Transformer Tank Rupture Prevention via Segmented Shielding and Discs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transformer tanks often rupture due to sudden pressure increases from arc generation, which conventional methods fail to prevent effectively, especially in large transformers where rupture discs are insufficient and distant from the arc source, leading to potential fires and environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a support part that increases tank deformation limits, multiple rupture discs mounted on pipes extending from the tank, relief tanks for oil storage, and oil gauges to monitor disc ruptures, ensuring pressure relief and efficient oil distribution, even when arcs occur far from discs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rupture discs are installed in conventional transformers, then pressure elimination is achieved, but the tank ruptures before pressure elimination when arcs occur far from rupture discs
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer tank is divided into multiple compartments by partition walls, with rupture discs strategically positioned in each compartment. This segmentation ensures that regardless of where an arc occurs, the pressure wave is contained locally and can be effectively eliminated by the nearest rupture disc, preventing tank rupture.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition walls act as intermediaries that redirect and channel pressure waves toward rupture discs. When pressure builds up from an arc, the partition walls guide the pressure flow to the rupture discs, ensuring effective pressure elimination even when the arc occurs far from the rupture disc location.
2Reliability
If the number of rupture discs is increased, then pressure elimination effectiveness improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of installing numerous rupture discs throughout the entire tank, the partition walls divide the tank into zones, requiring rupture discs only at strategic partition locations. This reduces the total number of rupture discs needed while maintaining effective pressure elimination coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Rupture discs are positioned in the vertical dimension at partition wall locations rather than only on horizontal tank surfaces. This three-dimensional arrangement maximizes pressure elimination effectiveness with fewer discs by utilizing vertical pressure wave propagation paths.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding plates are directly attached to the transformer tank, then magnetic field shielding is achieved, but tank deformation limit decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure acts as an intermediary between the shielding plates and the transformer tank. The shielding plates are attached to the support structure, which is in turn attached to the tank, creating a decoupled system that provides magnetic shielding while preserving tank structural integrity and deformation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding system is segmented from the tank structure through the support structure. This separation allows the shielding plates to be positioned for optimal magnetic field protection without directly constraining the tank's ability to deform and absorb pressure, thus maintaining both shielding effectiveness and tank strength.
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 system effectively reduces internal pressure and prevents tank rupture by increasing deformation limits and rupture disc density, allowing for safer transformer operation and reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
shielding plate for absorbing a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
ruptured when pressure in the transformer tank reaches a predetermined pressure level, thus opening passages
Implementation Method 3
increases the limit of the deformation of a tank constituting a transformer, thus reducing the pressure generated in the transformer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a rupture prevention system, which increases a limit of the deformation of a transformer tank, thus primarily preventing a sudden rise in pressure, and which increases the number of rupture disc per unit area, thus preventing the rupture of the tank wherever the arc is generated in tank. The system includes a support part installed in the transformer tank and supporting a shielding plate so that it is not directly attached to the transformer tank. A plurality of rupture discs is mounted to pipes extending outwards from the transformer tank, and is ruptured when pressure in the transformer tank reaches a predetermined pressure level. A plurality of relief tanks is vertically installed at a position neighboring the transformer, and is coupled to the pipes. Further, an oil gauge is mounted at a lower position in each of the relief tanks, and generates a signal when the insulating oil flows into the relief tank.