Prediction of Oil Hotspot Temperature in a Distribution Transformer by CFD Method

In the current paper, a comprehensive three dimensional computational scheme was employed considering the detailed geometrical specifications of a 200 kVA distribution transformer in order to simulate the temperature pattern of oil inside the transformer and to obtain the hotspot temperature. Simulation of the convective heat transfer of the transformer was implemented by ANSYS FLUENT, along with ANSYS ICEM for meshing the whole geometry. Moreover, the accuracy of the numerical model was established via comparing the numerical results with the measured temperatures of a running transformer. It was founded that the oil channels of the active part are the most critical region from a thermal point of view and the oil channels inside the active part experience the highest level of temperature in the transformer. Furthermore, the hotspot temperature of the considered transformer is 114 degC and located near to top section of oil channel of low voltage windings.