Dynamic Thermal Modeling of Distribution Transformers

A comprehensive test program was performed on a 2500-kVA oil natural-air natural cooling mode (ONAN) transformer without external cooling. It is shown that the hot-spot to top-oil temperature gradient depends on the transformer construction. The top-oil time constant formula, which has already been defined and validated in the authors' previous work related to transformers with external cooling, is modified in order to take into account the basic design differences. The results are verified by thermocouple measurements and tests at varying loading current. The hot-spot and top-oil temperature responses predicted by the IEEE Loading Guide, Annex G, are also compared to the measured values.