Transformer Radiator with Elastic Expansion Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiators for transformers and chokes face challenges in managing volume expansion without causing plastic deformation, often requiring separate gas volumes or spot welds that limit expansion and increase compressive strength.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating elastically deformable elements, such as spring steel strips or helical springs, between radiator elements to counteract expansion perpendicular to the surface, eliminating the need for spot welds and allowing greater volume expansion while preventing plastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If spot welds are used to connect radiator element walls, then compressive strength is increased, but volume expansion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator element is divided into two half-shells that are welded at the edge to form flow channels. This segmentation allows the structure to gain compressive strength from the welds while maintaining the ability to expand volumetrically, as the welds connect the edges rather than restricting the overall volume change of the element.
Solution Approach 2:
Welding is applied locally only at the edge of the half-shells where they meet to form flow channels, rather than welding all surfaces. This localized welding provides necessary compressive strength at the connection point while leaving other areas free to expand volumetrically when thermal expansion occurs.
2Reliability
If a separate gas volume is used to absorb pressure rise, then thermal expansion of coolant is accommodated, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator element serves multiple functions: it provides flow channels for coolant, acts as a heat exchange surface, and simultaneously accommodates thermal expansion through its elastic deformation capability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate expansion vessel, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiator element itself provides the expansion accommodation function through its elastic properties. When thermal expansion occurs, the element deforms elastically to absorb the volume change, rather than requiring a separate component. The structure serves its primary cooling function while also handling thermal expansion self-sufficiently.
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
Enables increased volume expansion without plastic deformation, maintaining hydraulic characteristics and allowing for retrospective installation, thus enhancing the cooling efficiency and structural integrity of radiators.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastically deformable element disposed at least between two adjacent radiator elements and constructed in such a way that it counteracts expansion of the radiator elements perpendicular to the surface of the radiator elements
Implementation Method 2
through which a coolant can flow in parallel... the heat is discharged to the surrounding air via large surfaces
Implementation Method 3
the thermal expansion of the coolant must be absorbed... the volume of the radiator elements themselves is enlarged by expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A radiator for cooling a transformer, preferably a power transformer, or a choke, includes a plurality of plate-shaped radiator elements which are disposed parallel to one another and through which a coolant can flow in parallel. At least one elastically deformable element is provided at least between two adjacent radiator elements and is constructed in such a way that it counteracts an expansion of the radiator elements perpendicular to the surface of the radiator elements. Plastic deformation of the walls of the radiator elements can be prevented by the elastically deformable elements. A unit including a transformer or a choke and a method for producing a radiator are also provided.