Reliable Power for Railway Operators: The 110kV Oil-Immersed Traction Transformer

With the rapid expansion of China’s electrified railway network, the 110kV oil immersed railway traction transformer that provides core power is playing an increasingly critical role. This article will delve into the working principle and unique advantages of this key equipment, and analyze its irreplaceable value in the era of high-speed rail.

Oil-Immersed Traction Transformer

1.What is a 110kV oil immersed railway traction transformer?

Simply put, it is the “heart” of the electrified railway traction power supply system. It is installed in traction substations along the railway line, undertaking crucial tasks of energy conversion and distribution.

1.1 Core Functions and Mission

Its main missions are twofold. Firstly, the 110kV high-voltage electricity input from the State Grid will be safely stepped down to a voltage level suitable for electric locomotives of 27.5kV or 55kV. Secondly, it needs to adapt to the special working conditions of severe fluctuations in locomotive load, ensuring the continuity and stability of power supply.

1.2 Key working environment

Unlike ordinary distribution transformers, its working environment is extremely harsh. Firstly, electric locomotives are mobile and highly impactful loads, and starting and stopping them can cause sudden and drastic changes in current. Secondly, it requires 7×24 hours of uninterrupted operation and faces severe natural challenges such as wind, rain, dust, and temperature differences.

2.Why is oil immersed technology still the mainstream choice at present?

Despite the development of dry-type transformer technology, oil immersed structures still dominate in high-voltage and high-capacity scenarios, especially in the highly reliable railway field.

2.1 Excellent insulation and heat dissipation performance

Transformer oil (mineral oil or ester oil) has much higher insulation strength than air and can effectively protect internal high-voltage coils. At the same time, the oil circulation system can efficiently remove the huge heat generated by the iron core and coil, and dissipate it through the heat sink, ensuring that the transformer will not overheat under long-term heavy load and has a longer service life.

2.2 Powerful overload and impact resistance capability

The transformer oil and specially reinforced internal structure enable it to withstand the huge current surge and instantaneous overload generated during the start-up of electric locomotives. This innate resilience is crucial for ensuring the safety of railway transportation.

2.3 Balancing Economy and Reliability

Oil immersed technology is mature and the manufacturing industry chain is complete. Under the same performance requirements, its cost is usually lower than that of dry solutions. Meanwhile, its long lifespan and low failure rate bring extremely high full lifecycle value.

Gas relay used on 110kV oil immersed transformer

3.Technological hotspots and future development trends

To adapt to the development of “smart railways” and “green railways”, 110kV oil immersed traction transformers are also constantly evolving.

3.1 Intelligence and Status Monitoring

The new generation of transformers generally integrates intelligent monitoring systems. For example, online oil chromatography analysis devices can monitor the composition and content of dissolved gases in transformer oil in real time, accurately predict internal latent faults, achieve predictive maintenance, and avoid sudden power outages.

3.2 Environmental Protection and Safety Enhancement

The use of high ignition point and biodegradable natural ester insulating oil (vegetable oil) has become an important trend. This type of oil not only has higher fire safety, but also is more environmentally friendly and meets the requirements of sustainable development.

3.3 Low loss and high energy efficiency

With the increasingly strict requirements of the country for energy conservation and emission reduction, manufacturers are committed to using low loss materials such as amorphous alloy iron cores to effectively reduce the no-load loss of transformers and save a lot of electricity costs for railway operations.

In summary, the 110kV oil immersed railway traction transformer, with its enduring reliability, strong environmental adaptability, and continuous technological innovation, remains the cornerstone equipment supporting the vigorous development of China’s electrified railways, especially high-speed railways. Its stable operation is directly related to the smoothness of the national economic artery.

Luoyang Datang Energy Technology Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise integrating R&D, manufacturing and supply of power equipment such as transformers, new energy components, distribution cabinets and inverters. With technological innovation as the core, we focus on creating high-reliability and high-performance power solutions to serve global customers. With a strict quality control system and international standard certification, we continue to output excellent products and enable customers to build safe and stable power systems.