Influence of altitude and environment on oil-immersed transformers

Oil-immersed transformers are essential power equipment and play a vital role in economic construction and productivity improvement. Oil-immersed transformers are widely used in various industries, and there will be oil-immersed transformers wherever electricity is used. However, the operation of these transformers is affected by factors such as altitude and surrounding environment. In this blog post, we will explore the effects of altitude and environmental conditions on oil-filled transformers, highlighting considerations for manufacturing these transformers.

1. Matters needing attention for altitude of oil-immersed transformer:

When operating at high altitudes, the ambient temperature of oil-immersed transformers is significantly affected. As the altitude increases, the temperature of the transformer decreases. It has been observed that the temperature drop of the transformer is about 5K or more for every 1000 meters increase in altitude. This can compensate for the temperature rise caused by unstable heat dissipation during high-altitude operations. Therefore, no temperature rise correction is required during normal altitude testing.

2. Reduce temperature rise caused by altitude difference:

When the working height of the oil-immersed transformer is below 1000m, but the altitude of the test site is high, it is necessary to consider reducing the temperature rise. If the altitude exceeds 1000m, the temperature rise of the transformer should decrease accordingly for every 500m increase in altitude. Such adjustments ensure the performance and reliability of the oil-immersed transformer under different altitude conditions.

3. The impact of the environment on oil-immersed transformers:

In addition to altitude, the operating environment of an oil-immersed transformer can also affect its performance. Factors such as temperature, humidity and dust levels can affect the overall efficiency and service life of a transformer. Designing and manufacturing transformers that can withstand these environmental challenges is critical.

4. Ensure reliable operation in different environments:

To ensure reliable operation of oil-filled transformers in various environments, manufacturers implement specific design features. For example, transformers used in high-temperature environments are equipped with cooling systems that can effectively dissipate heat. Transformers operating in areas of high humidity are designed to have proper insulation to prevent moisture ingress and internal damage. Anti-dust coatings and filters are also used to protect the transformer from particle contamination. By taking these factors into account during the manufacturing process, oil-immersed transformers are designed to withstand the challenges posed by varying environmental conditions.

Oil-immersed transformers are affected by altitude and the surrounding environment. Altitude affects the temperature of the transformer, so it needs to be adjusted for different altitudes during testing. In addition, the environment can also affect the reliability, efficiency and service life of transformers. By considering altitude and environmental factors during manufacturing, oil-filled transformers are customized to provide reliable performance regardless of operating conditions.