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What is the difference between oil-cooled and air cooled transformers?

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What is the difference between oil-cooled and air cooled transformers?
  • By ZTELEC GROUP
  • 2025-03-03

Oil-cooled transformers and air-cooled transformers are two common transformer cooling methods. They have significant differences in structure, working principle, and applicable scenarios. Let's analyze the differences between them from four aspects.

Structure and design

1. Oil-cooled transformer

The oil-cooled transformer includes an oil tank, a radiator, an oil pump (if any), an oil level gauge, a thermometer, etc. It is a fully enclosed structure with a high level of protection and is suitable for outdoor or harsh environments.

2. Air-cooled transformer

The air-cooled transformer includes windings, cores, fans (if any), air ducts, etc. It is an open or semi-enclosed structure and is suitable for indoor or places with high fire protection requirements.

air-cooled transformers

Working Principle

1. Air-cooled transformer

The main heat dissipation method of air-cooled transformer is to blow air across the surface of the transformer by a fan, which has a high heat dissipation efficiency. The radiator of this transformer is simple in structure and small in size, and can be placed directly outdoors without the need for special heat dissipation equipment.

2. Oil-cooled transformer

The oil-cooled transformer dissipates the heat of the oil inside the transformer through the radiator. The heat in the oil is transferred to the surface of the radiator through the heat exchanger, and then the heat is dissipated by the fan. The heat dissipation efficiency of this transformer is low, but it can handle high-power transformers and has a low failure rate.

 Oil-cooled transformer

Comparison of advantages and disadvantages

1. Advantages and disadvantages of air-cooled transformers

Advantages: Small size, high heat dissipation efficiency, suitable for low-power transformers and low maintenance cost.

Disadvantages: High noise, not suitable for high-power transformers, require regular cleaning and maintenance.

2. Advantages and disadvantages of oil-cooled transformers

Advantages: Suitable for high-power transformers, stable heat dissipation efficiency, high reliability.

Disadvantages: Large size, require special heat dissipation equipment, and high maintenance cost.

Applicable scenarios

1. Applicable scenarios of air-cooled transformers

Air-cooled transformers are suitable for low-power transformers, such as household appliances, electronic products, etc. These places usually do not require high heat dissipation capacity of the transformer, and the installation space is limited, so it is necessary to choose a transformer with a small size and moderate heat dissipation efficiency. At the same time, since the noise of air-cooled transformers is relatively small (although it still exists), it is also more suitable for use in places such as homes that require a quiet environment.

2. Applicable scenarios of oil-cooled transformers

Oil-cooled transformers are suitable for high-power transformers, such as large substations, thermal power plants and other places. These places usually have high requirements for the heat dissipation capacity of the transformer, and the installation space is relatively large, which can accommodate the complex heat dissipation equipment and oil circulation system of the oil-cooled transformer.

There are significant differences between oil-cooled transformers and air-cooled transformers in structural design, working principle, and applicable scenarios. Oil-cooled transformers are suitable for large capacity, high load and outdoor applications, while air-cooled transformers are suitable for small and medium capacity, indoor and places with high fire protection requirements. Choosing the right transformer type according to specific needs can ensure efficient operation and long-term stability of the equipment.

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