Cooling Methods of A Transformer
Cooling Methods of A Transformer
Cooling Methods of A Transformer
No transformer is truly an 'ideal transformer' and hence each will incur some losses,
most of which get converted into heat. If this heat is not dissipated properly, the excess
temperature in transformer may cause serious problems like insulation failure. It is
obvious that transformer needs a cooling system. Transformers can be divided in two
types as (i) dry type transformers and (ii) oil immersed transformers. Different cooling
methods of transformers are
Air Blast
Air Blast
For transformers rated more than 3 MVA, cooling by natural air method is inadequate. In
this method, air is forced on the core and windings with the help of fans or blowers. The
air supply must be filtered to prevent the accumulation of dust particles in ventilation
ducts. This method can be used for transformers upto 15 MVA.
This method is used for oil immersed transformers. In this method, the heat generated
in the core and winding is transferred to the oil. According to the principle of convection,
the heated oil flows in the upward direction and then in the radiator. The vacant place is
filled up by cooled oil from the radiator. The heat from the oil will dissipate in the
atmosphere due to the natural air flow around the transformer. In this way, the oil in
transformer keeps circulating due to natural convection and dissipating heat in
atmosphere due to natural conduction. This method can be used for transformers upto
about 30 MVA.
The heat dissipation can be improved further by applying forced air on the dissipating
surface. Forced air provides faster heat dissipation than natural air flow. In this method,
fans are mounted near the radiator and may be provided with an automatic starting
arrangement, which turns on when temperature increases beyond certain value. This
transformer cooling method is generally used for large transformers upto about 60 MVA.