Transformer Radiator Heat Pipe Cold Start Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical devices with insulating fluids face challenges in cold starting due to high viscosity at low temperatures, which impairs fluid circulation and cooling capacity, making it difficult to initiate operation efficiently, especially with alternative insulating fluids like esters and silicone oils.
Innovation Solution
The integration of heat pipes thermally connecting the tank or insulating fluid with a heated heat exchange member allows targeted heating of the cooling system, reducing viscosity and facilitating fluid circulation by transferring heat from the boiler to the heat exchange element, thereby accelerating the cold start process without additional costs or complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the insulating fluid is circulated through radiators for cooling, then the cooling capacity is improved, but at low temperatures below -10°C the high viscosity of the insulating fluid impairs circulation and reduces cooling effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by heating the insulating fluid in the boiler before normal operation begins. A heating device is activated during idle periods or before expected cold starts to maintain the insulating fluid above the viscosity threshold temperature, ensuring that circulation can begin immediately when the transformer is started without being impeded by high viscosity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the insulating fluid by introducing active heating mechanisms. By controlling the temperature of the insulating fluid to remain above a critical threshold, the viscosity parameter is effectively managed, allowing the fluid to maintain adequate flow characteristics even in cold environmental conditions.
2Ease of operation
If pumps are used to circulate the insulating fluid, then circulation is forced, but pumps can only be switched on once the insulating fluid exceeds a minimum temperature threshold, causing delayed cold starts
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device operates in advance during idle periods to pre-heat the insulating fluid to the minimum required temperature. This preliminary heating action ensures that when the transformer is started, the fluid is already at a temperature suitable for pump operation, eliminating the delay that would otherwise occur while waiting for the fluid to warm up naturally.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device maintains continuous operation during idle periods to keep the insulating fluid temperature above the operational threshold. This continuous heating action ensures that the fluid is always ready for immediate circulation when needed, rather than requiring a warm-up period each time the transformer is started.
3Adaptability or versatility
If alternative insulating fluids like esters and silicone oils are used, then environmental compatibility is improved, but viscosity at temperatures below -10°C becomes so high that cold start becomes practically impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by actively controlling the temperature of the insulating fluid to compensate for the inherently high viscosity of environmentally friendly alternatives like esters and silicone oils. By maintaining the fluid temperature above a critical threshold through active heating, these alternative fluids can be used without suffering from cold-start problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device performs preliminary heating of the insulating fluid during idle periods, ensuring that even highly viscous alternative insulating fluids reach their operational temperature range before the transformer needs to start. This preliminary action makes it possible to use environmentally compatible fluids that would otherwise be unsuitable for cold climates.
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 solution enables cost-effective and efficient cold starting at lower temperatures, allowing the use of alternative insulating fluids and reducing the time required to reach operational temperature, thus minimizing the risk of overheating and improving overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
the boiler and/or the insulating fluid is thermally connected to the heated heat exchanger via at least one heat pipe
Implementation Method 2
only one of the heat exchange elements is in thermally conductive contact with a heat source that generates heat when the electrical device is started
Implementation Method 3
a cooling system comprising at least one radiator arranged outside the boiler and connected to it for circulating the insulating fluid via the radiator
Data Source
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AI summary
In order to create an electrical device (5) for connection to a high-voltage network, comprising a boiler (6) filled with an insulating fluid (7) and containing a magnetizable core (8) and at least one winding (9) enclosing a section (10) of the core (8), and a cooling system (11) comprising at least one radiator (1) arranged outside the boiler (6) and connected to it for circulating the insulating fluid (7) via the radiator (1), wherein the radiator (1) has at least two heat exchange elements (3) connected in parallel, with which a cold start can be accelerated and also carried out at lower temperatures, it is proposed that only one of the heat exchange elements (3) be in thermally conductive contact with a heat source that generates heat when the electrical device (5) is started.