wick action to transfer heat without mechanical moving parts, thereby eliminating noise while achieving cooling.
2Temperature
If radiators and cooling fans are disposed at the exterior of the power transformer to dissipate heat, then cooling performance is improved, but occupied space significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe is nested within the existing transformer structure, utilizing the vertical space inside the transformer tank. The heat pipe extends from the coil area up through the oil space to the lid, nesting the cooling function within the existing transformer volume rather than adding external radiators.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function is merged with the existing transformer structure by integrating the heat pipe directly into the transformer tank. The heat pipe serves dual purposes: it provides cooling while also acting as a structural element within the transformer, eliminating the need for separate external radiator assemblies.
3Temperature
If conventional cooling devices are used to dissipate heat, then heat dissipation is achieved, but the complexity of the cooling system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe system is self-regulating and requires no external control or power supply. The phase change and capillary wick action occur automatically based on temperature gradients, making the system self-service and eliminating the need for complex control circuits, motors, or external power connections.
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 configuration effectively attenuates noise while maintaining or improving cooling performance by utilizing heat pipes and heat sinks to dissipate heat internally, reducing the risk of overheating and damage.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pipe supported by the plurality of radial spacers and installed or disposed inside and outside the core and the coil
Implementation Method 2
heat is transferred to the insulating oil circulating through the power transformer
Implementation Method 3
a heat sink coupled to an upper portion of the heat pipe and exposed to an upper portion of the coil
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a cooling device of a power transformer is presented and, more particularly, to a cooling device of a power transformer which may include a heat pipe and a heat sink to improve cooling performance, and to attenuate noise by eliminating a cooling fan.