Evaluation of the Electrical Power Transformer Fins Design Technology: Numerical Analysis and Experimental Validation

Abstract

The study includes numerical analysis and experimental verification on an electrical power distribution transformer (250 kVA, 11 kW, Oil Natural Air Natural). ANSYS Fluent R3 2019 software was used to develop the numerical simulation model. The validity of the numerical model was confirmed by comparing the results of the numerical model and experimental data. The study aims to improve the efficiency and performance of electrical power distribution transformers by proposing a design that reduces the temperature of the transformer while maintaining its traditional size. Numerically, the effect of fin geometry on the temperature and density of transformer oil was studied. Four different fin designs were proposed and compared with the traditional design. According to the results, all proposed designs contributed to improving the cooling performance of the transformer compared to the traditional design. Design A is similar to the traditional transformer design, with the only modification being manipulation of the fin length, and achieves an average oil temperature reduction of 4 K. Design B showed the smallest temperature drop of the four designs, with a 3 K drop. Designs C and D include ventilation channels that match the shape of the fin, providing distinct design differences. The difference between both designs relied on the fact that for design C, the orthogonally of fin plates was retained. On the other hand, in design D, skewing of fin plates was introduced. Design D proved to be the most effective in reducing the average oil temperature, being reduced by 10 K. On the other hand, Design C reduced the average oil temperature by 7 K.