Transformer Safety Device with Linear Floating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for power transformers, such as Buchholz relays, face challenges in optimizing their constructive layout and space utilization, limiting their ability to continuously monitor gas formation and transformer functioning, especially when additional functionalities like remote monitoring are required.
Innovation Solution
A safety device with a shaped body and two floating elements that move linearly along guiding supports, activating switches at predetermined threshold levels to generate alarm and trip signals, and incorporating a transducer to continuously measure gas accumulation and liquid levels, allowing for remote data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional Buchholz relay constructive layout is used, then basic gas detection function is achieved, but space utilization is suboptimal and additional monitoring functionalities cannot be integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple monitoring functions (gas detection, liquid level detection, continuous gas measurement) into a single integrated safety device housing. The floating elements, transducer, and switching means are all housed within the same chamber structure, eliminating the need for separate devices and optimizing space utilization while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety device is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting gas accumulation through floating elements, continuously measuring gas quantity via transducer, monitoring liquid levels, and providing both alarm and trip signals. This multi-functional design allows the device to replace multiple separate monitoring systems while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Reliability
If floating elements are hinged onto supporting frame as in traditional relays, then gas detection is achieved, but space consumption is excessive and layout is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of hinging floating elements onto a supporting frame as in traditional designs, the patent inverts the approach by mounting the floating elements directly on guiding supports that enable linear movement. This inversion eliminates the need for complex hinged mechanisms and reducing the space required for floating equipment while maintaining reliable gas detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the floating detection function into separate floating elements that move independently along dedicated guiding supports. This segmentation allows each floating element to occupy minimal space while performing its specific detection function, optimizing the overall space utilization within the chamber.
3Volume of stationary object
If linear movement along guiding supports is implemented, then space is optimized and layout is simplified, but additional functionalities like continuous measurement must be integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transducer as an intermediary component that continuously measures the quantity of gas accumulated in the chamber. The transducer works in conjunction with the floating elements and guiding supports, converting physical measurements into electrical signals without interfering with the compact linear movement mechanism. This intermediary enables continuous measurement functionality while maintaining the space-optimized design.
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 solution optimizes space usage, enabling enhanced monitoring and functionality without increasing the device's size, allowing for continuous gas measurement and remote data transmission, thereby improving the safety and performance of power transformers.
Implementation Method 1
a first floating element and a second floating element suitable to be at least partially immersed in and moved by movements of the cooling liquid
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a transducer to continuously measure gas accumulation and liquid levels
Data Source
AI summary
A safety device is disclosed for a power transformer containing a cooling liquid, and can include a shaped body having an inner chamber which is suitable to be at least partially immersed in cooling liquid and inside which gas can accumulate; a first floating element and a second floating element suitable to be at least partially immersed in and moved by cooling liquid; and a switch suitable to be actuated by the first floating element when the gas accumulated is such that the level of the cooling liquid in the inner chamber reaches a predetermined first threshold level and by the second floating element when the gas accumulated is such that the level of the cooling liquid in the inner chamber reaches a lower predetermined second threshold level, respectively. The first and second floating elements can be mounted on and move linearly relative to one or more corresponding guiding supports.