Transformer training lab

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11227508-B1
Application number	US-201816148863-A
Country	US
Kind code	B1
Filing date	Oct 1, 2018
Priority date	Oct 1, 2018
Publication date	Jan 18, 2022
Grant date	Jan 18, 2022

Abstract

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a training lab that can be used as a teaching platform for individuals to learn electronic maintenance, such as transformer maintenance. The training lab can be either stationary or mobile, or can switch between the two modes. Modified transformers, or other equipment, can be incorporated into the lab to improve training.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A mobile transformer training lab comprising:
an outer shell having a hollow interior, the outer shell having a front wall, a back wall, and two side walls connecting the front wall and the back wall;
a back access location in the back wall to provide access into the hollow interior;
a plurality of side access locations in at least one of the two side walls to provide access into the hollow interior;
a load bay located in at least one of the plurality of side access locations, the load bay containing training electrical equipment, wherein the training electrical equipment comprises:
a first model representative of a single-phase power customer, the first model comprising a single-phase meter base, a single-phase meter, a load panel, a lighting circuit, and a backfeed outlet, and
a second model representative of a three-phase power customer, the second model comprising a three-phase meter base, a three-phase meter, a gang switch, and a three-phase motor component;

at least two moveable model power poles configured for storage within the hollow interior of the trailer, wherein the at least two moveable model power poles are further configured to be removed from the hollow interior and erected exterior to the outer shell;
at least one transformer configured to attach to one of the at least two moveable model power poles when the at least two moveable power poles are erected exterior to the outer shell; and
at least one wire configured to extend between the load bay and the at least one transformer.

2. The mobile transformer training lab of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of side access locations contains a load bay.

3. The mobile transformer training lab of claim 1 , wherein the lab comprises a plurality of wheels.

4. The mobile transformer training lab of claim 1 , wherein the at least one transformer comprises a hinged lid for accessing inside a housing of the at least one transformer.

5. The mobile transformer training lab of claim 4 , wherein the at least one transformer further comprises a continuity transformer including at least one switch to create open points, shorts, or other common transformer issues.

6. The mobile transformer training lab of claim 1 , wherein the first model is representative of a residential home and includes an outer housing, a removable front panel with at least one window, at least one light bulb and socket, and an actuator for energizing the residential home equipment with one phase.

7. The mobile transformer training lab of claim 1 , wherein the three phase motor component comprises a wired three phase motor configured to spin a blade with arrows indicating rotation of the blade.

8. The mobile transformer training lab of claim 1 , wherein the load bay includes an emergency stop.

9. The mobile transformer training lab of claim 1 , wherein the at least two moveable model power poles include support legs configured to support the at least moveable model power poles when erected.

10. The mobile transformer training lab of claim 1 , wherein the back access location includes a ramp configured to extend from the mobile transformer training lab.

11. The mobile transformer training lab of claim 1 , wherein the load bay is formed from a plurality of metal tubes at least partially covered by a dielectric sheathing.

12. A modular stationary training lab comprising:
at least one working station comprising:
at least two power poles;
at least one transformer;
a load station, wherein the load station comprises:
a first model representative of a single-phase power customer, the first model comprising a single-phase meter base, a single-phase meter, a load panel, a lighting circuit, and a backfeed outlet, and
a second model representative of a three-phase power customer, the second model comprising a three-phase meter base, a three-phase meter, a gang switch, and a three-phase motor component; and

at least one wire configured to extend between the at least one transformer and the load station.

13. The modular stationary training lab of claim 12 , further comprising an energy source.

14. The modular stationary training lab of claim 12 , wherein the modular stationary training lab comprises a plurality of the at least one working station.

15. The modular stationary training lab of claim 12 , wherein the first model is representative of a residential home and includes an outer housing, a removable front panel with at least one window, at least one light bulb and socket, and an actuator for energizing the residential home equipment with one phase.

16. The modular stationary training lab of claim 15 , wherein the three phase motor component comprises a wired three phase motor configured to spin a blade with arrows indicating rotation of the blade.

Assignees

• Quanta Associates Lp

Inventors

• Drew Alan
• Howell Aaron
• Groves Mark
• Jenkins Aaron Marshall
• Carrillo Phil

Classifications

• G09B19/24

  Use of tools · CPC title

• G09B19/00 Primary

  Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass (teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying F41G3/26) · CPC title

• G09B19/0069 Primary

  Engineering, e.g. mechanical, electrical design (computer engineering G09B19/0053) · CPC title