Analysis of Methods of Mathematical Modeling of the Process of Drying Insulation by Thermal Radiation

The article deals with topical issues related to the theoretical analysis of the mathematical model for drying the insulation of power oil-filled transformers windings of traction substations while using infrared (IR) radiation. The problem of determining the drying process time in special drying cabinets (chambers) using a continuous power supply, has always been one of the partly unresolved problems of using infrared radiation for transformer windings' paper insulation repair and restoration. The disadvantage of this method is that this drying technology is inferior in terms of quality and very energy-intensive which requires a long drying time.The dehumidification process can be accelerated using an oscillating (intermittent) IR energy supply, which will significantly reduce the drying power costs and increase the transformer reliability due to better drying of its insulation without overheating it, and will also lead to a decrease in the temperature and insulation heating rate without reducing the intensity of IR energy supply and water-yielding capacity. These features were used to create a mathematical model of the drying process, which are based on the energy balance differential equation that appropriately reproduces the kinetics of the insulation heating by thermal radiation.