Determination of Vibroacoustic Paths Contributions in Power Transformers Using ESEA-FEM Hybrid Methodology

Abstract In this article, a combination of experimental statistical energy analysis and finite element method (ESEA-FEM hybrid) is used to determine the amount of vibroacoustic energy transferred through the transformer experimental model structural parts and through the cooling oil. A vibroacoustic transmission path analysis was conducted separately for the winding and core vibrations in two different operating conditions, the short-circuit (SC) and the open-circuit (OC) tests. Along with these two conditions for the oil-filled tank, the same methodology was applied to the empty tank in the OC operating condition. The findings indicate that structural transmission is dominant. A fluid-borne noise component is 5 dBA less than the structure borne from the windings as a vibration source and 10.8 dBA less from the core as a vibration source. The presented methodology is novel in its statistical determination of the quantity of sound power transferred along each path in the power transformers, offering potential applications and insight into noise reduction strategies and numerical analysis and verification.