Technological Advancements Shaping the Distribution Transformer Market
Dry type distribution transformer is gaining popularity in indoor and safety-critical applications. Dry-type distribution transformers, also known as cast resin transformers, are transformers that use air or other gases for insulation and cooling instead of liquid insulating oil. Here are their key advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
Safety: No insulating oil means no fire hazard or explosion risk, making dry-type transformers especially suitable for indoor use, high-density urban areas, hospitals, schools, and public buildings.
Environmental Friendliness: They do not contain oil, eliminating risks of leaks and environmental contamination.
Low Maintenance: They require minimal maintenance since there's no oil to monitor or replace.
Compact Size: Their smaller footprint allows installation in constrained spaces and load centers without special foundations.
Good Insulation and Reliability: Dry-type transformers offer strong mechanical strength, lightning impulse resistance, and outstanding insulation properties.
Moisture Resistance: They perform better in humid environments compared to oil-immersed transformers.
Noise: Generally operate with low noise, suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
Disadvantages:
Higher Initial Cost: More expensive to manufacture due to the complexity of resin insulation materials and design.
Lower Capacity: Typically have a lower capacity and are less suitable for heavy-duty, high-voltage industrial applications compared to oil-immersed transformers.
Cooling Efficiency: Cooling is less effective without oil, limiting tolerance to overload and high ambient temperatures.
Size and Weight: Can be larger and heavier for the same capacity versus oil-immersed transformers.
Installation Limitations: Usually installed indoors, as harsh environments with dust, corrosive gases, or outdoor exposure can affect performance.
Maintenance: While oil maintenance is eliminated, repairs can be more expensive; coil damage usually requires replacement of the whole transformer.
Dry-type transformers are ideal for indoor, environmentally sensitive, and safety-critical applications, whereas oil-immersed transformers are often better for heavy industrial, outdoor, and high-capacity applications. The choice depends on specific operational requirements and installation environments.