Rather than using a liquid cooling medium like mineral oil, a dry type transformer is cooled by regular air ventilation. Due to their low power and voltage operation, the early transformers produced by Westinghouse and General Electric were air-cooled. These days, most low-voltage power chargers and instrument transformers are dry types.
Because AC power distribution transformers are exposed to all weather conditions and have higher induction heat losses, liquid cooling within sealed tanks and metal casings became the standard. In the last thirty years, advances in design, materials, and manufacturing techniques have made dry type electrical transformers competitive with liquid-cooled transformers in the medium voltage range of 2.5 KV to 34.5 KV. These developments have also given dry type transformers a considerable advantage in various commercial and industrial applications.
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Factors to consider while choosing a transformer
A dry-type transformer is a stationary piece of machinery with temperature insulation methods that are suitable to the environment. They go by the name “cast resin type transformers” as well.
Here are the factors you need to consider while choosing a transformer (dry or oil-filled) for your operations:
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Maintenance
Undoubtedly, oil-cooled transformers necessitate more frequent maintenance operations than their dry counterparts. Transformer oil filtration should be performed at least once a year, and as part of preventive maintenance, the oil needs to be tested and sent for testing. However, dry type electrical transformer manufacturers make transformers that are very resistant to chemical pollutants.
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Location
This may be the most crucial element to take into account when choosing a transformer. Dry type transformers are perfect for interior applications like shopping centers, hospitals, etc. because they present less of a fire danger, making them environmentally safer. On the other hand, because oil leaks and spills might cause a fire, oil-cooled transformers are best suited for outside installations.
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Efficiency
Dry type transformers are larger and have a lower voltage rating than oil-filled transformers, which increases their risk of overheating in the event of an overload. This leads to increased electrical losses and higher maintenance costs. Conversely, transformers submerged in oil have a minimal environmental impact.
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Recycle Capability
Dry type transformers, Canada have very little recycling at the end of their service life, whereas oil units have easier core/coil reclamation. Furthermore, oil-cooled systems have longer operational lives and are easier to maintain, resulting in less waste and a need for fewer laborers and replacements.
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Cost of Operations
One may suppose that oil-filled transformers are more expensive than dry ones. But the truth is just the opposite. Because oil-filled transformers employ conventional energy efficiency, they are more affordable and durable. Dry transformers have higher running costs and energy consumption.
The transformer’s power rating should be taken into account first. The amount of power required to convert the input voltage to the output voltage determines this. The transformer’s maximum load should be taken into consideration while selecting the power rating.
Another crucial element that every dry type transformer manufacturer takes into account is the transformer’s voltage level. The levels of the input and output voltages must coincide with the specifications of the electrical system. Additionally, the transformer must be able to manage any potential voltage variations.
It’s important to take into account the operating environment for the transformer. The transformer needs to be able to function effectively and safely in the given temperature and humidity levels.
Visual examinations of an air-cooled transformer are necessary on a regular basis. The amount of use the transformer receives determines how frequently it needs to be inspected. A transformer that is under load for 24 hours a day, seven days a week requires more frequent inspections than one that is under duty for 8 hours, five days a week. Schedule maintenance during a regular shut-down period, as the transformer must be de-energized for inspection and cleaning. Keep a record of every observation and maintenance task you complete.
Final Thoughts
Aside from being safe and dependable, dry-type transformers are also environmentally friendly, easy to install, require little maintenance, have an excellent overload capacity, are less expensive, perform well, don’t cause fires, have excellent resistance, have a long lifespan, and are suitable for damp and contaminated areas.
A dry-type transformer’s design is influenced by a number of variables that determine its longevity, effectiveness, and performance. A few of the crucial variables are insulation type, winding material selection, low hysteresis loss, core material selection, regulation, overloading, life expectancy, losses, K-factor, and insulation level.