Research developed by Light Serviços de Eletricidade S/A, the Federal Fluminense University (UFF) and Gama Filho University (UGF), with support from consultants and Cognitor e Electromagnetics, resulted in the development of a computational model in three dimensions to a transformer. From the model, it was possible to check the thermal behavior of the equipment at ambient temperature and of the load curve and determine the limits of its loading optimally, with a significant reduction in operating and expansion costs. The study was motivated by the need to fully exploit the potential use of transformers without sacrificing performance and service life. Also, it took into account the need to meet regulatory agency regulations and NBR standard over the life of equipment and limits on oil temperature and winding. For this, the researchers used computer techniques of 3D visualization for determining the hot spots of the transformer and thus discover their load limits. To validate the model created, a simulation was made ​​for three days. Throughout this period the values ​​obtained in the simulation were compared with those collected at the São Conrado substation (RJ) using a digital thermometer installed near the transformer. After this monitoring, it was found that the curves measured were very close to the experimental values. In the computational model, it was possible to identify the processors, from a color map, the places where the windings had the highest temperatures.

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Company:Light Serviços de Eletricidade S/A