Patent Description:
Power transformers are large dimensioned products that, due to their complexity normally present a wide range of accessories and external components, that permit the correct working and control of the system during its lifespan.

Document <CIT> discloses an oil transformer, comprising a high voltage transformer arranged in an oil filled vessel, an expansion vessel, a fluidic connection in between the expansion vessel and the oil filled vessel and at least one cooling means. At least the expansion vessel is fixedly integrated in a mechanical supporting structure having four upper and four lower corner points arranged in the form of a square, wherein the corner points each are in the form of load transfer points and are arranged according to the dimensions of a CSC container.

Document <CIT> discloses a configuration for the rapid replacement of a faulty multiphase transformer includes a plurality of single-phase transformers each of which has a housing filled with an insulating fluid and in which a core having a higher-voltage and a lower-voltage winding is disposed. At least one bushing socket is connected by a winding connection lead extending within the housing to the higher-voltage or lower-voltage winding. At least one high-voltage feed-through or bushing can be inserted into the bushing socket and a cooling module, which can be detachably connected to the housing and is filled with insulating fluid, cools the insulating fluid.

Document <CIT> discloses an improved cooling and clamping arrangement for use with electrical apparatus. One of the objects of the disclosed invention is to provide a transformer of standardized design adapted to be produced by mass production techniques with a standardized design that is capable of satisfying varying kVA power requirements by the addition or subtraction of standardized cooling units from its exterior.

Document <CIT> discloses a cooling layer for the coolant of liquid-cooled electrical apparatus, in particular for the oil of electric power transformers with oil cooling, consisting of a frame having a frame shape with horizontally and vertically arranged frame parts, a heat exchanger attached to the frame of the frame, covering the opening of the frame and which can be switched into the path of the coolant flow , a fan attached to the frame for air cooling of the heat exchanger and pipes attached to the upper and lower frame part for supply and discharge. Discharge of the warm or cooled cooling liquid or from the heat exchanger, characterized in that the upper part of the frame and its lower part are designed as pipes for the cooling liquid speed and have upright frame parts are connected to each other, which enclose the heat exchanger and the fan between them, the heat exchanger being connected to the den path of the cooling liquid via pipes opening into the upper part and the lower part.

The assembly time for all the equipment is a factor to be considered within the total time for project/manufacture/transport and installation of a coupled to the installation tank, or in structural supports fixed in the tank of this transformer. The transformer tank, comprised of panels with welded structural reinforcements is projected in such a manner as to meet the various requirements imposed, namely the requirements of the accessories and external equipment. Additionally, it must resist the different efforts to which the transformer is subject, from the manufacture thereof to the expiry of its lifespan.

The transportation of the transformer from the factory up to its place of destination is also one of the critical aspects during the project, where starting from determined dimensions it is necessary to dismantle the components of the transformer, so that it is possible to carry out the transportation within the possible dimensions and reassemble the referred components at their destination, with consequent expenditure of time and costs.

The above-referred problems may be reduced by means of the modularization and optimization of the installation of the accessories and external equipment.

The present application describes a modular system applicable to transformers as defined in claim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the piping of the larger dimensioned modules and of the smaller dimensions of the modular system applicable to transformers are coupled between each other by a flanged wedge connection by means of a machined blind flange, with a threaded hole and having resource to a washer and screw.

In another embodiment, the piping of the larger dimensioned modules and those with smaller dimensions of the modular system applicable to transformers are coupled between each other by means of a connection made through the fitting of a bent plate belonging to one of the piping where two bearings placed respectively in the lower and upper and profile of the piping are used, where the upper bearing is used as a fitting and the lower bearing presents a threaded hole to guarantee the fixation through a screw and washer.

In still another embodiment, the piping of the larger dimensioned modules and of the smaller dimensioned modules of the modular system applicable to transformers are coupled between each other through a blind flange with a shape at the extremity so that it fits with the other piping to be connected, through a washer and a screw.

In one embodiment, the piping of the larger dimensioned modules and of the smaller dimensioned modules applicable to transformers are coupled between each other through two bearings, that work fitted to a flange with freedom of movements and which is screwed by a screw and washer.

In another embodiment, in the modular system applicable to transformers, the refrigeration liquid circulates through the horizontal piping between the transformer tank and the radiators of the cooling system and as the horizontal piping is connected to the transformer tank by means of a flanged connection, with pipe and flange and integration with a valve, the referred flanged connection being guaranteed with the use of screws, nuts and washers.

In still another embodiment, the connection between the horizontal piping and the transformer tank of the modular system applicable to transformers is made in each exit/entry of the cooling liquid of the transformer tank.

In one embodiment, the ventilation system of the modular system applicable to transformers is surrounded by fairings, which may be individual or whole, covering all the modules or just each one of the modules of the ventilation system and by the modules of the ventilation system being configurable.

In another embodiment, the number of radiators of the cooling system of the modular system applicable to transformers is configurable.

In one embodiment, the piping of the larger dimensioned modules and of the smaller dimensioned modules of the modular system applicable to transformers are circular, oval, rectangular, or other polygon with variable number of sides.

In one embodiment, the electrification cables of the external components and equipment of the modular system applicable to transformers are housed in rails coupled to the piping of each module or in the interior of the piping themselves, adapting their outline for the purpose.

In another embodiment, the electric connections between modules of the modular system applicable to transformers are guaranteed by sealed plugs that connect one by one.

In still another embodiment, the monitoring systems of the modular system applied to transformers has remote access modules coupled to it.

The present invention refers to modular system applicable to transformers, particularly power transformers, that comprises a structure consisting of modules (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) coupled between each other by fixation means, in such a manner that, the set thus formed, is positioned in the perimeter of the tank (<NUM>) of the transformer and to which it is possible to connect several equipment components, so that the referred components and equipment are positioned in the interior of the tank (<NUM>) of the transformer, thus permitting the access to the referred components and equipment, when carrying out maintenance, supervision or control work, as well as to permit the optimization in the manufacture thereof, assembly, transport and installation.

Each module (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) is built with resource to piping, which may be of several materials and shapes, where the connection between them is operated in different manners, according to each case. The referred piping, apart from their structural function, have also the function of transporting the cooling liquid between the tank (<NUM>) of the transformer and the ventilation system (<NUM>) and simultaneously work as support for the passage of electrification cables of the components and external equipment as well as for the electrification and network interconnection of all data acquisition systems and control/monitoring. These electric connections between modules (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) are guaranteed by sealed plugs (<NUM>) which have only the possibility of connecting one by one and that permit the interconnection of all the systems in a quicker manner, guaranteeing total reliability without the need of a delayed validation of the electric connections when of the final assembly of the transformer.

In the same manner, the dimensions of the modules (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) may vary between themselves, whereby, however, in their habitual configuration, the structure is comprised of two larger dimensioned modules (<NUM>,<NUM>) and two other smaller dimensioned modules.

In the usual embodiment of the structure, the connections between the piping and through this way, the connections between the modules (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) that comprise the referred structure are now explained.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the connection between the piping of the larger dimensioned modules (<NUM>,<NUM>) and of the smaller dimensioned modules (<NUM>,<NUM>) may be made, through a flanged connection, the referred fixing being made through washers (<NUM>) and screws (<NUM>). It is noted that these connections permit the sealing of the piping, since they may be used for the passage of cooling liquid, as will be explained ahead.

In another embodiment, illustrated in <FIG>, the connection may be wedge made through a machined blind flange (<NUM>), which, with a threaded hole permits the connection between piping with resource to washer (<NUM>) and screw (<NUM>).

In <FIG> it is illustrated, in turn, a connection made through fitting of a bent plate belonging to one of the piping. So as to guarantee a structural connection sufficiently capable of mechanically assuring the structure, two bearings (<NUM>, <NUM>) are used, placed respectively in the lower and upper and piping outline, where the upper bearing (<NUM>) is used as a fitting and the lower bearing (<NUM>) presents a threaded hole to guarantee the fixation by means of a screw (<NUM>) and washer (<NUM>).

In turn, <FIG> illustrates another form of connection that guarantees the sealing of the piping, through a blind flange (<NUM>) with a shape in the extremity that permits fitting with the other piping to be connected. Once again, a washer (<NUM>) is used and a screw (<NUM>), to guarantee the stability of the connection and prevent movement of the piping.

In <FIG>, another wedge connection is presented, with the purpose of permitting access to the interior of the piping. In this manner, the connection between the piping is made through two bearings (<NUM>, <NUM>), that function as fitting to a flange (<NUM>) with freedom of movement in several directions and that is screwed through a screw (<NUM>) and washer (<NUM>).

As previously referred, different components may be connected to the modules (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>), which, by this way, are positioned outside of the tank (<NUM>) of the transformer permitting its direct access.

Thus, and as illustrated in <FIG>, in the particular case of the larger dimensioned modules (<NUM>,<NUM>), these may support the cooling (<NUM>) and ventilation (<NUM>) systems - in spite of permitting the coupling of other accessories, such as for example control valve piping - and also working as collectors and distributors of cooling liquid, which passes in the interior of the outline (<NUM>) of the horizontal piping (<NUM>, <NUM>) that comprise the referred larger dimensioned modules (<NUM>,<NUM>), or through channels (<NUM>) placed in the interior of the outline (<NUM>), of the referred horizontal piping (<NUM>, <NUM>). The cooling liquid thus circulates in the horizontal piping (<NUM>,<NUM>) between the tank (<NUM>) of the transformer and the radiators of the cooling system (<NUM>) which are coupled through a flanged connection, with pipe (<NUM>) and flange (<NUM>) as is illustrated in <FIG>, permitting the isolation of the connection, with the integration of a valve (<NUM>), thus avoiding escape of the cooling liquid in the interior of the tank (<NUM>) from the transformer to the exterior, during assembly/dismantling of the modules (<NUM>,<NUM>). In turn, the connection of the radiators of the cooling system (<NUM>) to the modules (<NUM>,<NUM>) of the transformer may also be made with quick couplings, reducing or eliminating the number of screwed connections. Examples of these connections are the camlock coupling or snap clamp represented in <FIG>.

It is noted that this connection is made in each exit/entry of cooling liquid in the tank (<NUM>) of the transformer, where these connections may be placed in different points, as illustrated in <FIG>, the flanged connection guaranteed with the use of screws (<NUM>), nuts (<NUM>) and washers (<NUM>) as previously indicated, being preferred.

This form of connection further permits that, during transportation, components such as the cooling (<NUM>) and ventilation (<NUM>) systems may easily couple through the quick screwed connection (<NUM>) so as to facilitate the handling thereof, as is illustrated in <FIG>.

It is further noted the possibility of positioning of fairings (<NUM>) surrounding the ventilation system (<NUM>), which may be individual or whole, covering all the modules or just each one of the modules of the ventilation system (<NUM>), as is illustrated in <FIG>, so as to minimize the noise produced by the ventilators, which are responsible for a significant part of the noise produced by a transformer when working.

It is noted that, together with the remaining modules (<NUM>,<NUM>), the modules (<NUM>,<NUM>) guarantee the possibility of supporting the necessary cabling for the working of the transformer. Said cabling is positioned in rails (<NUM>) coupled to the piping of each module (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) according to the specifications adopted in each project or in the interior of the piping themselves, adapting their outline (<NUM>,<NUM>) to this effect.

As previously indicated the cable connection between modules and between the modules and the components or equipment, is guaranteed by sealing plugs (<NUM>) that only assemble with the sole male/female guaranteeing speed and reliability to the mounting.

The entire structure is configurable, through the configuration of the modules (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) and respective components, from the shape of the piping (which may be circular, oval, rectangular, or other polygon with variable number of sides) as is illustrated in <FIG>, the number of radiators in the cooling system (<NUM>) and the ventilation system, being also possible the use of just horizontal piping (<NUM>) where the distribution of the cooling liquid is made, which is represented in <FIG> and a preferred configuration of the modular system. In these situations, the vertical piping (<NUM>) of the smaller dimensioned modules (<NUM>,<NUM>) will belong to the modules that are perpendicular to these modules (<NUM>,<NUM>) where the connections to the horizontal piping in the final assembly will be maintained. These possible configurations are foreseen in global requirements for working of transformers.

In cases where the dimension of the radiators of the cooling system (<NUM>) is insufficient to carry out the direct connection between the radiators of the cooling system (<NUM>) and the main piping of the modules (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) an intermediary piping (<NUM>) is added that will make this connection as illustrated in <FIG>. In the eventuality that the radiators present a dimension that is equal to the distance between piping, the module would present the shape illustrated in <FIG>.

In turn, the modules with smaller dimensions (<NUM>,<NUM>), which are comprised of vertical piping (<NUM>,<NUM>) and upper horizontal piping (<NUM>) and lower horizontal piping (<NUM>), will have the function of supporting accessories and exterior equipment, such as auxiliary circuit boxes (<NUM>), monitoring systems (<NUM>), valve piping (<NUM>), for which it is necessary to have a control and facilitated access.

It is noted that the monitoring systems (<NUM>) may have remote access modules coupled in a manner that all the several working parameters of the transformer may be monitored remotely through the mobile or fixed devices.

These smaller dimensioned modules (<NUM>,<NUM>) may or not have the need to support the conserver (<NUM>) - coupled in its habitual configuration - through the upper horizontal piping (<NUM>) and the vertical piping (<NUM>) that offer rigidity to the structure, where the positioning of these components as regards the transformer is dependent on initial conditions of the project, the integration may be variable between the smaller dimensioned modules (<NUM>,<NUM>).

The configuration of these smaller dimensioned modules (<NUM>,<NUM>) equally prevents the dismantling of the components for transportation, consequently permitting a quicker final assembly at the client, be it through containers or transportation trucks, as illustrated in <FIG>.

For an easier understanding of the present application the figures are attached which, represent embodiments that, however, do not intend to limit the technology disclosed herein.

Claim 1:
Modular system applicable to transformers, comprising a structure of modules (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) having different dimensions, said structure comprised of larger dimensioned modules (<NUM>,<NUM>) and smaller dimensioned modules (<NUM>,<NUM>) placeable in the perimeter of a transformer tank (<NUM>) and configured to be coupled thereto by means of flanged connections, said larger dimensioned modules (<NUM>,<NUM>) and said smaller dimensioned modules (<NUM>,<NUM>) being comprised of piping which are coupled between each other by means of flanged connections or wedge or blind flange or fittings, wherein
the piping of the larger dimensioned modules (<NUM>,<NUM>), being composed by horizontal piping (<NUM>,<NUM>) and vertical piping (<NUM>,<NUM>) comprising in their interior outlines (<NUM>) channels (<NUM>) and the piping comprising rails (<NUM>) coupled to the exterior of the piping, is adapted to support ventilation systems (<NUM>) and cooling systems (<NUM>) on their horizontal piping (<NUM>,<NUM>), and to ensure cooling liquid transport between the tank (<NUM>) and the ventilation system (<NUM>), and
the piping of smaller dimensioned modules (<NUM>,<NUM>), being composed of vertical piping (<NUM>, <NUM>) and upper (<NUM>) and lower (<NUM>) horizontal piping, is adapted to support auxiliary circuit boxes (<NUM>), monitoring systems (<NUM>) and valve piping (<NUM>).