Selecting the right transformer not only depends on its application but also on the convenience and cost of maintenance. Dry-type and oil-immersed transformers differ significantly in their maintenance requirements. Below is a detailed comparison:
Dry-Type Transformers Dry-type transformers use air or solid insulation materials such as epoxy resin, eliminating the need for insulating oil. Therefore, maintenance primarily focuses on regular cleaning and inspecting the condition of the insulation materials. For example, a hospital using dry-type transformers conducts periodic inspections to ensure the stability of the equipment by verifying the condition of the insulation materials.
Oil-Immersed Transformers Oil-immersed transformers use insulating oil for both insulation and cooling. Regular checks are required to maintain the quality of the insulating oil, including monitoring its electrical properties, moisture content, and impurity levels. When necessary, oil filtration or replacement must be performed. For instance, a substation using oil-immersed transformers regularly tests the quality of the insulating oil to ensure safe operation of the equipment.
Dry-Type Transformers Dry-type transformers typically employ natural air cooling or forced air cooling. Maintenance involves ensuring that ventilation systems operate correctly and regularly cleaning heat sinks and ventilation ducts. For example, a data center using dry-type transformers periodically cleans the heat sinks to ensure the proper functioning of the cooling system.
Oil-Immersed Transformers Oil-immersed transformers rely on oil circulation and external cooling devices like radiators for heat dissipation. Maintenance includes checking the status of the cooling system to ensure it operates correctly and prevents overheating of the transformer. For example, a chemical plant using oil-immersed transformers performs regular checks on the cooling system to ensure stable operation of the equipment.
Dry-Type Transformers Dry-type transformers require regular inspection of windings, core, and insulation materials to ensure there is no dust accumulation or insulation damage. Additionally, it's essential to check that fasteners and connectors are tight. For example, a commercial center using dry-type transformers regularly inspects the fasteners to ensure safe operation of the equipment.
Oil-Immersed Transformers Oil-immersed transformers require routine checks of oil level, oil temperature, voltage, and current variations, as well as monitoring the silica gel in the breather. Moist silica gel should be replaced promptly. For example, a substation using oil-immersed transformers regularly inspects the silica gel in the breather to ensure stable operation of the equipment.
Dry-Type Transformers In case of faults such as damaged windings or insulation materials, dry-type transformers may require complete replacement. Maintenance work is relatively straightforward, but fault handling might necessitate specialized technical expertise. For example, a hospital using dry-type transformers replaced the equipment due to winding damage to ensure stable operation.
Oil-Immersed Transformers Fault handling for oil-immersed transformers may involve oil replacement and drying treatments. Maintenance work is more complex but can extend the equipment's lifespan through component replacement. For example, a factory using oil-immersed transformers replaced the insulating oil due to moisture contamination to ensure stable operation.
Dry-Type Transformers Dry-type transformers are suitable for indoor applications and environments with high fire and explosion safety requirements. Maintenance mainly involves keeping the equipment clean and dry. For example, a data center using dry-type transformers regularly cleans the equipment to ensure stable operation.
Oil-Immersed Transformers Oil-immersed transformers are ideal for outdoor installations and harsh environments. Maintenance must consider measures for waterproofing, dustproofing, and corrosion protection. For example, a chemical plant using oil-immersed transformers regularly inspects waterproof and dustproof measures to ensure stable operation of the equipment.
