Full-Scale Modeling and FBGs Experimental Measurements for Thermal Analysis of Converter Transformer

Abstract

As the imbalance between power demand and load capacity in electrical systems becomes increasingly severe, investigating the temperature variations in transformers under different load stresses is crucial for ensuring their safe operation. The thermal analysis of converter transformers poses challenges due to the complexity of model construction. This paper develops a full-scale model of a converter transformer using a multi-core high-performance computer and explores its thermal state at 80%, 100%, and 120% loading ratios using the COUPLED iteration method. Additionally, to validate the simulation model, 24 FBGs are installed in the experimental transformer to record the temperature data. The results indicate a general upward trend in winding the temperature from bottom to top. However, an internal temperature rise followed by a decrease is observed within certain sections. Moreover, as the loading ratio increases, both the peak temperature and temperature differential of the transformer windings rise, reaching a peak temperature of 107.9 °C at a 120% loading ratio. The maximum discrepancy between the simulation and experimental results does not exceed 3.5%, providing effective guidance for the transformer design and operational maintenance.