Lattice Boltzmann simulation of velocity investigation of natural convection in power transformer with nano-oil

Abstract

Enhancing the thermal performance of transformer oil is imperative due to the crucial role transformers perform in power distribution networks. Additionally, the temperature of a transformer's core has an impact on its electrical performance. This paper, which presents a two-dimensional model of a transformer, investigates theoretically and simulates the natural convection heat transfer of one nano-oil sample that contains an Fe3O4 nanoparticle in the base fluid of Paraffinic oil. Modelling and solving were done for nanoparticle volume fractions of 0% to 5% and Rayleigh numbers of 103 to 105. Nusselt number average and charts of velocity are given in this range. According to the study's results, the transformer core's ability to cool has been enhanced by the addition of nanoparticles to the base fluid. In addition, natural convection heat transfer was enhanced by increasing the Rayleigh number and the volume fraction of nanoparticles. With the greatest Nusselt number average of 13.09 and a Rayleigh number of 105, Paraffinic-Fe3O4 nano-oil had better heat transfer in comparison to pure Paraffinic oil under the same conditions.