Title of Invention

A MULTI-CHAMBER DEVICE FORMING A LIQUID EXPANSION TANK

Abstract The invention relates to a multi-chamber system serving as a liquid equalizing tank and to the use thereof. In the inventive multi-chamber system, a liquid expansion tank Is provided due to the arrangement of the chambers and pipe systems whereby preventing external gases from entering the liquid system and enabling it to also be used In accelerated systems, such as a vehicle since no leveled out liquid columns are used. This makes it possible to provide a system for monitoring a volume of gas in a liquid-filled installation that, in addition to the multi-chamber system, also contains a Buchholz relay in the cooling liquid system. The use of this system for monitoring a volume of gas is thus suitable for means of transportation.
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DESCRIPTION
MULIT-CHAMBER system serving as a liquid equalizing tank, and use tnereoi
ELECTRICAL components, in particular transformers, are protected from thermal overheating during operation by means of liquid coolinq circuits such as, for example, oil circuits. The transformer oxi expands as a result of being warmed, and is collected above the transformer via an oil line in an oil expansion tank which is also partially filled with transformer oi 1. A so-called Buchhoiz relay is often arranged in the oil line between the oil expansion tank and the transformer, the Buchhoiz relay measuring the gas which forms in the transformer and triggering a shutdown of the transformer if a predefined gas volume is exceeded. A large gas volume is a common indicator of a fault within the transformer. For the operation of an oil-cooled transformer, the German industry standard DIN 42566' prescribes that a warning signal is triggered by means of a Buchhoiz relay if a predefined gas volume is exceeded within the installation. Here, it is detected within the Buchhoiz relay as a corresponding expansion tank and gas collecting container, which is connected upstream of an actual liquid expansion tank, whether the predefined gas volume has been reached.
In the known systems, air is also sucked from the environment through a ventilation opening in the oil expansion tank as the transformer oil is cooled, and the moisture in the ambient air is reduced by means of an air dehumidifier. The infiltration of
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air or moisture into the cooling circuit is to be avoided in ¦any case, since this considerably reduces the dielectric strength of the transformer.
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DE 196 36 456 A] discloses a device for keeping foreign gas out of systems having volumes which change as a function of temperature, IL particular electrical transformers, connected to an integrated device for influencing a pressure as a tuncfion, or independently, of the temperature of the insulating liquid. The invention described in said document has an expansion tank which is such that a diaphragm is arranged between the insulating liquid and the ambient air or a gas cushion, said diaphragm preventing a direct exchange between the ambient air and the cooling circuit.
GB318397 discloses an expansion tank for transformers in which an elastic diaphragm in the expansion tank separates the liquid surface from a gas cushion and therefore prevents an exchange of air with the ambient air.
A disadvantage of said known prior art is that, in the event of an excessive rise in the gas volume within the transformer, there is no shutdown mechanism, since the above described systems are designed only for a completely liquid-filled cooling circuit.
GB368264 describes an expansion tank for transformers in which a multi-chamber system, in which the chambers are arranged so as to be stepped relative to one another, prevents an infiltration of the ambient air into the cooling circuit. A disadvantage with this is, however, that said system functions only in a static intertial system, since an acceleration of the expansion tank could move the liquid columns relative to one another and an infiltration of ambient air into the cooling circuit would therefore be possible.

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An object oi the present invention is to avoid the abovementioned disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an expansion tariK which can also be operated in a system which is subjec t to acen Legation.
The object is achieved by means of the invention described in claim 1. Here, it is provided according to the invention that in a first chamber, a first pipeline system connects the first chamber to a liquid system, and a second pipeline system connects the first chamber to at least one further, second chamber, the second pipeline system being arranged in the second chamber in such a way that, when liquid is present in the second chamber, the liquid pressure generated as a result is likewise present in the second pipeline system, and the second pipeline system being arranged in the first chamber in such a way that the second pipeline system is likewise completely fi.l i ed with a liquid, and a hydraulic connection is therefore produced between the liquid system and the second chamber, only when the first chamber is completely filled with a liquid. The infiltration of ambient air or gases into the liquid system via the second chamber is likewise prevented in this case when the first pipeline system is completely filled. The opening of the second pipeline system is advantageously arranged in the upper region of the first chamber.
It is also advantageous for at least one diaphragm in the second chamber to sealingly close off the surface of the liquid from the gas phase in the second chamber. According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the first chamber

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is arranged within the second chamber, the chambers being rotationaliy symmetrical, and the surface of the liquid in the second chamber deing sealingly closed off from the gas phase in the second cnamoer by means of a rotationally symmetrical diaphragm. Said arrangement of the chambers allows one individual d.iaphragm, for example in the shape of a ring, to be used. The diaphragm is preferably elastic.
Brackets on the inner wall of the second chamber advantageously fix the diaphragm. Alternatively, guide rails, which provide sealing closure, on the inner wall of the second chamber guide the diaphragm corresponding to the liquid surface in the second chamber. In said arrangement, the mechanical loading of the diaphragm is reduced in comparison to a rigid fixing.
The cross sections and/or the heights of the pipeline systems are preferably designed and configured as a function of the maximum possible liquid pressure in the first chamber. An air dehumidifier reduces the moisture in the gas phase in the second chamber so that the upper side of the diaphragm is not chemically or physically corroded by moisture in the gas phase.
The invention also provides a system for monitoring a gas volume in a liquid-filled installation (9), in particular a transformer, comprising at least one multi-chamber system, a liquid system and a device for monitoring the gas volume, in particular a Buchholz relay, the installation being connected via a liquid system to the device for monitoring the gas volume and to the multi-chamber system. According to one preferred embodiment,

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the mutien-amber system is arranged downstream of the device 'or monitorinq the gas volume.
The use of the multi-chamber system as an expansion tank for Liquid-cooled installations, in particular transformers, in a means of transport is also advantageous. The use of the system for monitoring a gas volume in a means of transport is also advantageous. An approximately leveled-out liquid column is no longer ensured m the expansion tank when the means of transport accelerates, so that, as a result, considerable pressure fluctuations can occur, and ambient air can pass into the liquid cooling system. The multi-chamber system according to the invention offers the advantage that it is also possible to use a liquid system for a transformer in systems which are subject to acceleration such as, for example, a vehicle. The infiltration of air or gases from the outer region of the system is also prevented, even during acceleration.
Further advantageous measures are described in the subclaims; the invention is described in more detail in the following on the basis of exemplary embodiments and the following figures,
in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of the multi-chamber system according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the system according to the invention for monitoring a gas volume in a Iiqu Ld-filled installation.

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Figure 1 ii Lustrates a multi-chamber system 1 according to the
invention.

The first chamber 2 is arranged in the second chamber 3 and the wo cnambers ?, 3 are connected to one another by means of a second pipeline system 5. A first pipeline system 4 is connected to a liquid system 10. The first chamber 2 is completely filled with liquid, preferably with a cooling liquid such as, for example, transformer oil. The second pipeline system b is arranged in the first chamber 2 in such a way that liquid can be moved between the first and second chambers 2, 3 only via the upper opening of the second pipeline system 5, the opening being arranged close below the top cover of the first chamber 2. In this case, a hydraulic connection is only produced between the second container 3 and the cooling system via the liquid system 10 when the first chamber 2 is completely filled with a J iquid. Said design also prevents air or gases in the second chamber 3 passing into the first chamber 2 via the second pipeline system 5 and subsequently into the liquid system 10 via the first pipeline system 4. The air dehumidifier 7 serves to reduce the degree of humidity in the gas phase above the liquid surface.
According to the invention, at least one diaphragm 6a, 6b is also provided which, in the second chamber 3, tightly and hermetically seaJ s off the liquid from the gas phase. The diaphragm 6a is fixed to the inner wall of the second chamber 3 by means of brackets 8. This prevents an infiltration of air or gases .into the multi-chamber system 1 and therefore the liquid system 10 even if the

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liquid coJumns in tne pipeline systems "break down" as a resuLL OF oxr.Grna; influences and air or gases can infiltrate the system. in this case, the elastic diaphragm 6a deforms corresponding to the liquid movements in the second chamber 3, and therefore allows an equalization of the liquid within the muti-chamber system 1 and therefore the liquid system 10 without it being possible for air or gases to pass in. Said multi-chamber system 1 according to the invention also prevents air or gases from the gas phase of the second chamber 3 from diffusing into the liquid of the second chamber 3.
The air dehumidifier 7 serves to reduce the degree of humidity of the gas phase above the liquid surface or above the diaphragm surface 6a.
Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the system according to the invention for monitoring a gas volume in a liquid-filled installation 9, for example a transformer. The gases produced . r. ifie liqu.i d-i i iled installation 9 are conveyed onward in a liquid system 10 to a Buchholz relay 11. The gas volume produced is monitored in the Buchholz relay. The multi-chamber system 1 is also coupled as an expansion tank to the liquid system. The position of the multi-chamber system 1 relative to the transformer 9 or relative to the Buchholz relay 11 is arbitrary, since the pressure equalization in the second chamber 3 (not illustrated) takes place with the liquid system 10 as a result of a hydraulic connection. The system is therefore also suitable for use in systems which are subject to acceleration.

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Patent claims
:. A multi-chamber system (1) as a liquid expansion tank, characterized in tnat, in a first chamber (2), a first pipeline system (4) connects the first chamber (2) to a liquid system ; "10; , and a second pipeline system (5) connects the first chamber (2) to at least one further, second chamber (3), the second pipeline system (5) being arranged in the second chamber (3) in such a way that, when liquid is present in the second chamber (3), the liquid pressure generated as a result is likewise present in the second pipeline system (5), and the second pipeline system (5) being arranged in the first chamber (2) in such a way that the second pipeline system (5) is likewise completely filled with a liquid, and a hydraulic connection is therefore produced between the liquid system (10) and the second chamber (3), only when the first chamber (2) is completely filled with a liquid.
2. The multi-chamber system (1) as claimed in claim 1,
characterized in that the opening of the second pipeline system
(5) is arranged in the upper region of the first chamber (2).
3. The multi-chamber system (1) as claimed in one of claims 1
and 2, characterized in that at least one diaphragm (6a) in the
second chamber (3) sealingiy closes off the surface of the
liquid from the gas phase in the second chamber (3).
4. The multi-chamber system (1) as claimed in claim 3,
characterized in that the first chamber (2) is arranged within

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The second chamber (3), the chambers (2, 3) being rotationa 1 i y symmetrical, and the surface of the liquid in the second chamber (3) beinq sealing]y closed off from the gas phase in the second chamber (3) by means of a rotationally symmetrical diaphragm ( 6a) .
5. The multi-chamber system (1) as claimed in one of claims 3
or 4, characterized in that the diaphragm (6a) is elastic.
6. The muiti-chamber system (1) as claimed in one of claims 3
to 5, characterized in that brackets (8) on the inner wall of
the second chamber (3) fix the diaphragm (6a), or guide rails,
which provide sealing closure, on the inner wall of the second
chamber (3) guide the diaphragm (6a) corresponding to the
liquid surface in the second chamber (3).
1. The multi-chamber system (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cross sections and/or the heights of the pipeline systems (4, 5) are designed as a function of the max:.mum possible liquid pressure in the first chamber (2).
8. The mu1ti-chamber system (1) as claimed in one of claims 1
to 7, characterized in that an air dehumidifier (7) reduces the
moisture in the gas phase (12) in the second chamber (3).
9. A system for monitoring a gas volume in a liquid-filled
installation (9), in particular a transformer, comprising at
least one multi-chamber system (1) as claimed in one of claims
1 to 8, a liquid system (10) and a device (11) for monitoring
the gas volume, in particular a Buchholz relay, the

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nst.allation (9) being connected via a liquid system (10) to the device ill' for monitoring the gas volume and to the mult:-chamber system (1; .
. The system as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the multi-chamber system (1) is arranged downstream of the device (11) for monitoring the gas volume.
11. Use of the multi-chamber system (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8 as an expansion tank for liquid-cooled installations (9), in particular transformers, in a means of t rarispo r t .
12 . Use of the system for monitoring a gas volume as claimed in one of claims 9 or 10 in a means of transport.
The invention relates to a multi-chamber system serving as a liquid equalizing tank and to the use thereof. In the inventive multi-chamber system, a liquid expansion tank Is provided due to the arrangement of the chambers and pipe systems whereby preventing external gases from entering the liquid system and enabling it to also be used In accelerated systems, such as a vehicle since no leveled out liquid columns are used. This makes it possible to provide a system for monitoring a volume of gas in a liquid-filled installation that, in addition to the multi-chamber system, also contains a Buchhotz relay in the cooling liquid system. The use of this system for monitoring a volume of gas Is thus suitable for means of transportation.

Documents:

02960-kolnp-2006 abstract.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006 assignment.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006 claims.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006 correspondence others.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006 correspondence-1.3.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006 description (complete).pdf

02960-kolnp-2006 drawings.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006 form-1.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006 form-2.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006 form-3.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006 form-5.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006 international publication.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006 international search report.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006 p.a.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006 pct others.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006 priority document.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006-correspondence others-1.1.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006-correspondence-1.2.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006-others.pdf

02960-kolnp-2006-priority document-1.1.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-ABSTRACT.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-DRAWINGS.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECIEVED.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-FORM 1.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-FORM 18.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-FORM 2.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-FORM 26.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-FORM 3-1.1.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-FORM 3.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-FORM 5-1.1.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-FORM 5.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-GPA.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-GRANTED-ABSTRACT.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-GRANTED-CLAIMS.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-GRANTED-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-GRANTED-DRAWINGS.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-GRANTED-FORM 1.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-GRANTED-FORM 2.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-GRANTED-LETTER PATENT.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-OTHERS-1.1.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-OTHERS.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-PETITION UNDER RULR 137.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT-1.1.pdf

2960-KOLNP-2006-TRANSLATED COPY OF PRIORITY DOCUMENT.pdf

abstract-02960-kolnp-2006.jpg


Patent Number 248045
Indian Patent Application Number 2960/KOLNP/2006
PG Journal Number 24/2011
Publication Date 17-Jun-2011
Grant Date 13-Jun-2011
Date of Filing 13-Oct-2006
Name of Patentee SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
Applicant Address WITTELSBACHERPLATZ 2, 80333 MUNCHEN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 MARKUS,BAUMANN SCHLEHENGASSE 31, 90402 NURNBERG, DE
2 THOMAS,WEIKE REICHENBACH 39, 71570 OPPENWEILER, DE
3 MANFRED,BRITTING GANERBENSTR. 12, 91220 SCHNAITTACH, DE
PCT International Classification Number H01F27/14; H01F27/10
PCT International Application Number PCT/DE2005/000518
PCT International Filing date 2005-03-18
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 10 2004 016583.1 2004-03-31 Germany