Comparison between oil immersed transformers and dry-type transformers: which one is more suitable for your project?

1.Why compare oil immersed and dry-type transformers

In power projects, oil immersed transformers and dry-type transformers are the two most common solutions. Many customers tend to be indecisive when making a choice. Therefore, understanding the differences between the two can help make more rational decisions.

1.1 Basic definitions of two types of transformers

Oil immersed transformer: using transformer oil as cooling and insulation medium

Dry type transformer: insulated with air or epoxy resin

1.2 Different requirements for application environments

Different environments have different requirements for safety, heat dissipation, and maintenance, which is the key difference between the two types of transformers.

Oil immersed transformers

2.Analysis of the advantages of oil immersed transformers

2.1 Stronger heat dissipation performance

Due to the better thermal conductivity of oil, oil immersed transformers are more stable during large capacity and high load operation. Therefore, it has more advantages in outdoor or high-power scenarios.

2.2 More Competitive Costs

Under the same capacity, the manufacturing cost of oil immersed transformers is usually lower than that of dry-type transformers, which is also an important reason for their widespread application in overseas projects.

2.3 Longer service life

Under normal maintenance conditions, the service life of oil immersed transformers can usually reach 20-30 years, making them suitable for long-term investment projects.

3.Applicable scenarios of dry-type transformers

3.1 Indoor and densely populated areas

Dry type transformers do not require transformer oil, therefore they have better fire resistance and are suitable for places such as shopping malls, hospitals, and subways.

3.2 Maintenance is simpler

Dry type transformers have less daily maintenance work and are suitable for projects with lower requirements for operation and maintenance conditions.

4.How to make the right choice

4.1 Starting from project requirements

If the project pursues cost-effectiveness and high-capacity operation, oil immersed transformers are more suitable. If fire prevention and indoor installation are more important, dry-type transformers are a better choice.

4.2 Combining local standards and certifications

In export projects, it is necessary to confirm in advance whether IEC, ANSI or other standards are required, which will directly affect the selection of transformer types.

5.Future Development Trends

With the development of environmentally friendly oil and sealing technology, oil immersed transformers continue to improve in terms of safety and environmental performance, and the gap with dry-type transformers is narrowing.