Reinforced transformer core frame and manufacturing method

1 . A reinforced transformer core frame, comprising:

a transformer core frame; and

a reinforcement structure, the reinforcement structure comprising at least one reinforcement panel comprising a honeycomb structure and affixed to the transformer core frame, wherein the honeycomb structure has walls that define a plurality of cells, each of the walls including at least one fluid-communication opening that places the cells in fluid communication with neighboring cells and with an exterior volume of a liquid so that, when the reinforced transformer core frame is immersed in the liquid, the liquid passively floods the cells and any trapped gas vents from the cells without use of a pump.

2 . The reinforced transformer core frame of claim 1 , wherein the transformer core frame has a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall, and wherein the at least one reinforcement panel comprises a first reinforcement panel comprising the honeycomb structure affixed to the first side wall and a second reinforcement panel comprising the honeycomb structure affixed to the second side wall.

3 . The reinforced transformer core frame of claim 2 , wherein the first reinforcement panel is affixed to an inner surface of the first side wall and the second reinforcement panel is affixed to an inner surface of the second side wall.

4 . The reinforced transformer core frame of claim 3 , wherein the first reinforcement panel and the second reinforcement panel abut on an inner surface of the bottom wall or an inner surface of the top wall.

5 . The reinforced transformer core frame of claim 2 , wherein the first reinforcement panel is affixed to an outer surface of the first side wall and the second reinforcement panel is affixed to an outer surface of the second side wall.

6 . The reinforced transformer core frame of claim 1 , wherein each of the at least one reinforcement panel comprises at least one skin layer adhered to the honeycomb structure.

7 . The reinforced transformer core frame of claim 6 , wherein each of the at least one reinforcement panel is a composite sandwich panel comprising first and second skin layers, with the honeycomb structure sandwiched between the first and second skin layers.

8 . The reinforced transformer core frame of claim 6 , wherein each of the at least one reinforcement panel has only one skin layer arranged such that the honeycomb structure is sandwiched between the skin layer and the transformer core frame.

9 . The reinforced transformer core frame of claim 8 , wherein the at least one reinforcement panel are affixed to the transformer core frame by rivets, bolts, welds or by an adhesive.

10 . A transformer, comprising:

a wound core, and

the reinforced transformer core frame of claim 1 that surrounds the wound core and on which the wound core is supported.

11 . The reinforced transformer core frame of claim 1 , wherein the at least one reinforcement panel comprising a plurality of reinforcement panels, each reinforcement panel comprising the honeycomb structure and affixed to the transformer core frame.

12 . The reinforced transformer core frame of claim 3 , wherein the first reinforcement panel and the second reinforcement panel are affixed to the inner surface of the bottom wall or the inner surface of the top wall.

13 . The reinforced transformer core frame of claim 1 , wherein the liquid comprises a transformer insulation liquid.

14 . The reinforced transformer core frame of claim 13 , wherein the transformer insulation liquid comprises an insulation oil.

15 . The transformer of claim 10 , further comprising a tank in which the liquid is disposed, wherein the reinforced transformer core frame is positioned within the tank and cells of the honeycomb structure are at least partially filled with the liquid.

16 . The reinforced transformer core frame of claim 1 , wherein the honeycomb structure comprises a plurality of hexagonal cells.