Numerical Method for the Investigation of Fault Containment and Tank Rupture of Power Transformers

This paper presents an analysis method based on explicit dynamic analysis, enabling detailed and representative investigations of the mechanical effects of low-impedance faults in power equipment. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, a given transformer design having caused the projection of a heavy chimney/bushing assembly over a significant distance is used as a case study. A comparison about the observed projection distance of this assembly shows that the method provides representative results, thus offering the significant advantage of replacing costly and unpractical tests. The method is then used to study the retrofit measure proposed in this case to retain the chimney, further exemplifying its power to effectively study different design and retrofitting options.