Computation of temperature rise in transformer bushing adapters

The paper presents a method to compute the temperature rise in bushing adapters of transformers with high current leads. The low voltage leads of generator step up transformers as well as the leads of the tertiary system of autotransformers carry load currents of several kA. These currents cause over temperatures in the tank and the bushing adapters due to eddy currents. In the design of these components, the calculation of the eddy currents by the finite element method (FEM) is state of the art. FEM is a generally applicable method to solve partial differential equations and here it is also used to solve the heat transfer equation. A single finite element model is used to proof a design against the allowable temperature limit.