Performance of Mn-Zn ferrite magnetic fluid in a prototype distribution transformer under varying loading conditions

Publication date: April 2017
Source:International Journal of Thermal Sciences, Volume 114
Author(s): Jaykumar Patel, Kinnari Parekh, R.V. Upadhyay
The temperature distribution performance of prototype transformer has been evaluated for varying loads. A 3 KVA single phase transformer is prototyped for this purpose and thermocouples were inserted at various places for the study. A novel temperature sensitive magnetic fluid (TSMF - Mn-Zn ferrite magnetic fluid) is proposed to improve the cooling performance. Winding temperature reduces when prototype transformer is submerged in TSMF compared to the same experiment performed with transformer oil, for all loading (normal load, under load, overload). The reduction in temperature with TSMF attributes to the thermo-magnetic convection, and it is the maximum when the Curie temperature of the magnetic fluid is comparable to the hot spot temperature of the transformer. The experimental results match with numerical calculation and the existing simulation. The maximum cooling is observed with TSMF for overload condition and increases normal life expectancy nine times. In case of planned overload condition normal life expectancy doubles for all situations. Study leads to the conclusion that TSMF works as a better transformer coolant under all conditions, delivers more power than its nameplate rating without using any external accessories, and improves normal life of transformer. This will reduce the basic investment cost and maintenance of transformer.

Graphical abstract

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