What Is The Function Of Transformer Oil?

The core and windings of oil-immersed transformers are immersed in oil, and transformer oil can act as a coolant and protect these key components. Oil has good insulation properties and is inexpensive, so it is the most conventional and common insulation structure in the transformer field. Transformer oil can be used not only in transformers, but also in other oil-filled electrical equipment, such as insulating bushings, circuit breakers, disconnectors, tap changers, transformers and reactors.

So What Are The Main Functions Of Transformer Oil?

1. Insulation function: The dielectric constant of air is 1.0, and the dielectric constant of transformer oil is 2.25, so the insulation strength of oil is much greater than that of air. The good insulation performance of transformer oil can effectively isolate the electrical contact between the internal wires and windings of the transformer, prevent electrical short circuits and breakdown, and ensure the safe operation of the transformer.

2. Cooling effect: During the operation of the transformer under power, due to the resistance of the coil, the magnetic erosion and eddy current loss of the core, when the current passes through, it will inevitably heat up like other electrical appliances. If this heat in the coil is not dissipated, it will burn the coil. Using transformer oil as a cooling medium can absorb and conduct the heat generated inside the transformer, effectively reduce the temperature of the equipment, and ensure the stable operation of the equipment.

3. Protective effect: The viscosity of transformer oil is relatively low and the volatility is good. It can be easily filled into the insulating air attack, which can protect the iron core and coil components.

4. Arc extinguishing effect: When the oil-immersed switch cuts off the power load, an arc will be generated between its fixed contact and sliding contact. If the heat of the arc column is not taken away and the contact is not cooled, then after the initial arc occurs, there will be continuous arcs, which can easily burn the equipment and cause overvoltage to damage the equipment. Transformer oil has good arc extinguishing performance, which can quickly extinguish the arc and protect the equipment.

5. Transmission effect: Transformer oil can be used as a transmission medium to transmit torque and motion, and can reduce friction and wear, and improve the efficiency and life of the transformer.