Dry-Type Transformer vs. Oil-Immersed Transformer | How to Choose the Right "Heart" for Your Power System?(1)

By azhe March 13th, 2025 11 views
In power systems, transformers serve as core equipment, undertaking the critical tasks of voltage conversion and power transmission. Selecting the appropriate transformer type is essential for ensuring the stable operation of power systems, reducing maintenance costs, and safeguarding personnel and equipment safety. Currently, dry-type transformers and oil-immersed transformers are the two most common types on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, suitable for different application scenarios. This article will provide a detailed comparison of the applicable situations and maintenance characteristics of these two types of transformers, supplemented by practical case studies, to help you make an informed decision.


1. Dry-Type Transformers vs. Oil-Immersed Transformers: Basic Characteristics and Applicable Scenarios

(1) Dry-Type Transformers: Safe, Environmentally Friendly, and Efficient

Dry-type transformers are transformers that do not use insulating oil. Their insulation materials typically consist of air, epoxy resin, or other solid insulating materials. This design makes dry-type transformers fire-resistant, explosion-proof, low-noise, and pollution-free, making them highly suitable for environments with stringent safety and environmental requirements.

Applications of Dry-Type Transformers

  1. High-Rise Buildings and Commercial Centers Dry-type transformers, due to their fire-resistant and explosion-proof characteristics, are highly suitable for installation in densely populated high-rise buildings and commercial centers. For example, in large shopping malls and office buildings, dry-type transformers can be installed in basements or equipment rooms to provide stable power supply while avoiding safety hazards caused by fires or leaks.

  2. Hospitals and Schools Hospitals and schools have extremely high requirements for the safety and reliability of power supply. Dry-type transformers not only provide stable power but are also easy to maintain and pollution-free, making them ideal for these environments. For instance, during a renovation and expansion project at a hospital, dry-type transformers were chosen to ensure the stable operation of medical equipment while reducing maintenance workload.

  3. Industrial Production Lines In industrial production environments, dry-type transformers are suitable for scenarios requiring high reliability and low maintenance, such as automated production lines and precision machine tools. These devices demand high voltage stability and power supply reliability, which dry-type transformers can meet while minimizing downtime due to maintenance. For example, an industrial facility might use dry-type transformers to support its automated production lines, ensuring continuous operation.

  4. Data Centers and Communication Base Stations Data centers and communication base stations require efficient and low-noise power supplies. Due to their efficiency, low noise levels, and lack of oil pollution, dry-type transformers are ideal choices. For example, during the construction of a data center, dry-type transformers were selected to ensure stable operation of the equipment while minimizing environmental impact.

  5. Underground Facilities and Tunnels Underground facilities and tunnels have extremely high requirements for fire and explosion prevention, and often have limited space. Dry-type transformers, which do not require oil as a cooling medium, reduce the risk of fire and are suitable for installation in these special environments. For instance, in a subway project, dry-type transformers were installed inside tunnels to ensure the stable operation of the subway system.

    (2) Oil-Immersed Transformers: High Capacity, High Load, and Adaptability to Harsh Environments

    Oil-immersed transformers use insulating oil as both an insulating and cooling medium, providing excellent heat dissipation and high capacity. This design makes oil-immersed transformers highly suitable for high-capacity and high-load operations, especially in outdoor and harsh environments.

    Applications of Oil-Immersed Transformers

    1. Large Industries and Substations Oil-immersed transformers are suitable for applications requiring high capacity and heavy loads, such as large factories, substations, and transmission lines. For example, during the construction of a large steel plant, oil-immersed transformers were chosen to ensure stable operation of production equipment while meeting high-load demands.

    2. Outdoor and Harsh Environments Due to their excellent heat dissipation performance, oil-immersed transformers are ideal for installation in outdoor and relatively harsh environments, such as pole-mounted installations and outdoor substations. For instance, in a remote wind farm, oil-immersed transformers were installed outdoors to ensure the stability of the power system.

    3. High Humidity and High Temperature Environments Oil-immersed transformers can operate stably in high humidity and high temperature environments, making them suitable for use in industries like petroleum and chemicals. For example, during the production process at a chemical plant, oil-immersed transformers were selected to ensure stable operation of equipment under high temperature and high humidity conditions.

    4. Cost-Sensitive Applications In cost-sensitive applications, oil-immersed transformers are often preferred due to their lower initial investment costs. For example, during the construction of a small factory with a limited budget, oil-immersed transformers were chosen to reduce initial investment costs.



Explanation of Transformer Bushing Basics: Understand Everything About Bushings in One Article!
Previous
Explanation of Transformer Bushing Basics: Understand Everything About Bushings in One Article!
Read More
Dry-Type Transformer vs. Oil-Immersed Transformer | How to Choose the Right "Heart" for Your Power System?(2)
Next
Dry-Type Transformer vs. Oil-Immersed Transformer | How to Choose the Right "Heart" for Your Power System?(2)
Read More
Categories