System and method for cooling transformers

Abstract

A system and method are provided for cooling transformers utilizing a fluid to air heat exchanger to cool dielectric fluid flowing through the transformer. The system includes multiple vertical cooling tubes in fluid communication with the transformer to cool the dielectric fluid. The tubes are configured to create vertical air passages such that the system utilizes natural convection air flow and thermal siphoning to cool the fluid.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A cooling system for cooling a dielectric insulating fluid flowing through a transformer, the system comprising: 
 a plurality of cooling tubes oriented in a substantially vertical manner, wherein each tube has a top opening and a bottom opening and, wherein the tubes are interconnected to form a bundle configuration;    one or more distributor headers positioned between and in fluid communication with the transformer and the top openings of the cooling tubes;    one or more collector headers positioned between and in fluid communication with the transformer and the bottom openings of the cooling tubes; and    a plurality of vertical air channels formed by the interconnected bundle configuration.    
     
     
         2 . The cooling system of    claim 1   , wherein the cooling tubes further comprise a plurality of outwardly radially projecting external fins extending longitudinally along an outer surface of the tubes.  
     
     
         3 . The cooling system of    claim 2   , wherein the cooling tubes further comprise a plurality of inwardly radially projecting interior fins extending longitudinally along an inner surface of the tubes.  
     
     
         4 . The cooling system of    claim 3   , wherein the fins have longitudinal grooves running parallel to the tubes.  
     
     
         5 . The cooling system of    claim 3   , wherein the interior fins and exterior fins are evenly spaced apart.  
     
     
         6 . The cooling system of    claim 2   , wherein the exterior fins comprise a plurality of exterior claw fins projecting radially outwardly from an exterior surface of the tube, each exterior claw fin having a claw at a terminal end thereof.  
     
     
         7 . The cooling system of    claim 6   , wherein the exterior fins comprise a plurality of exterior ball fins projecting radially outwardly from an exterior surface of the tube, each exterior ball fin having a ball at a terminal end thereof.  
     
     
         8 . The cooling system of    claim 7   , wherein the claw fins and the ball fins are designed to allow interconnection therebetween to form the bundle configuration.  
     
     
         9 . The cooling system of    claim 2   , wherein the exterior fins comprise a plurality of exterior cooling fins projecting radially outwardly from an exterior surface of the tube.  
     
     
         10 . The cooling system of    claim 1   , wherein the cooling tube s are made of aluminum.  
     
     
         11 . The cooling system of    claim 1   , wherein each of the one or more distributor headers includes: 
 a manifold in fluid communication with the transformer; and    one or more airfoil extensions extending therefrom and in fluid communication therewith and, wherein each of the one or more airfoil extensions includes a bottom surface having a plurality of openings.    
     
     
         12 . The cooling system of    claim 11   , wherein each of the openings of the airfoil extension is in fluid communication with the top openings of a corresponding cooling tube.  
     
     
         13 . The cooling system of    claim 1   , wherein each of the one or more collector headers includes: 
 a manifold in fluid communication with the transformer; and    one or more airfoil extensions extending therefrom and in fluid communication therewith and, wherein each of the one or more airfoil extensions includes a top surface having a plurality of openings.    
     
     
         14 . The cooling system of    claim 13   , wherein each of the openings of the airfoil extension is in fluid communication with the bottom openings of a corresponding cooling tube.  
     
     
         15 . The cooling system of    claim 1   , wherein the cooling tubes in the bundle are connected in a honeycomb arrangement.  
     
     
         16 . A method for cooling dielectric insulating fluid flowing through transformers, the method comprising: 
 circulating dielectric insulating fluid downwardly from a transformer through one or more vertical tubes; and    circulating an air stream upwardly through vertical air channels formed by the interconnection of the tubes to cool the dielectric insulating fluid.    
     
     
         17 . The method of    claim 16   , wherein circulating an air stream through the vertical air channels occurs through natural thermal convection.  
     
     
         18 . The method of    claim 16   , wherein circulating an air stream through the vertical air channels occurs through thermal siphoning.  
     
     
         19 . The method of    claim 16   , wherein circulating an air stream through the vertical air channels occurs through forced air flow.  
     
     
         20 . The method of    claim 16   , wherein circulating dielectric insulating fluid occurs through natural thermal convection.  
     
     
         21 . The method of    claim 16   , wherein circulating dielectric insulating fluid occurs through forced dielectric insulating fluid flow.