Underground Transformer Cooling via Segmented Air Ducts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underground transformer stations face challenges with inefficient cooling due to uncertain airflow, leading to potential power cuts and increased operational costs, as both inlet and outlet cooling openings are adjacent, affecting airflow and cooling control.
Innovation Solution
The transformer station design features a unique air duct arrangement with separate inlet and outlet grids and air ducts positioned differently, connected by a passage opening in the dividing wall, allowing natural airflow for effective cooling without additional energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the transformer station is installed underground to improve aesthetics and town planning, then the aesthetic image and surface traffic are improved, but the cooling efficiency deteriorates due to uncertain airflow caused by adjacent inlet and outlet openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling system into separate inlet and outlet air ducts with distinct pathways. The inlet air duct introduces cool air from below the foundation to the lower part of the transformer chamber, while the outlet air duct extracts hot air from the upper part, segmenting the airflow paths to ensure reliable cooling even in underground installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical dimension for airflow by positioning the inlet opening below the foundation level and the outlet opening above the transformer chamber. This vertical arrangement creates a natural convection current that moves air from lower to upper levels, effectively cooling the transformer while maintaining underground installation aesthetics
2Reliability
If a ventilator is used to improve cooling control, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs natural convection cooling where the temperature difference between the hot transformer and the surrounding air creates automatic airflow. The inlet opening positioned below the foundation allows cool air to enter naturally, while the outlet opening above the chamber allows hot air to escape, creating a self-sustaining cooling cycle without requiring external energy input from ventilators
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 design enables reliable natural cooling of the transformer chamber, reducing the risk of power cuts, lowering operational costs, and enhancing safety and aesthetics by allowing underground installation without the need for artificial ventilation, thus improving reliability and reducing material losses.
Implementation Method 1
the outlet air duct is located between the outlet grid on the roof and the upper part of the transformer chamber
Implementation Method 2
the inlet air duct is located between the inlet grid on the roof and the lower part of the switching area of the internal space
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The subject of the invention relates to a transformer station with improved cooling, which has a basic body (10) containing in it an internal space (15) bordered by a foundation (11) made from a post-hardening material at least a part of which is under ground level, side walls (12) and a roof (14), the internal space (15) of the basic body (10) contains a transformer chamber (17), a switching area (16) separated from it with a dividing wall (13), and a ventilation passage linking the internal space (15) with the external environment, and located on the roof (14) of the basic body (10) there is an access opening (14a) with a cover (14b), and a grid at least partially covering the ventilation passage. The characteristic feature of the invention is that the grid is separated into an inlet grid (14c) and an outlet grid (14d) by a gap (T), while the ventilation passage is divided into separately arranged inlet air duct (18) and outlet air duct (19), where the inlet air duct (18) is located between the inlet grid (14c) on the roof (14) and the lower part (16b) of the switching area (16) of the internal space (15), while the outlet air duct (19) is located between the outlet grid (14d) on the roof (14) and the upper part (17a) of the transformer chamber (17), in this way the inlet air duct (18) and the outlet air duct (19) are arranged on the two sides of the dividing wall (13), and located in the dividing wall (13) there is a passage opening (13b) permitting the flow of air between the inlet air duct (18) and the outlet air duct (19).