Viscoelastic Damping System for Transformer Tank Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Stationary induction devices like transformers and reactors produce noise pollution due to vibrations of their cores and cooling devices, which are transmitted to the tank walls, causing unwanted noise emission.

Innovation Solution

A damping system comprising a viscoelastic layer and a metal sheet is placed on the inner side of the tank wall, with the viscoelastic layer behind the tank wall and the metal sheet behind it, to absorb and dissipate energy, reducing vibrations and noise. The viscoelastic layer is sandwiched between the tank wall and the metal sheet, and both materials are designed to withstand operating temperatures and pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If a damping system is added to reduce vibrations and noise, then noise emission is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise emissionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The damping system is nested within the limited space inside the transformer tank, with the viscoelastic layer positioned directly on the inner side of the tank wall and the metal sheet placed behind it. This nested arrangement allows the damping function to be integrated into the existing tank structure without adding external components, thereby reducing noise emission while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The damping system employs composite materials consisting of a viscoelastic layer combined with a metal sheet. The viscoelastic material provides vibration damping properties while the metal sheet offers structural support and durability. This composite structure achieves effective noise reduction through the synergistic properties of the two materials, addressing the noise emission problem without requiring overly complex single-material solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the viscoelastic layer thickness is increased to improve damping performance, then vibration reduction is improved, but available space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevibrationVSAvoidavailable space
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The thickness of the viscoelastic layer is optimized by changing the physical parameters of the damping system. The patent specifies that the viscoelastic layer has a thickness between 1 mm to 8 mm, with a preference for 3 mm to 5 mm. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient vibration damping performance while maintaining compatibility with the limited space available inside the transformer tank, thus improving vibration reduction without excessively reducing available space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The damping system applies local quality by positioning the viscoelastic layer specifically on the inner side of the tank wall where vibration transmission occurs. This localized application of damping material focuses the vibration reduction effect on the critical areas where noise is generated and transmitted, achieving effective vibration control with minimal material thickness and preserving maximum available space within the tank.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 damping system effectively reduces vibrations and noise emissions from transformer and reactor tanks by dissipating energy and maintaining contact pressure, ensuring secure and cost-effective operation within the limited tank space.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one viscoelastic layer dissipates system energy due to the fact that it returns to its normal state more slowly than it is deformed.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 2

The at least one viscoelastic layer dissipates system energy due to the fact that it returns to its normal state more slowly than it is deformed.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Implementation Method 3

Since the metal sheet is in direct contact with the oil and also transfers the heat to the at least one viscoelastic layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3979275A1Sound and vibration damping system for transformer tanks and reactor tanks
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3979275A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3979275A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3979275A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a tank (1), particularly a transformer tank or a reactor tank, said tank (1) comprising - an internal space (2), - at least one tank wall (3) which surrounds the internal space (2) preferably completely, wherein the at least one tank wall (3) comprises an inner side () facing towards the internal space (2), and - a damping system. According to the invention the damping system comprises - at least one viscoelastic layer (5) and - at least one metal sheet (6), wherein the damping system is arranged on the inner side (4) of the at least one tank wall (3), so that the at least one viscoelastic layer (5) is located behind the at least one tank wall (3) and the at least one metal sheet (6) is located behind the at least one viscoelastic layer (5) seen in the direction from the at least one tank wall (3) to the internal space (2) .