What You Need to Know about Oil-immersed Transformer
Oil immersed transformers are used in many industries. How much do you know about them? Continue reading to learn more about oil immersed transformers and how they can be useful to you.What is an Oil Immersed Transformer?
An oil immersed transformer is a common type of transformer that uses insulating oil for cooling and insulation of internal components. It consists of two or more coils (primary and secondary windings) and a core. These coils and the core are immersed in insulating oil to maintain their cooling and insulation properties.
Oil immersed Transformer: Working Principle
Oil immersed transformers are similar in design to conventional transformers. It’s made up of three main parts: a magnetic core at the center that is surrounded by coils and bushings.
The core and windings generate a magnetic field that allows the flow of current. The windings are insulated, and the higher the voltage, the thicker the insulation required. The bushings transfers the power to the next destination, often a substation.
Oil immersed transformers use the principle of induction to change current to higher or lower voltages. This process generates excess heat. The oil helps prevent the transformer from overheating.
The windings and core are immersed in transformer oil, which acts as a coolant and insulator. Convection allows the oil to flow through the windings, coils, and core, preventing the transformer from overheating. The oil is further cooled externally at lower voltages and further cooled in air-cooled radiators at higher voltages.
Advantages of Oil Immersed Transformers
+ The body adopts a new type of insulation structure to improve the
ability to withstand short-circuits ;
+ Spiral coil with longitudinal oil passage has a better internal heat
dissipation ;
+ With high efficiency and low loss , it can save a lot of power and
operating costs ;
+ The surface of the corrugated oil tank is coated with conformal coating after oil removal , rust removal , and phosphating .It is suitable to use in metallurgy , petrochemical , and mining environments .
Applications
Power Industry: Oil immersed transformers are widely used in power systems for voltage regulation, transmission, distribution, etc. They can reduce the high voltage from transmission lines to levels suitable for residential and industrial electricity consumption.
Industrial Industry: Oil immersed transformers are also commonly used in the industrial sector for power supply, control systems, motor drives, etc. They provide stable power supply in factories and production facilities.
Railway Industry: Oil immersed transformers play a crucial role in railway traction systems, providing power to electric trains and ensuring their normal operation.
Oil and Gas Industry: Oil immersed transformers are also used in the oil and gas extraction sector for power supply and equipment control.
Maintenance and Safety Considerations for Oil Immersed Transformers
Oil immersed transformers have maintenance and safety precautions. Proper maintenance of the transformer can extend its lifespan and reduce the risk of safety issues.
Regular visual inspections and cleaning are essential. Inspect the transformer to ensure all components are in good condition without any threat of leaks. Ensure all fittings are tightened. Clean the external and internal parts of the transformer to remove dust, dirt, and other debris.
Regularly checking the oil is also crucial. Ensure the oil is at the proper level. You should also collect oil samples and perform tests. You do not want to use contaminated oil. Lastly, pay attention to temperature and pressure. Ensure the transformer is within the recommended levels.
As with any electrical equipment, there is always a risk of fire. It is crucial to ensure that oil does not leak from the transformer in case of a fire. Oil can cause the fire to spread, making the situation more dangerous.