WO2015164854A1

WO2015164854A1 - Fluid control systems for electrical transformers

Info

Publication number: WO2015164854A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/027718
Authority: WO
Inventors: William R. KENDRICK
Original assignee: Sentry Depressurization Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 2014-04-25
Filing date: 2015-04-27
Publication date: 2015-10-29

Abstract

A transformer system for an electrical transformer including a pressure release mechanism to provide selective fluid communication with a sealed chamber of an electrical transformer, and a fluid control system coupled to the pressure release mechanism, where the fluid control system comprises a separator in fluid communication with an outlet of the pressure release mechanism to separate vapor and liquid components of a fluid flow.

Description

FLUID CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRICAL TRANSFORMERS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 61/984,569 filed April 25, 2014, and entitled "Fluid Control Systems For Electrical Transformers," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0001] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Electrical transformers are commonly found as components within a power grid used for either "stepping up" or "stepping down" voltage of an alternating current to allow for more efficient transportation of electrical power within the power grid. Transformers alter the voltage of the alternating current flowing through it by inductively coupling two conductors housed within the transformer. Specifically, both of the conductors include coils that are individually wound about a core (e.g., a silicon steel core having high magnetic flux permeability), where each coil includes a specific number of turns or windings and the change in voltage of the current flowing through the two inductively coupled conductors is proportional to the ratio of turns of the coil for each conductor.

[0003] Due to the high amount of current flowing through the two conductors of the transformer, each conductor's coil is housed within a sealed chamber containing a coolant to prevent damage occurring to critical components of the transformer, such as the insulation covering the individual windings for each conductor. For instance, transformers often include oil, such as mineral oil, within the sealed chamber to cool the inductively coupled conductors. In this arrangement, oil may be circulated from the chamber and through a heat exchanger to cool the oil so that it may be recirculated back into the sealed chamber to further cool the conductors. Because the oil used in cooling the conductors is often flammable, an ignition source (i.e., a spark) within the sealed chamber may ignite the oil, causing it to rapidly heat and expand as it vaporizes, in turn rapidly increasing fluid pressure within the chamber. For this reason, some transformers include a pressure relief valve (PRV) coupled to the chamber and configured to open in the event of an overpressurization of the chamber so as to reduce fluid pressure within the sealed chamber by releasing fluid to, for example, the surrounding environment or atmosphere. For instance, PRVs often include a spring having a stiffness corresponding to the amount of absolute pressure at which the PRV is meant to actuate. However, a period of time exists between the overpressurization event (i.e., spark and subsequent ignition) and the complete actuation of the PRV, which is sometimes referred to as the "response time" of the PRV. Other transformer systems include a depressurization fluid circuit coupled to the transformer that contains a burst disc configured to burst or rupture when exposed to a predetermined differential pressure across its upstream and downstream faces.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] A transformer system for an electrical transformer includes a pressure release mechanism to provide selective fluid communication with a sealed chamber of an electrical transformer and a fluid control system coupled to the pressure release mechanism, wherein the fluid control system comprises a separator in fluid communication with an outlet of the pressure release mechanism to separate vapor and liquid components of a fluid flow. The transformer system of claim 1 , wherein the pressure release mechanism comprises a rupture pin valve. In an embodiment, the separator is configured to provide for radial expansion of a fluid flow entering the separator. In an embodiment, the separator comprises a first section having a first diameter and a reduced diameter section having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. In some embodiments, the separator is configured to store the liquid component of the fluid flow and vent the vapor component of the fluid flow out of an outlet to the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, a first chamber of the separator is sized to accommodate a maximum amount of fluid stored within the sealed chamber of the electrical transformer. In some embodiments, the separator is disposed in close proximity with the electrical transformer. In an embodiment, the fluid control system further comprises an exhaust conduit having a first end coupled to an outlet of the separator and in fluid communication with the separator and a second end open to the surrounding atmosphere, wherein the exhaust conduit is configured to substantially increase the distance between the outlet of the fluid control system open to the surrounding environment and the electrical transformer.

[0005] In an embodiment, the fluid control system further comprises a conduit having a first end coupled to the outlet of the pressure release mechanism and a second end coupled to an inlet of the separator, and wherein the conduit. In an embodiment, the separator comprises an elongate vessel vertically oriented with respect to the ground. In some embodiments, the separator comprises a liquid storage tank, a T-junction having an inlet and a first outlet, and an adjustable conduit coupled between the liquid storage tank and the T-junction. In some embodiments, the liquid storage tank has a main chamber having a diameter greater than the diameter of the adjustable conduit and comprises a hemispherical chamber disposed between the main chamber and the adjustable conduit to provide for a gradual change in diameter between the adjustable conduit and the liquid storage tank. In some embodiments, the adjustable conduit is adjustable in length to position the inlet of the T-junction at a height from the ground substantially equal to the height from the ground of the outlet of the pressure release mechanism. In an embodiment, the T-junction comprises a second outlet opposite the first outlet, and wherein the separator is configured to a flow a liquid component of a fluid flow through the first outlet and into the liquid storage tank, and to flow a vapor component of the fluid flow through the second outlet and into the surrounding atmosphere.

[0006] A transformer system for an electrical transformer includes a first pressure release mechanism to provide selective fluid communication with a sealed chamber of a first electrical transformer, a second pressure release mechanism to provide selective fluid communication with a sealed chamber of a second electrical transformer, and a fluid control system in fluid communication with the first pressure release mechanism and the second pressure release mechanism. In an embodiment, the fluid control system comprises a separator in fluid communication with an outlet of the first pressure release mechanism and an outlet of the second pressure release mechanism to separate vapor and liquid components of a fluid flow from the sealed chamber of the first electrical transformer and the sealed chamber of the second electrical transformer. In an embodiment, the separator is configured to provide for radial expansion of a fluid flow entering the separator. In some embodiments, the separator is configured to store the liquid component of the fluid flow and vent the vapor component of the fluid flow out of an outlet to the surrounding environment.

[0007] A method of controlling a fluid flow from a chamber of an electrical transformer includes pressurizing a surface of a pressure release mechanism with fluid from a chamber of an electrical transformer, actuating the rupture pin valve in response to the pressurization of the surface of the rupture pin valve, and separating the vapor and liquid components of the fluid in a separator. In an embodiment, the method also includes storing the liquid component of the fluid flow in the separator and venting the vapor component of the fluid flow to the atmosphere.

[0008] Embodiments described herein comprise a combination of features and advantages intended to address various shortcomings associated with certain prior devices, systems, and methods. The various characteristics described above, as well as other features, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] For a detailed description of exemplary embodiments, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: [0010] Figures 1A and IB are perspective views of an embodiment of an array of electrical transformer assemblies in accordance with the teachings herein;

[0011] Figure 1C is a side view of the array of transformer assemblies of Figures 1A and IB;

[0012] Figure ID is a top view of the array of transformer assemblies of Figures 1A and IB;

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical transformer assembly in accordance with the teachings herein;

[0014] Figure 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an electrical transformer assembly in accordance with the teachings herein;

[0015] Figure 4A is a top view of the electrical transformer assembly of Figure 2;

[0016] Figure 4B is a side view of the electrical transformer assembly of Figure 2;

[0017] Figure 4C is a zoomed-in side view of the electrical transformer assembly of Figure 2;

[0018] Figures 4D and 4E are more side views of the electrical transformer assembly of

Figure 2;

[0019] Figure 4F is a zoomed-in top view of the electrical transformer assembly of Figure 2;

[0020] Figure 5 A is a top view of the electrical transformer assembly of Figure 3;

[0021] Figure 5B is a side view of the electrical transformer assembly of Figure 3;

[0022] Figure 6A is a front view of an embodiment of components of a fluid control system in accordance with the teachings herein;

[0023] Figure 6B is a side view of the components of Figure 6A;

[0024] Figure 6C is a top view of the components of Figure 6A;

[0025] Figure 6D is a perspective view of the components of Figure 6A;

[0026] Figure 6E is a front view of an embodiment of a knife valve in accordance with the teachings herein;

[0027] Figure 6F is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a rupture pin valve in a first position in accordance with the teachings herein;

[0028] Figure 6G is a cross-sectional side view of the rupture pin valve of Figure 6F in a second position;

[0029] Figure 7 is a front view of an embodiment of an adjustable tank assembly in accordance with the teachings herein; and

[0030] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an electrical transformer system in accordance with the teachings herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In the drawings and description that follow, like parts are typically marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The present disclosure is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. Specific embodiments are described in detail and are shown in the drawings, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure, and is not intended to limit the disclosure to that illustrated and described herein. It is to be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments discussed below may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce desired results.

[0032] Unless otherwise specified, in the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to ..." Any use of any form of the terms "connect", "engage", "couple", "attach", or any other term describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction to direct interaction between the elements and may also include indirect interaction between the elements described. The term "fluid" may refer to a liquid or gas and is not solely related to any particular type of fluid such as hydrocarbons. The terms "pipe", "conduit", "line" or the like refers to any fluid transmission means. The various characteristics mentioned above, as well as other features and characteristics described in more detail below, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] The embodiments described herein include fluid control systems configured for use with electrical transformers. Herein is presented various combinations of components and principles which provide for the ability to rapidly relieve fluid pressure within a fluid filled chamber of an electrical transformer, so as to reduce the risk of over pressurizing the chamber. Particularly, embodiments of the fluid control system include a rupture pin valve configured to open at a predetermined fluid pressure. More particularly, embodiments of the fluid control system include a rupture pin valve and a separator, where the separator is configured to allow for rapid expansion of vaporized fluid relieved from the sealed chamber in the event of an overpressurization of the chamber. Further, the separator is also configured to provide for separation of the vaporized fluid from liquid fluid expelled from the sealed chamber in the event of an overpressurization of the chamber. Separation of the vapor and liquid components of the expelled fluid allows for only the vapor to be vented to the atmosphere, with the remaining liquid stored within the confines of the separator. [0034] Referring initially to Figures 1A-1C, an embodiment of an electrical transformer array 10 is shown that includes an array of an embodiment of an electrical transformer system 20 and another embodiment of an electrical transformer system 30. Each transformer system 20 of array 10 is adjacently disposed and aligned along a shared longitudinal axis. Transformer system 30 is disposed adjacent systems 20 at the end of the array 10, and is offset from the longitudinal axis shared by transformer systems 20. Although electrical transformer array 10 is arranged as described above, in other embodiments electrical transformer systems 20 and 30 may be alternatively arranged. Further, other embodiments of electrical transformer arrays may only comprise either transformer system 20 or transformer system 30.

[0035] Referring to Figure 2, electrical transformer system 20 generally includes a rectangular concrete pad 25 supporting an embodiment of an electrical transformer 50 and an embodiment of a fluid control system 100 coupled to the transformer 50. Electrical transformer 50 includes a sealed chamber 52 and electrical components 54. Sealed chamber 52 includes a magnetic core and electrical conductors disposed in a coolant (not shown). In the embodiment of transformer 50, the coolant contained within chamber 52 is a mineral oil. However, in other embodiments chamber 52 may include other forms of coolant.

[0036] During operation, a high amount of alternating current flows through electrical cables 54 to the conductors housed within chamber 52, creating heat, which is transferred to the coolant disposed therein. Sealed chamber 52 also includes an outlet or manhole 56, which includes an opening that is configured to provide for fluid communication between chamber 52 and control system 100. Thus, fluid pressure contained within chamber 52 may be communicated to control system 100 via manhole 56. During the operation of transformer 50, an ignition source, such as a spark, may occur within sealed chamber 52, which may result in the combustion of at least a portion of the coolant within chamber 52, thereby rapidly elevating the fluid pressure within chamber 52 that is applied to control system 100.

[0037] Referring now to Figures 2 and 6A-6G, various views of the pressure release assembly 110 are shown. In this embodiment, the fluid control system 100 generally includes a pressure release assembly 110, a conduit 160, an elevated pad 165, a separator 170, and an exhaust conduit 180. The pressure release assembly 110 generally includes a riser 112, a knife valve 120 and a rupture pin valve 130. The pressure release assembly 110 is configured to provide selective fluid communication between the conduit 160 and the sealed chamber 52 of transformer 50. Specifically, pressure release assembly 110 is configured to provide selective fluid communication between chamber 52 and conduit 160 in the event of a fluid pressurization within chamber 52, such as a rapid fluid pressurization due to combustion of coolant disposed within chamber 52. The riser 112 of pressure release assembly 1 10 has a first or upper flange 114 disposed at a first end, and a second or lower flange 116 disposed at a second end. Lower flange 116 is coupled to manhole 56 of sealed chamber 52 and upper flange 114 is coupled to a corresponding flange of knife valve 120. Thus, riser 112 is configured to provide fluid communication between chamber 52 and valve 120.

[0038] Knife valve 120 includes a central bore 122 (Figure 6E) and a gate 124, which provide for selective fluid communication between riser 110 and rupture pin valve 130. Specifically, gate 124 may be actuated via turning a handle 126 in order to transition knife valve 120 between an open position allowing fluid communication through bore 122 (shown in Figure 6E), and a closed position where gate 124 is landed against a valve seat 128, creating a fluidic seal where fluid flow is at least substantially restricted across valve 120. Under normal operation of transformer system 10, knife valve 120 is in an open position. However, following a fluid pressurization within chamber 52 of transformer 50 and the actuation of rupture pin valve 130, thereby allowing for the relief of fluid pressure within chamber 52, knife valve 120 may be closed in order to fluidically isolate chamber 52 from the surrounding environment or atmosphere while rupture pin valve 130 is reset into a closed position.

[0039] Figure 6F illustrates rupture pin valve 130 in a closed position prior to actuation while Figure 6G illustrates rupture pin valve 130 in an open position following actuation due to a fluid pressurization within chamber 52 of transformer 50. Rupture pin valve 130 includes openings 132, 134, and a central chamber 136 that is in fluid communication with opening 134 and in selective fluid communication with opening 132. Rupture pin valve 130 couples to knife valve 120 via a flange disposed at a first end 131 of the rupture pin valve 130, where first end 131 is disposed proximal first opening 132. A second end 133 of valve 130 is disposed proximal second opening 134. Opening 134 provides for fluid communication between rupture pin valve 130 and conduit 160 via a flange disposed at second end 133. Valve 130 also includes an embodiment of a sealing assembly 140 having a central axis 140a for providing a fluid seal between openings 132 and 134 when valve 130 is in the closed position, as shown in Figure 6F. Sealing assembly 140 generally includes a rod 141 having a first end 141a and a second end 141b, a lower flange 143 having a lower face 143a disposed at first end 141a of rod 141, an upper flange 147 disposed at some point along the axial length of rod 141, and a pin 150 disposed at second end 141b of rod 141. Lower flange 143 is configured to physically engage a cylinder 145 that extends upward from first end 131. Seal 144, disposed about the outer surface of lower flange 143, sealingly engages an inner surface of cylinder 144 to fluidically isolate chamber 136 from opening 132 when rupture pin valve 130 is in the closed position.

[0040] Upper flange 147 is configured to physically engage a cylinder 149 that extends downward from a lower plate 152. Seal 148, disposed about the outer surface of upper flange 147, sealingly engages an inner surface of cylinder 149 to fluidically isolate chamber 136 from the surrounding environment or atmosphere. Pin 150 has a first end 150a coupled to rod 141 at its second end 141b, and a second end 150b coupled to an upper plate 153. Upper plate 153 is rigidly coupled to lower plate 152 via a plurality of bolts 154, thus preventing, or at least substantially restricting, relative axial movement between plates 152 and 153 (i.e., relative movement with respect to axis 140a). Thus, sealing assembly 140 is configured to translate along axis 140a. However, such axial movement by assembly 140 is forcibly restricted by pin 150. For instance, fluid pressure within opening 132 transmits an axial force to assembly 140 via lower face 143a of lower flange 143. A corresponding axial force in the opposite direction is applied to assembly 140 by pin 150, as pin 150 is rigidly supported by upper plate 153. Because of the pressure force applied to lower face 143 a, and the rigid support of upper plate 153, equal and opposite axial compressive forces are applied to lower end 150a and upper end 150b of pin 150, which resolve into a buckling force on pin 150.

[0041] Pin 150 is configured to resist this buckling force applied at each end up until a certain predetermined point, which corresponds to a predetermined fluid pressure within opening 132. Once this predetermined fluid pressure is reached, the buckling force applied to pin 150 reaches a critical level where pin 150 then buckles, allowing for axial movement of sealing assembly 140 upward towards upper plate 153 (as shown in Figure 6G). Once pin 150 has buckled and sealing assembly 140 has been axially displaced, a fluid flowpath 158 is established between opening 132, chamber 136 and opening 134. Pin 150 will continue to buckle until upper flange 147 contacts lower plate 152, preventing further displacement of upper flange 147. At this point, flowpath 158 is unobstructed by the presence of flange 147, allowing for a "full bore" opening where the cross-section of flowpath 158 through chamber 136 is comparable with the cross-section of openings 132 and 134.

[0042] In the embodiment, rupture pin valve 130 includes a motion or proximity sensor 155 disposed adjacent to pin 150. Sensor 155 is configured to detect motion by pin 150, and thus may detect the buckling of pin 150 as rupture pin valve 130 is actuated by fluid pressure within opening 132. Sensor 155 is coupled to an alarm system 156 that is actuated by the transmission of a signal from sensor 155. The alarm system 156 automatically electrically shuts off transformer 50 and alerts an operator or other personnel in charge of the transformer system 20 that rupture pin valve 130 has been actuated and thus there may have been a fluid pressurization of chamber 52 of transformer 50. In this event, the operator may then seal chamber 52 from the surrounding environment by manually closing knife valve 150. A new and undamaged pin 150 may then be installed in rupture pin valve 130, allowing the operator to reopen knife valve 150 and return the transformer 50 to service. In this fashion, fluid control system 100 may be brought back into service without disassembling any of its components. Rupture pin valves suitable for use in relief assembly 1 10 include those from Buckling Pin Technology in Tampa, Florida.

[0043] There exists a period of time between a fluid pressurization of chamber 52 and the opening of rupture pin valve 130 via the buckling of pin 150, referred to as a response time. In the embodiment of rupture pin valve 130, the response time of valve 130 is between 1-3 milliseconds (ms), versus up to one second for PRVs or burst discs. Thus, valve 130 allows for the relief of fluid pressure within chamber 52 at a more rapid speed than with a traditional PRV system. The relatively quicker response time of rupture pin valve 130 may reduce the likelihood of a fluid overpressurization within chamber 52 in the event of rapid fluid pressurization within it due to ignition of fluid within the chamber 52.

[0044] Referring to Figure 2, conduit 160 is configured to provide fluid communication between rupture pin valve 130 and the separator 170. In this embodiment, separator 170 comprises an elongate vessel vertically oriented with respect to the ground. Conduit 160 includes a first end 162 and a second end 164, where first end 162 of conduit 160 is coupled to the second end 134 of valve 130 and second end 164 is coupled to separator 170. Separator 170 is configured to separate and divert the liquid and vapor components of the fluid ejected from chamber 52 during an overpressurization resulting in the rupture or opening of rupture pin valve 130. Separator 170 has a first end 171 disposed on pad 165, and a second end 172. Separator 170 is further configured to provide or allow for radial expansion of fluids entering from conduit 160 so as to reduce the amount of fluid pressure within separator 170. Reducing fluid pressure within chamber 170 via radial expansion allows for less of a restriction on the flow of fluid out of chamber 52 of transformer 50, in turn allowing for more rapid evacuation of fluid out of chamber 52. Separator 170 includes an inlet 173, a first or main chamber or section 174, a reduced diameter section 175, and an outlet 176. Inlet 173 has an internal diameter 173 a while main chamber 174 has an internal diameter 174a, and reduced diameter section has internal diameter 175a. Diameter 174a of main chamber 174 is substantially greater than the diameter 173 a of inlet 173, allowing for the expansion of fluid as it flows from inlet 173 into main chamber 174. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the inlet 173 of separator 170 is disposed at a height from the ground substantially the same as the height from the ground of the rupture pin valve 130. For instance, the liquid component of a fluid flow is directed into the main chamber 174 of separator 170 via gravity while the less dense vapor component is vented through the outlet 176 located at an upper vertical end of separator 170.

[0045] In order to reduce any restrictions within system 100, separator 170 is positioned adjacent or in close proximity to pressure release assembly 1 10. For instance, conduit 160 is configured to be just long enough to allow for clearance of the larger diameter main chamber 174 of separator 173, thus minimizing the length of the fluid flowpath from chamber 52 of transformer 50 to separator 170. Also, the volume of main chamber 174 is sized such that it may accommodate the maximum amount of coolant stored within chamber 52 of transformer 50. Thus, the possibility of liquid overflowing main chamber 174 into reduced diameter section 175 is minimized. Further, the vertical, elongate shape of separator 170 minimizes the footprint of separator 170 on pad 25, allowing for a more compact design of fluid control system 100.

[0046] Reduced diameter section 175 extends vertically from second end 172 and is configured to provide a gradual or gradated reduction in internal diameter between main chamber 174 and exhaust conduit 180. Specifically, the internal diameter 175 a of reduced diameter section 175 is smaller than the internal diameter 174a of main chamber 174, but larger than the internal diameter 180a of exhaust conduit 180. This gradual reduction in diameter also helps reduce fluid back-pressure within separator 170 and conduit 160, allowing for greater fluid flow out of chamber 52 in the event of an overpressurization of transformer 50.

[0047] Exhaust conduit 180 has a first end 181 and a second end 182, and is configured to increase the distance between transformer 50 and any fluid ejected to the atmosphere in the event of a fluid pressurization of chamber 52 of transformer 50. Separator 170 couples to the first end 181 of conduit 180 at chamber 170's second end 172. Conduit 180 is configured to emit fluid from chamber 52 of transformer 50 to the surrounding environment via an opening 183 located at the second end 182, a relatively safe distance from transformer 50, so as to minimize the risk of discharged fluid from igniting or otherwise causing further damage once it has exited to the ambient environment. Conduit 180 includes a vertical section 184, an elbow 185, a horizontal section 186, and a check valve 188 disposed at second end 182. Horizontal section 186 spans a relatively long distance, as compared with the axial distance of separator 170, and thus opening 183 at second end 182 is at a relatively safe distance from transformer 50. Check valve 188 is configured to allow for the flow of fluid out of conduit 180 to the surrounding ambient environment, but to prevent or at least substantially restrict, fluid flow from the surrounding environment into conduit 180 at second end 182.

[0048] Referring briefly to Figure 3, transformer system 30 generally includes transformer 50 and a fluid control system 200 disposed on a concrete pad 190. Fluid control system 200 includes similar components as fluid control system 100, with the exception of a bent conduit 210 having a first end 211, a second end 212, and an elbow 214. Bent conduit 210 is configured to provide additional distance between separator 170 and transformer 50 with respect to conduit 160 of system 100.

[0049] Referring to Figure 7, an embodiment of an adjustable separator assembly 220 is shown. Adjustable separator assembly 220 may be used in lieu of separator 170 in fluid control systems, such as fluid control systems 100, 200. Adjustable assembly 220 is configured to separate the vapor component from the liquid component of fluids ejected from chamber 52 of transformer 50 into assembly 220 in the event of an overpressurization. Adjustable assembly 220 generally includes a liquid storage tank 222, an adjustable conduit 230, and a t-riser 240. The volume of liquid storage tank 222 is configured or sized to hold the amount of coolant stored within chamber 52 of transformer 50. Tank 222 has a first end 221, a second end 223, a main chamber 224, a hemispherical chamber 226, and an inlet 228 at second end 223. Main chamber 224 has a constant internal diameter 224a while the internal diameter 226a of hemispherical chamber 226 reduces to a minimum internal diameter proximal outlet 228. Also, the internal diameter 224a of main chamber 224 is greater than the internal diameter 174a of main chamber 174 of separator 170. Thus, tank 222 may be of a shorter height than separator 170 while retaining a similar volume. Moreover, the reduced height of tank 222 increases the stability of tank 222 compared with separator 170.

[0050] Adjustable conduit 230 has a length 230a, first end 231 coupled to inlet 228 of tank 222, and a second end 232 to a lower end 242 of t-riser 240. T-riser 240 has an inlet 241, lower end 242, and an upper end 244. In operation, fluid exiting conduit 160 of system 100 or conduit 210 of system 200 enters inlet 241 of t-riser 240. The heavier liquid component present in the fluid is displaced downward through lower end 242 and conduit 230 into tank 222, while the lighter vapor component is displaced through upper end 244, which is coupled to exhaust conduit 180. Back pressure within assembly 220 is minimized via the gradual expansion of internal diameter provided by hemispherical chamber 226 of tank 222. Also, the length 230a of conduit 230 may be configured or sized such that the height from the ground of inlet 241 of t- riser 240 from pad 25 is equivalent to the height from the ground of the second end 164 of conduit 160 from pad 25. In this way, the inexpensive conduit 230 may be sized for the application (e.g., sized in light of the dimensions of transformer 50, etc.), rather than the relatively more expensive tank 222.

[0051] Referring to Figure 8, another embodiment of a transformer system 300 is shown. In this embodiment, system 300 generally includes a concrete pad 305, a first transformer 310, a second transformer 320, and a fluid control system 350. While in this embodiment fluid control system 350 is shown in use with transformers 310 and 320, in other embodiments control system 350 may be used with other transformers, such as transformer 50. Transformers 310 and 320 each include a sealed chamber 312, 322, and electrical components 314, 324, respectively. Sealed chambers 312, 322 each include a magnetic core and electrical conductors disposed in a coolant, such as mineral oil.

[0052] In this embodiment, fluid control system 350 generally includes two pressure release assemblies 1 10, a first bent conduit 360, a second bent conduit 370, a fluid separating tank 380, a first exhaust conduit 390, and a second exhaust conduit 400. Conduit 360 includes a first end 362, a second end 364, and conduit 370 includes a first end 372 and a second end 374. Tank 380 is a horizontally disposed tank and includes a pair of inlets 382 coupled to second ends 364, 374, of conduits 360, 370, respectively, and a pair of outlets 384 coupled to exhaust conduits 390 and 400. Tank 380 is configured to separate the vapor and liquid components of fluids escaping sealed chambers 312 and 322. Specifically, the liquid flowing into tank 380 via inlets 382 remains within tank 380 while vapor is vented to the exhaust conduits 390 and 400 via outlets 384. The volume of tank 380 is sized to store the maximum amount of fluid disposed in sealed chambers 312, 322. Also, while in this embodiment fluid control system 350 is coupled to two transformers, in other embodiments fluid control systems similar to system 350 may be coupled to varying numbers of transformers.

[0053] Each exhaust conduit 390 and 400 includes a first end 392, 402, and a second end 394, 404, respectively. Second conduit also includes a T-junction 406, an elongated horizontal section 408, and a check valve 410. Check valve 10 is configured to allow for the flow of fluid out of conduit 400 to the surrounding ambient environment, but to prevent or at least substantially restrict fluid flow from the surrounding environment into conduit 400 at second end 404. First ends 392, 402, of conduits 390, 400, respectively, couple to an outlet 384 of tank 380. The second end 394 of first conduit 390 couples to the T-junction 406 of second conduit 400. Thus, vapor flowing through first conduit 390 enters second conduit 400 via T-junction 406. This fluid flow then passes through elongated horizontal section 408, displacing it a safe distance from transformers 310 and 320 prior to venting at second end 404. [0054] The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various embodiments of the present disclosure. While certain embodiments have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not limiting. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is only limited by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A transformer system for an electrical transformer comprising:

a pressure release mechanism to provide selective fluid communication with a sealed chamber of an electrical transformer; and

a fluid control system coupled to the pressure release mechanism;

wherein the fluid control system comprises a separator in fluid communication with an outlet of the pressure release mechanism to separate vapor and liquid components of a fluid flow.

2. The transformer system of claim I, wherein the pressure release mechanism comprises a rupture pin valve.

3. The transformer system of claim I, wherein the separator is configured to provide for radial expansion of a fluid flow entering the separator.

4. The transformer system of claim 1, wherein the separator comprises a first section having a first diameter and a reduced diameter section having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter.

5. The transformer system of claim 1, wherein the separator is configured to store the liquid component of the fluid flow and vent the vapor component of the fluid flow out of an outlet to the surrounding environment.

6. The transformer system of claim 5, wherein a first chamber of the separator is sized to accommodate a maximum amount of fluid stored within the sealed chamber of the electrical transformer.

7. The transformer system of claim 1, wherein the separator is disposed in close proximity with the electrical transformer.

8. The transformer system of claim 1, wherein the fluid control system further comprises an exhaust conduit having a first end coupled to an outlet of the separator and in fluid communication with the separator and a second end open to the surrounding atmosphere, wherein the exhaust conduit is configured to substantially increase the distance between the outlet of the fluid control system open to the surrounding environment and the electrical transformer.

9. The transformer system of claim 7, wherein the fluid control system further comprises a conduit having a first end coupled to the outlet of the pressure release mechanism and a second end coupled to an inlet of the separator, and wherein the conduit.

10. The transformer system of claim 1, wherein the separator comprises an elongate vessel vertically oriented with respect to the ground.

11. The transformer system of claim 1, wherein the separator comprises a liquid storage tank, a T-junction having an inlet and a first outlet, and an adjustable conduit coupled between the liquid storage tank and the T-junction.

12. The transformer system of claim 1 1, wherein the liquid storage tank has a main chamber having a diameter greater than the diameter of the adjustable conduit and comprises a hemispherical chamber disposed between the main chamber and the adjustable conduit to provide for a gradual change in diameter between the adjustable conduit and the liquid storage tank.

13. The transformer system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable conduit is adjustable in length to position the inlet of the T-junction at a height from the ground substantially equal to the height from the ground of the outlet of the pressure release mechanism.

14. The transformer system of claim 1, wherein the T-junction comprises a second outlet opposite the first outlet, and wherein the separator is configured to a flow a liquid component of a fluid flow through the first outlet and into the liquid storage tank, and to flow a vapor component of the fluid flow through the second outlet and into the surrounding atmosphere.

15. A transformer system for an electrical transformer comprising:

a first pressure release mechanism to provide selective fluid communication with a sealed chamber of a first electrical transformer; a second pressure release mechanism to provide selective fluid communication with a sealed chamber of a second electrical transformer; and

a fluid control system in fluid communication with the first pressure release mechanism and the second pressure release mechanism.

16. The transformer system of claim 15, wherein the fluid control system comprises a separator in fluid communication with an outlet of the first pressure release mechanism and an outlet of the second pressure release mechanism to separate vapor and liquid components of a fluid flow from the sealed chamber of the first electrical transformer and the sealed chamber of the second electrical transformer.

17. The transformer system of claim 16, wherein the separator is configured to provide for radial expansion of a fluid flow entering the separator.

18. The transformer system of claim 16, wherein the separator is configured to store the liquid component of the fluid flow and vent the vapor component of the fluid flow out of an outlet to the surrounding environment.

19. A method of controlling a fluid flow from a chamber of an electrical transformer comprising:

pressurizing a surface of a pressure release mechanism with fluid from a chamber of an electrical transformer;

actuating the rupture pin valve in response to the pressurization of the surface of the rupture pin valve; and

separating the vapor and liquid components of the fluid in a separator.

20. The method of 19, further comprising storing the liquid component of the fluid flow in the separator and venting the vapor component of the fluid flow to the atmosphere.