Oil-immersed power transformer, as an indispensable important equipment in the power system, since the end of the 19th century began to use transformer oil as insulation and cooling media, it has been widely used in all kinds of power systems with its efficient, reliable and durable characteristics. This paper will deeply discuss the structure, working principle, application field and advantages and disadvantages of oil-immersed power transformer, in order to provide readers with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding.

Oil-immersed power transformer is mainly composed of iron core, winding, oil tank, cooler and other parts. The core of the transformer is composed of multiple silicon steel sheets, which can effectively reduce iron loss and eddy current loss. The winding is located on the iron core and converts electrical energy through magnetic field induction. The oil tank is a container that stores the insulating oil of the transformer, which can not only isolate and cool the winding, but also prevent the occurrence of electrical faults and short circuits. Coolers help dissipate heat, usually by fan or water cooling.

The working principle of the oil-immersed transformer is based on electromagnetic induction. When alternating current is passed through the high voltage winding, a strong magnetic field is generated in the core. This magnetic field can penetrate the winding and be induced into the low-voltage winding, so that AC voltage also appears in the low-voltage winding. By adjusting the turn ratio of the winding, the voltage can be increased or decreased.

Application field

Oil-immersed power transformers are widely used in the power industry, mainly including the following aspects:

Boost and buck: In power plants, oil-immersed transformers boost power generated by generators to high voltages suitable for transmission to remote substations and users. In the distribution system, the transformer reduces the high voltage to meet the needs of the user.

Industrial electricity: In factories and industrial parks, oil-immersed transformers are used to reduce high-voltage power to a voltage suitable for industrial equipment, ensuring the normal operation of production equipment.

Commercial buildings and residential areas: In commercial buildings and residential areas, transformers step-down electricity from the power company's distribution network to a voltage suitable for end users, ensuring a safe and reliable power supply.

New energy generation: In wind and photovoltaic power stations, oil-immersed transformers are used to boost electricity generated from renewable energy sources to a suitable voltage level for transmission to the grid.

Analysis of advantages and disadvantages

Oil-immersed power transformer has many advantages, but at the same time there are some shortcomings.

Advantages:

Efficient cooling: transformer oil has good heat conduction performance, which can effectively cool the components inside the transformer and improve the operation efficiency of the transformer.

Good insulation: transformer oil has excellent insulation performance, which can prevent the occurrence of electrical faults and short circuits to ensure the safe and stable operation of the transformer.

High load capacity: Oil-immersed transformers can withstand high power loads and are suitable for a variety of high-power applications.

Durability: Oil-immersed transformers usually have a long service life and can be used for decades when properly maintained.

Cons:

Oil leakage problem: One of the main disadvantages of oil-immersed transformers is the existence of oil leakage. Once the transformer oil leakage problem, it will lead to a reduction in the amount of oil, affecting the normal operation of the transformer. Oil spills may not only cause equipment failure, but also pollute the environment.

Aging of oil: With the increase of the use time of the transformer, the insulating oil will gradually age, resulting in a decline in its insulation performance. Aging of the oil may cause internal faults such as discharge and short circuit of the transformer, affecting the normal operation of the equipment.

Large footprint: Oil-immersed transformers have a larger footprint than other types of transformers. This is mainly due to the need to accommodate more insulating oil and transformer body, resulting in certain limitations in space utilization.

Environmental protection issues: transformer oil is a petroleum liquid, there is the possibility of combustion, so oil-immersed transformers have certain shortcomings in environmental protection. Although transformer oil has a wide range of applications in power systems, its handling and disposal need to follow strict environmental regulations to prevent harm to the environment and human body.

Future development trend

With the acceleration of smart grid construction and the rapid development of new energy power generation, oil-immersed power transformers are facing new challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, new energy power generation projects need transformers that can integrate and adapt to intermittent energy, so oil-immersed transformers with high efficiency, low loss, intelligence and other characteristics are more favored. On the other hand, with the intensification of market competition and the diversification of customer needs, more and more oil-immersed transformer manufacturers have begun to provide customized services to meet the individual needs of customers.

In the future, oil-immersed power transformers will develop in the direction of more efficient, more intelligent and more environmentally friendly. The energy efficiency and environmental performance of transformers will be further improved through the use of new insulation materials, optimization of cooling systems, and integration of intelligent monitoring technology. At the same time, the application of intelligent technology will also make the transformer more accurate and reliable in fault warning and operation status monitoring, thereby improving the stability and safety of the entire power system.

As an indispensable and important equipment in the power system, oil-immersed power transformer plays a decisive role in the power industry because of its high efficiency, reliability and durability. In the future, with the rapid development of smart grid construction and new energy power generation, oil-immersed transformers will continue to develop in the direction of more efficient, smarter and more environmentally friendly, and make greater contributions to the sustainable development of the power industry.