Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Simulation of a Transformer Room, Berlin
Thermal stress analysis of design variants for natural ventilation and planning in accordance with the technical connection specifications
The transformer room in a construction project in Berlin is to be naturally ventilated via two existing windows. Two design options were under consideration: a solution with opening areas at the same height, and a variant with a snorkel-style extension on the left-hand window, which creates a height difference between the supply and extract air.
The latter option complied with the technical connection requirements of Stadtwerke Berlin. However, its thermal benefits could not be reliably quantified using rules of thumb or simplified calculation methods.
It was only through the CFD simulation carried out by MorgenGrün that the influence of the geometry on air exchange, flow patterns and temperature trends could be assessed in a transparent manner, and the different variants reliably compared with one another.
Reliable design selection using CFD
The simulation shows that the height difference of around 1.5 m created by the snorkel significantly improves the natural buoyancy flow and makes effective use of the chimney effect.
Thermal relief during periods of high transformer load
When the transformer is operating at high load, the average room temperatures in variant 2 are around 10 °C lower than those in the design with openings of the same height. The simulation thus provides a sound basis for justifying the solution compliant with the technical connection specifications not only formally but also in thermal terms.
Optimisation through simulation
Our service provides clarity on a design issue that can only be assessed to a limited extent using simplified approaches. This has enabled us to technically validate a ventilation solution that complies with regulations and is functionally robust.
Image: MorgenGrün