Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Simulation of a Transformer Room, Berlin
CFD Simulation for the Reliable Thermal Assessment of Natural Ventilation Options and Planning in Accordance with Technical Connection Requirements
The transformer room in for a construction project in Berlin was to be naturally ventilated via two existing windows. Two design options were under consideration: a solution with ventilation openings at the same height, and a variant with a snorkel-style extension on the left-hand window, reating a height difference between the air inlet and outlet.
The latter option complied with the technical connection requirements of Stromnetz Berlin GmbH. However, its thermal benefits could not be reliably quantified using rules of thumb or simplified calculation methods.
The CFD simulation carried out by MorgenGrün made it possible to assess the influence of the geometry on air exchange, flow patterns and temperature development, and to reliably compare the two design options.
Reliable assessment of ventilation options using CFD
The simulation shows that the height difference of around 1.5 m created by the snorkel significantly improves buoyancy-driven airflow and makes effective use of the chimney effect.
Lower temperatures at high transformer loads
When the transformer is operating at high load, the average room temperatures in option 2 are around 10 °C lower than those in the design with openings at the same height. The simulation thus provides a sound basis for demonstrating that the solution compliant with the technical connection requirements is not only formally correct, but also thermally effective.
Design certainty through CFD simulation
The CFD simulation clearly demonstrated the effects of the different ventilation options on airflow and temperature distribution. This enabled the solution compliant with the technical connection requirements to be technically validated and its effectiveness reliably demonstrated.
Image: MorgenGrün