Here we will clarify How to divide transformers according to the type of cooling fluid?, What are the types of cooling of a transformer?, What type of cooling is used in transformers?
How to divide transformers according to the type of cooling fluid?
Transformers can be divided according to the type of coolant into several categories. The main types are:
Oil-immersed transformers – These transformers use insulating oil as both a coolant and insulation.
The oil circulates around the core and windings, absorbing heat and transferring it to the environment, usually via radiators or cooling fins.
Dry Type Transformers – These transformers use air as a cooling medium.
They are designed to operate without any liquid insulation and are typically used in indoor environments where oil leaks could be a problem.
Air-Cooled Transformers – These are a subtype of dry-type transformers in which air is actively circulated using fans or blowers to improve cooling.
Oil-forced air-cooled transformers – These transformers use oil as a coolant and forced air, via fans, to improve the heat dissipation of the oil.
Forced Air and Oil Transformers – These transformers use both forced oil circulation and forced air cooling to handle higher power capacities and improve cooling efficiency.
What are the types of cooling of a transformer?
Transformers are divided based on several criteria, including cooling methods, construction and application.
The main classifications include:
Power Transformers – Designed for high voltage and power levels typically found in transmission networks.
Distribution Transformers – Used to step down voltage for distribution to end users.
Instrument transformers – Include current transformers (CT) and potential transformers (PT), used for measurement and protection.
Special transformers – Designed for specific applications, such as isolation transformers, autotransformers and phase-shifting transformers.
Dry Type and Oil Immersed Transformers – Based on the cooling methods described previously.
There are several types of transformers depending on their function and construction:
Power Transformers – Handle high voltages and high power levels, essential for electrical transmission systems.
Distribution Transformers – Step down voltage from high levels to lower levels suitable for consumer use.
Instrument transformers – Include current transformers (CT) and potential transformers (PT) used for monitoring and protection.
Isolation Transformers – Provide electrical isolation between circuits, often used to protect sensitive equipment.
Auto-transformers – Feature a single winding used for primary and secondary functions, providing voltage adjustment with a compact design.
Special transformers – Designed for specific tasks such as phase shift or high frequency applications.
To cool a transformer, different methods can be used depending on the type and capacity:
What type of cooling is used in transformers?
Oil Cooling – In oil immersed transformers, oil circulates around the core and windings to absorb and transfer heat.
For larger transformers, forced oil cooling systems with pumps are used.
Air Cooling – In dry type transformers, air is used to dissipate heat.
This can be improved with fans or blowers in air-cooled transformers.
Combined Cooling – Some transformers use a combination of oil and air cooling, where forced air is used alongside oil circulation for better heat dissipation.
Water Cooling – For very high capacity transformers, water can be used in conjunction with oil or air cooling to manage heat more efficiently.
The no-load current of a transformer is the current that flows through the transformer when it is energized but not supplying any load.
This is mainly due to the magnetizing current needed to create the magnetic field in the core. This current is generally small compared to the full load current and is essential for maintaining the magnetic flux of the transformer. The no-load current varies depending on the design and size of the transformer, but is generally a small percentage of the full-load current.
It is measured during testing with the secondary winding open and the primary winding connected at its rated voltage.
We hope this guide for How to divide transformers according to the type of cooling fluid? was helpful.