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Power Knowledge | Comparative Analysis of Oil-immersed Transformers and Dry-type Transformers
2025-04-11
Abstract: This article aims to analyze and compare two common types of transformers: oil-immersed transformers and dry-type transformers. We will compare them in terms of working principles, advantages and disadvantages, application scenarios, and performance, etc., to help readers better understand the characteristics of these two types of transformers and make more informed choices.
I. Oil-immersed Transformers
- Working Principle
The oil-immersed transformer is a type of transformer that uses insulating oil as the medium. Its main function is to reduce high-voltage electrical energy to a suitable low-voltage electrical energy to meet the power consumption needs of different devices. The insulating oil in the oil-immersed transformer plays the roles of cooling and insulation, ensuring the normal operation of the transformer. - Advantages
High Heat Capacity: The insulating oil of the oil-immersed transformer has a high heat capacity, which can effectively conduct and dissipate heat, enabling the transformer to still work stably under high-load conditions.
High Electrical Strength: The insulating oil of the oil-immersed transformer has a high dielectric strength, which can effectively prevent arc discharge and protect the coils and equipment.
Low Cost: Compared with dry-type transformers, oil-immersed transformers have a lower manufacturing cost. - Disadvantages
Prone to Leakage: Oil leakage may occur in oil-immersed transformers, causing pollution to the environment.
Regular Maintenance Required: Oil-immersed transformers need to have their insulating oil replaced regularly, increasing the operation cost.
Flammable: The insulating oil has a certain degree of flammability, and the fire risk is relatively high.
II. Dry-type Transformers
- Working Principle
The dry-type transformer is a type of transformer that does not use insulating oil. Its core components dissipate heat through natural air cooling or forced air cooling. The dry-type transformer is mainly composed of an iron core, windings, and insulating materials. - Advantages
Environmentally Friendly: Dry-type transformers do not require the use of insulating oil, and there are no problems of leakage and environmental pollution.
Safe: Dry-type transformers have a lower fire risk and are suitable for densely populated areas.
Easy Maintenance: Dry-type transformers do not require regular replacement of insulating oil, reducing the operation and maintenance cost. - Disadvantages
Relatively Weak Heat Dissipation Performance: Since dry-type transformers mainly rely on air for heat dissipation, their heat dissipation performance is relatively weaker compared to oil-immersed transformers.
Higher Cost: The manufacturing cost of dry-type transformers is relatively higher than that of oil-immersed transformers.
Higher Noise: Dry-type transformers generate relatively more noise during operation.
III. Application Scenarios
- Oil-immersed Transformers: They are suitable for high-voltage and large-capacity occasions, such as power substations and industrial power consumption. In high-load and high-voltage scenarios, oil-immersed transformers have better performance and stability.
- Dry-type Transformers: They are suitable for densely populated areas and places with high environmental protection requirements, such as commercial centers, hospitals, and schools. Due to their lower fire risk and environmental protection characteristics, dry-type transformers have great advantages in these scenarios.
IV. Performance Comparison
- Heat Dissipation Performance: Oil-immersed transformers have better heat dissipation performance and can operate stably under high-load conditions; the heat dissipation performance of dry-type transformers is relatively weaker.
- Cost: Oil-immersed transformers have a lower manufacturing cost but a higher operation and maintenance cost; dry-type transformers have a higher manufacturing cost but a lower operation and maintenance cost.
- Safety: Dry-type transformers have a lower fire risk and are more suitable for densely populated areas; the fire risk of oil-immersed transformers is relatively higher.
- Environmental Friendliness: Dry-type transformers do not require the use of insulating oil, and there are no problems of leakage and environmental pollution; oil-immersed transformers may have a leakage risk and have a certain impact on the environment.
V. Technological Innovation and Development Trends
- Oil-immersed Transformers: With the increase of environmental protection awareness, researchers are striving to develop biodegradable insulating oil to reduce the environmental impact of leakage. In addition, by adopting efficient and compact designs, the performance of oil-immersed transformers is further improved, and their operation cost is reduced.
- Dry-type Transformers: To improve the heat dissipation performance of dry-type transformers, researchers are studying new heat dissipation materials and design solutions to enhance the performance of dry-type transformers in high-load scenarios. At the same time, by using new insulating materials and technologies, the noise of dry-type transformers is reduced, making them more adaptable to applications in densely populated areas.
VI. Conclusion
Oil-immersed transformers and dry-type transformers each have their own characteristics and are suitable for different application scenarios. Oil-immersed transformers have advantages in high-voltage and large-capacity scenarios due to their high heat capacity, high electrical strength, and low manufacturing cost. While dry-type transformers occupy a place in densely populated areas and places with high environmental protection requirements because of their environmental friendliness, safety, and easy maintenance.
When choosing a transformer, it is recommended that users comprehensively consider factors such as actual application requirements, safety, environmental friendliness, and cost. At the same time, pay attention to the development of new technologies, actively adopt innovative products, and continuously improve the performance and efficiency of power facilities.
Oil-immersed transformers and dry-type transformers each have their own characteristics and are suitable for different application scenarios. Oil-immersed transformers have advantages in high-voltage and large-capacity scenarios due to their high heat capacity, high electrical strength, and low manufacturing cost. While dry-type transformers occupy a place in densely populated areas and places with high environmental protection requirements because of their environmental friendliness, safety, and easy maintenance.
When choosing a transformer, it is recommended that users comprehensively consider factors such as actual application requirements, safety, environmental friendliness, and cost. At the same time, pay attention to the development of new technologies, actively adopt innovative products, and continuously improve the performance and efficiency of power facilities.
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