Oil Cooled Transformers are just what they imply, a transformer that is cooled by some type of oil. With a transformer, as the capacity increases, so does the heat generated in the winding of the transformer. When normal air cooling is inadequate to cool the winding and maintain the performance of the transformer a transformer winding are submerged in an oil tank. It is said that the hydrogen ions present in oil maintains the temperature of winding of the transformer. Most high voltage transformer are oil cooled transformers and the oil used as is a highly refined mineral oil. The type of oil uses in these oil filled transformers is a stable silicone-based or fluorinated hydrocarbon. You will find canola oil used in some cases and offers more fire resistant but has some drawbacks in performance, cost, or toxicity in comparison to the mineral oil.
The advantages of using a Oil Cooled Transformer
Oil cooled transformer applications usually are high voltage distribution transformer. With this high voltage, the transformer produces a lot of heat, a transformer worse enemy is heat. When a transformer runs too hot they can overheat and cause damage to the transformer as well as other equipment around it. The primary reason for the oil in these transformers is a coolant agent and provides insulation between internal live parts. In many cases, they may also have fans and oil pumps to provide extra cooling properties. When manufacturing an oil cooled transformer they have a prolonged drying process to ensure that the transformer is completely free of water vapor. An oil cooled transformer can greatly reduce energy costs and can run at 30% overload. In large facilities utilizing an oil cooled transformer finds that production increases while operational cost decrease. Oil cooled transformers, as with most transformers have a long life spam and very little maintained.
Design of a Oil Cooled Transformer
An oil cooled transformer are designed where the windings of the transformer are immersed in an enhanced mineral oil that is circulated to cool the transformer and stops it from overheating. The oil circulates through both the transformer windings and the cooler and the heat lost is transferred either to the air around the transformer or to water. The oil-filled tank has radiators in which the oil circulates by natural convection. They can also be aided by electric pumps that forced oil circulation and by external fans or water-cooled heat exchangers. The oil cooled transformer has to be sized correctly to dissipate the heat from the transformer, depending on its size, design, and configuration. Many oil cooled transformers are designed to take the adverse conditions around the transformer that could cause loss in performance.
Oil cooled transformer are used mostly in power facilities and often in extreme environments. Properly sized and configured oil cooled transformer plays a vital role in maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable electricity production. Overheating can shorten the transformer's life and can lead to serious and costly damage or even destroy the transformer. Special consideration is needed to design a cooling system that actually reflects the existing ambient conditions on the site. For assistance with your oil cooled transformer call TEMCo. TEMCo with over 40 years of experience can provide design and engineering assistance for all types of oil cooled transformers.
TEMCo only offers quality, energy efficient oil cooled transformer and backed its with the best warranties in the industry. With their large inventory most products can be shipped within 24 to 48 hours and don't waste your time or effect shopping around because TEMCo guarantees the lowest price. TEMCo engineers specialists can help you in all of your transformer applications. From oil transformers, Dry Transformer, Energy Star Transformer, and Step Up Transformers give TEMCo a call today.
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