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Power Transformers Cooling Design: A Comprehensive Review

Author

Listed:
  • Sandra Sorte

    (TEMA-Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro (UA), Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    LASI-Intelligent Systems Associate Laboratory, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • André Ferreira Monteiro

    (TEMA-Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro (UA), Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    LASI-Intelligent Systems Associate Laboratory, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Diogo Ventura

    (TEMA-Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro (UA), Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    LASI-Intelligent Systems Associate Laboratory, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Alexandre Salgado

    (TEMA-Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro (UA), Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    LASI-Intelligent Systems Associate Laboratory, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Mónica S. A. Oliveira

    (TEMA-Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro (UA), Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    LASI-Intelligent Systems Associate Laboratory, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

  • Nelson Martins

    (TEMA-Centre for Mechanical Technology and Automation, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Aveiro (UA), Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    LASI-Intelligent Systems Associate Laboratory, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

Abstract

Efficient cooling technologies for power transformers are critical to modern power systems, ensuring reliability, performance, and AN extended lifespan. This review systematically analyses advancements, challenges, and opportunities in cooling systems for power transformers. Oil-immersed transformers, widely used due to their superior insulation and effective cooling, require efficient thermal management to prevent overheating and ensure operational stability. This review evaluates key cooling strategies across oil-natural air-natural (ONAN), oil-natural air-forced (ONAF), oil-directed air-forced (ODAF), and oil-forced air-forced (OFAF) systems. It highlights innovations in radiator design, such as top-mounted radiators and chimney caps, and explores sustainable alternatives, including biodegradable esters, nanofluids, and hybrid ventilation methods. Advanced computational tools like Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and artificial intelligence (AI), particularly neural networks, are identified as transformative for optimising cooling performance, predicting thermal behaviour, and enabling real-time monitoring. Despite progresses, challenges persist in radiator optimisation, airflow dynamics, and scalability of innovative cooling methods. By offering a comprehensive review and identifying critical areas for improvement, this study provides a foundation for developing cost-effective, reliable, and environmentally sustainable cooling systems, aligning with the growing demand for efficient energy infrastructure.

Suggested Citation

  • Sandra Sorte & André Ferreira Monteiro & Diogo Ventura & Alexandre Salgado & Mónica S. A. Oliveira & Nelson Martins, 2025. "Power Transformers Cooling Design: A Comprehensive Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-42, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:5:p:1051-:d:1596796
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Mohamed S. Seddik & Jehan Shazly & Magdy B. Eteiba, 2024. "Thermal Analysis of Power Transformer Using 2D and 3D Finite Element Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-23, June.
    2. Marko Novkovic & Zoran Radakovic & Federico Torriano & Patrick Picher, 2023. "Proof of the Concept of Detailed Dynamic Thermal-Hydraulic Network Model of Liquid Immersed Power Transformers," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-26, April.
    3. Sandra Sorte & Nelson Martins & Mónica S. A. Oliveira & German L. Vela & Carlos Relvas, 2023. "Unlocking the Potential of Wind Turbine Blade Recycling: Assessing Techniques and Metrics for Sustainability," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-28, November.
    4. Zarko Janic & Nebojsa Gavrilov & Ivica Roketinec, 2023. "Influence of Cooling Management to Transformer Efficiency and Ageing," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-15, June.
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