Coupled CFD-Network Simulations for Cooling of Transformers

This paper presents the coupling of a network model for transformer temperature rise calculation and a CFD model representing the cooling devices consisting of radiator and tank cover. The coupling requires exchange of input data and results between both models, including thermal quantities like temperature and power as well as hydraulic parameters like pressure and mass flow rates. The corresponding interfaces, which allow permanent data exchange during the iterative procedure, are explained and the convergence behavior is analyzed. The results are discussed with respect to differences between models with individual and uniform oil flow in radiator panels as well as models calculated with and without coupling.