METHOD OF REDUCING OIL VOLUME IN A POLETYPE TRANSFORMER

Abstract

A method of reducing the volume of oil required by a transformer is described. The sides of a transformer are embossed by use of a metal roller press causing indentations into the metal sides of the transformer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/794,908, filed Mar. 15, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed toward a method of embossing a transformer tank to reduce the volume of oil required.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The internal components of transformers are housed within oil to aid in cooling of the transformer. However, the quantity of oil used can become a large expenditure to companies that maintain and manufacture the transformers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We disclose a method of reducing the required volume of oil while keeping the standard dimensions of the pole-mounted transformer. The volume is reduced by embossing the sides of the transformer. Slight indentations around the sidewall of the transformer serve to reduce the total volume of oil required.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. For purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the invention. Descriptions of specific applications are provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the invention. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

The transformers may be embossed during manufacture to reduce the volume of oil required. It should be appreciated that any method of embossing the tank may be used, but in a one embodiment, the metal may be embossed by use of a press consisting of three rollers lined up side-by-side. With each pass of the rollers, the middle roller applies greater pressure toward the interior cavity of the transformer. After several passes, the metal in the path of the middle roller stretches inward, thus reducing the internal volume of the transformer. The transformer will therefore appear striated, but will have the same weight general dimensions. However, the internal volume will be lowered, thus requiring less oil.

Other embodiments are also available for reducing the internal volume of the transformer by embossing the transformer. For example, other methods of embossing include using matching punches and dies possibly coupled with the use of high pressure hold down cleats. A supported cantilever horn will serve as the press bolster. The correct set of dies would be selected for the application needed, and the hold down cleats would then clamp the transformer tank to the horn on each side of the bottom embossing die. The corresponding punch would then press into the tank, by means of a hydraulic press, drawing it to fit the selected die shape. This process may be repeated at several locations on the tank.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” as used in the claims and specification herein, shall be considered as indicating an open group that may include other elements not specified. The terms “a,” “an,” and the singular forms of words shall be taken to include the plural form of the same words, such that the terms mean that one or more of something is provided. The term “one” or “single” may be used to indicate that one and only one of something is intended. Similarly, other specific integer values, such as “two,” may be used when a specific number of things is intended. The terms “preferably,” “preferred,” “prefer,” “optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the invention.

The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures and techniques other than those specifically described herein can be applied to the practice of the invention as broadly disclosed herein without resort to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents of methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures and techniques described herein are intended to be encompassed by this invention. Whenever a range is disclosed, all subranges and individual values are intended to be encompassed. This invention is not to be limited by the embodiments disclosed, including any shown in the drawings or exemplified in the specification, which are given by way of example and not of limitation.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.

All references throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents, patent application publications, and non-patent literature documents or other source material, are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to the extent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in the present application (for example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference).

Claims

1. A method of reducing the volume of oil required by a transformer comprising:

a. embossing the sides of a transformer by use of a metal roller press that stretches the metal toward the inside of the transformer.