In order to augment cooling performance of transformer panel-type radiators
under natural convection, the fluid flow and heat transfer for a novel
panel-type radiator and its surrounding air are numerically studied in this
paper. The novel radiator is equipped with wind deflectors on both lateral
sides and a chimney cap on the top. Then the effects of the height and
channel number of the chimney cap on the cooling performance of the radiator
are simulated. The results show that wind deflectors can form several
enclosed air channels with radiator fins. The airflow can be accelerated
under the chimney effect generated in these channels, and the cooling
capacity of the radiator can be increased by 12.75%. The addition of a
chimney cap can further extend the chimney channels and increase its cooling
capacity by 15.74%. Furthermore, with the increase of the height and channel
number, the total cooling capacity of the panel-type radiator increases
first and then decreases. In this study, when the chimney cap has five
channels and a height of 700 mm, the novel radiator can obtain the best
cooling performance, where its cooling capacity and overall heat transfer
coefficient can be increased by 26.54% and 28.21%, respectively, as compared
with traditional panel-type radiators, and the temperature difference
between the inlet and outlet insulating oil is 7.1?C.