Instrument Transformer Particle Insulation for Automated Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing instrument transformers face challenges with manual kraft paper wrapping for insulation, which is time-consuming, costly, and prone to human errors, making automation difficult and increasing production faults.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing particles, such as paper material or cellulose, in powder form, impregnated with insulating fluids like mineral oil, for automated insulation within the instrument transformer housing, enhancing electrical isolation and reducing production time and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual kraft paper wrapping is used for insulation, then electrical isolation is achieved, but production time increases and costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state of the insulation material from solid sheets (kraft paper) to particles (powder form). This parameter change enables automated filling processes while maintaining effective electrical isolation, thereby reducing production time and costs without compromising insulation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If manual kraft paper wrapping is used for insulation, then electrical isolation is achieved, but production costs increase due to manpower

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the manual mechanical wrapping process with an automated particle filling system. The particle-filled insulation can be automatically dispensed and distributed within the housing, eliminating the need for manual labor while achieving the same electrical isolation effect, thus reducing production costs.

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

3Reliability

If manual kraft paper wrapping is used for insulation, then electrical isolation is achieved, but human errors increase and automation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidautomation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the insulation material from sheets to particles, the invention enables automated handling and filling processes. Particles can be easily conveyed, measured, and distributed by automated equipment, eliminating the complexity of automating manual wrapping operations while ensuring consistent electrical isolation quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If particles are used for insulation, then automation and production efficiency improve, but impregnation time may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidimpregnation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs the impregnation process before filling the particles into the housing. By pre-impregnating the particles with insulating fluid, the actual filling and assembly process is accelerated, and the overall production time is reduced despite the additional impregnation step. This preliminary action ensures that particles are ready for immediate installation without requiring lengthy on-site impregnation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 use of particles provides efficient, cost-effective insulation with high fill factor and surface-to-volume ratio, minimizing human intervention and reducing faults, thus improving production efficiency and electrical isolation.

Implementation Method 1

Particles are impregnated by an insulating fluid. The insulating fluid can be or can comprise oil, particularly mineral oil and/or a synthetic oil, and/or ester, particularly vegetable esters.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpregnation: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The active part is electrically insulated by an isolation material from the housing of the instrument transformer. These materials are good isolation materials, especially at high voltages up to 1200 kV.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3764379B1Instrument transformer and method to isolate parts
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3764379B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3764379B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an instrument transformer (1) for high current and/or high voltage conversion, comprising a housing and at least an active part, which is electrically insulated by an isolation material. The isolation material comprises particles (14). A method for the instrument transformer (1) comprises the filling of a housing of the instrument transformer (1) with particles (14), particularly with particles (14) of paper material and/or cellulose, which were impregnated by an insulating fluid (10), particularly mineral oil and/or a synthetic oil, and/or ester, particularly vegetable esters.