Validation of computational fluid dynamic analysis of natural convection conditions for a resin dry-type transformer with a cabin

Abstract

Many industrial products work under different constraints. Examples of these products include transformers and keeping them in certain operating temperatures is an important design constraint. However, since power transformers have different requirements, there are no standard products. For this reason, it is difficult and costly to test each one by considering these constraints and to design them accordingly. Satisfactory thermal analysis using a 3-D finite volume-based CFD model is an important step to understand natural convection and necessary design modifications under the desired conditions.

The aim of this study is to verify the performance and reliability of the design by comparing the experimental results with 3-D finite volume analysis results by considering cooling of a dry resin type transformer with a cabin. The effect of the cabin on the product in terms of natural heat convection is also evaluated.