Simulation of Thermal Distribution on a Ferrofluid Bimetallic Overload Relay

This article discusses a thermal model of overload relay which uses magnetic fluids, or commonly called as ferrofluid, in its bimetallic strip construction. The use of ferrofluid aims to improve the performance of bimetallic thermal strip. It is purposed to produce more accurate and faster response. Cases study has been undertaken by using various heating times of the relay. Observation on the resulted thermal distribution has been carried out using finite-element theory-based simulation software. The study was conducted by comparing bimetallic strip using ferrofluid as thermal conductor to that using air as thermal conductor from the heat sources. It was confirmed that the bimetallic strip using ferrofluid as thermal conductor indicated a better thermal response than that using air due to more even thermal distribution.