Oil immersed transformer is a type of transformer with stable performance and powerful functions. It also has efficient heat dissipation, stable insulation performance and strong load capacity. Therefore, it is widely used in power transmission and distribution systems, industrial facilities and new energy fields, and has become an indispensable component in power distribution and electrical systems. Today we will comprehensively explain the types, functions and applications of oil-immersed transformers. Let’s learn about it together!

What is an oil immersed transformer?

An oil immersed transformer is an electrical device that immerses the transformer coil and core in insulating transformer oil, and is mainly used to increase or decrease voltage. Transformer oil not only acts as an insulator, but also effectively cools the internal heating components of the device, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the equipment under high voltage and high power conditions.

This type of transformer has a strong sealing structure and is suitable for industrial scenarios such as outdoor and continuous work. It is widely used in high-voltage transmission, distribution systems, and substations. It is an indispensable and important equipment in modern power transmission and distribution networks.

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Types of oil-immersed transformers

1、S11-20kV 500kVA oil immersed transformer

2、S13-20kV 125kVA oil immersed transformer

3、S11-10kV 250kVA oil immersed transformer

4、S13-10kV 80kVA oil immersed transformer

5、S13-20kV 1000kVA oil immersed transformer

6、S11-20kV 50kVA oil immersed transformer

7、S13-10kV 1000kVA oil immersed transformer

8、S11-10kV 30kvA oil immersed transformer

9、S11-20kV 630kVA oil immersed transformer

10、S13-20kV 160kVA oil immersed transformer

11、S11-20kV 1250kVA oil immersed transformer

12、S13-20kV 315kVA oil immersed transformer

13、S11-10kV 630kVA oil immersed transformer

14、S13-10kV 200kVA oil immersed transformer

15、S11-20kV 80kVA oil immersed transformer

16、S13-10kV 2500kVA oil immersed transformer

17、S11-10kV 63kVA oil immersed transformer

18、S11-20kV 1600kVA oil immersed transformer

19、S13-20kV 400kVA oil immersed transformer

20、S11-10kV 800kVA oil immersed transformer

21、S13-20kV 800kVA oil immersed transformer

22、S11-10kV 1600kVA oil immersed transformer

23、S13-10kV 500kVA oil immersed transformer

24、S11-20kV 315kVA oil immersed transformer

25、S13-20kV 80kVA oil immersed transformer

26、S11-10kV 160kVA oil immersed transformer

27、S13-10kV 63kVA oil immersed transformer

28、S13-20kV 1250kVA oil immersed transformer

29、S11-10kV 1250kVA oil immersed transformer

30、S13-10kV 630kVA oil immersed transformer

31、S11-10kV 50kVA oil immersed transformer

32、S11-10kV 50kVA oil immersed transformer

33、S13-20kV 315kVA oil immersed transformer

34、S11-10kV 630kVA oil immersed transformer

35、S13-10kV 200kVA oil immersed transformer

36、S11-20kV 80kVA oil immersed transformer

37、S13-10kV 2500kVA oil immersed transformer

38、S11-10kV 63kVA oil immersed transformer

39、S11-20kV 1600kVA oil immersed transformer

40、S13-20kV 400kVA oil immersed transformer

41、S11-10kV 800kVA oil immersed transformer

42、S13-10kV 250kVA oil immersed transformer

43、S11-20kV 160kVA oil immersed transformer

44、S13-20kV 30kVA oil immersed transformer

45、S11-10kV 100kVA oil immersed transformer

46、S11-20kV 2000kVA oil immersed transformer

47、S13-20kV 500kVA oil immersed transformer

48、S11-20kV 30kVA oil immersed transformer

49、S13-10kV 315kVA oil immersed transformer

50、S11-20kV 200kVA oil immersed transformer

51、S11-20kV 1250kVA oil immersed transformer

52、S13-20kV 315kVA oil immersed transformer

53、S11-10kV 630kVA oil immersed transformer

54、S13-10kV 200kVA oil immersed transformer

55、S11-20kV 80kVA oil immersed transformer

56、S13-10kV 2500kVA oil immersed transformer

57、S11-10kV 63kVA oil immersed transformer

58、S11-20kV 1600kVA oil immersed transformer

59、S13-20kV 400kVA oil immersed transformer

60、S11-10kV 800kVA oil immersed transformer

61、S13-20kV 1000kVA oil immersed transformer

62、S11-20kV 50kVA oil immersed transformer

63、S13-10kV 1000kVA oil immersed transformer

64、S11-10kV 30kvA oil immersed transformer

65、S11-20kV 630kVA oil immersed transformer

66、S13-20kV 160kVA oil immersed transformer

67、S11-10kV 315kVA oil immersed transformer

68、S13-10kV 100kVA oil immersed transformer

69、S13-20kV 2000kVA oil immersed transformer

70、S11-20kV 63kVA oil immersed transformer

71、S11-10kV 630kVA oil immersed transformer

72、S13-10kV 200kVA oil immersed transformer

73、S11-20kV 80kVA oil immersed transformer

74、S13-10kV 2500kVA oil immersed transformer

75、S11-10kV 63kVA oil immersed transformer

76、S11-20kV 1600kVA oil immersed transformer

77、S13-20kV 400kVA oil immersed transformer

Functions of oil immersed transformers

The core functions of oil-immersed transformers include:

Voltage conversion: converting electric energy between different voltage levels (boosting or reducing voltage);

Electric energy transmission: reducing losses and improving transmission efficiency during long-distance transmission;

System isolation: insulation isolation between different voltage systems to ensure grid stability;

Load regulation: voltage regulation under different load conditions is achieved through taps;

Heat management: internal transformer oil absorbs heat and dissipates heat to ensure that the equipment is not damaged by temperature rise;

Fault protection: with gas relays and pressure release devices, it has a certain self-protection capability;

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Main application areas of oil immersed transformers

Oil-immersed transformers are suitable for various types of medium and high voltage transmission and distribution systems, and their wide application areas include:

Urban power grids/urban and rural distribution stations

Industrial parks and mining power systems

Wind power/photovoltaic power generation boosting systems

Railway traction substations

Large-scale building power supply and distribution

Petrochemical/metallurgical plants

Data centers and large computer rooms

Especially in scenarios with high humidity, severe climate or long-term stable operation, oil-immersed transformers show higher reliability with their excellent insulation strength and thermal stability.

How to use oil immersed transformers?

The use of oil-immersed transformers must follow the following standard procedures:

Site preparation: Ensure that the transformer foundation is solid, waterproof and shockproof;

Lifting and installation: Lift it into place with lifting equipment and use rubber pads to reduce vibration;

Wiring confirmation: High voltage, low voltage and neutral point connections are accurate;

Oil level check: Confirm that the oil level is within the rated range (window mark);

Good ventilation environment: Ensure that there are no obstacles around the radiator;

Pre-power supply voltage test: Ensure that the insulation performance meets the standards;

Regular inspections: Regularly check the oil temperature, oil level, sound changes, etc. during operation;

Comparative analysis of oil immersed transformers and other types of transformers

The common comparison object is dry-type transformers. The following table summarizes the main differences between the two:

project Oil immersed transformer Dry type transformer
Cooling method Insulating oil cooling (ONAN/ONAF, etc.) Natural air cooling or air cooling
Insulation medium Insulating oil Epoxy resin, polyester film, etc.
Installation Environment Outdoor/Indoor Mostly used indoors/cable rooms
Size Volume Generally larger Compact structure
Noise Level middle Relatively lower
Maintenance requirements Oil quality and oil level need to be checked regularly Less maintenance
cost Relatively low cost Slightly higher cost
Moisture resistance Extremely strong, suitable for high humidity environments Generally, not suitable for extremely hot and humid places
life ≥25 years (well maintained) ≥20 years (depending on working conditions)

Note: Oil-immersed transformers are more suitable for medium and high voltage, large capacity, complex environmental conditions or outdoor use, while dry-type transformers are suitable for building interiors, small power requirements or limited space areas.

Precautions for using oil immersed transformers

In order to ensure the safe, stable and efficient operation of oil-immersed transformers, special attention should be paid to the following points during use:

Fire safety: Although oil has a cooling effect, it is also a flammable material and should be arranged in firewalls and explosion-proof areas;

Regularly test oil quality: Water content, conductivity, and dielectric strength are key indicators of oil performance;

Anti-leakage: Check whether there is oil leakage at flanges, oil pipes, and radiator joints;

Good installation grounding: Avoid equipment failure caused by induced voltage accumulation;

Operation sound observation: Abnormal noise may indicate inter-turn short circuit or magnetostriction problems;

Complete high-voltage side protection: Lightning arrester, overcurrent protection, gas relay and other protection devices should be configured;

Pay attention to anti-tilting and anti-vibration during transportation: Avoid oil shaking causing internal components to loosen;

Conclusion

Oil immersed transformers have long dominated the power transmission and distribution system with their excellent insulation and cooling performance. Its various cooling methods and structures are suitable for engineering scenarios with different capacities and working conditions, and are especially suitable for outdoor, high temperature, high humidity, and high load fields that require high environmental tolerance.

Compared with dry-type transformers, oil-immersed equipment has obvious advantages in reliability, maintenance flexibility, cost control, and high-power adaptability. During the selection and use process, paying attention to cooling configuration, oil management, and safety protection will significantly extend the life of the equipment and operating efficiency.