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The choice of transformer is an important one that could affect safety, efficiency and operating expenses. Both high performance dry-type transformers and oil-immersed transformers are produced at Jiangsu Ryan Electric Co., Ltd., with the transformer voltage range from 3.3kV to 132kV and the transformer capacity up to 10MVA. This guide outlines the benefits and drawbacks of the two technologies to help you choose which one will be best for your project.
Understanding the Core Difference
The difference is one of the cooling and insulating mediums. A dry-type transformer is transformer in which windings are isolated with solid insulation materials, usually cast resin or VPI (Vacuum Pressure Impregnation), and cooling is done by air. An oil-immersed transformer, on the other hand, surrounds the core and windings with an insulating liquid, usually mineral oil or ester fluid, which serves both as insulation and for better heat dissipation. This single difference affects all other aspects of their performance, footprint and suitability for use. We have VPI and cast resin dry-type power and distribution transformers, which can meet different technical requirements at Jiangsu Ryan Electric.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Dry type transformer has many advantages in the aspects of fire safety and environmental protection. They are safe for indoor installation, as they contain no flammable liquid – eliminating the risk of oil leaks and fire. They're also low-maintenance, needing primarily visual checks and cleaning up every so often, and so have lower total cost of ownership over the long haul. But, dry-type units tend to have higher initial cost, particularly for larger sizes, and higher kVA per square foot.
Oil-immersed transformers are generally more efficient and compact. These units are more compact and cost effective per kVA and offer excellent cooling and thermal inertia, especially for high capacity applications. They can be used outdoors and have higher voltage usually above 35kV. There are drawbacks, such as frequent oil checks and oil changes, the potential for oil spills and possible fire hazard, which limits their use indoors. Our oil-immersed units boast high reliability and dielectric strength thanks to our highly developed manufacturing processes, such as precision vacuum oil filling, at Jiangsu Ryan Electric.
Optimal Application Scenarios
The decision between the two technologies will depend on the project's location and needs in great part. In most buildings, including data centers, commercial buildings, hospitals and basements, fire safety is primary concern, and dry-type transformers are the standard solution. They are also easy to maintain, not containing oil, and are preferred for projects that have strict environmental regulations. Our dry-type units have been relied upon for Microsoft's data centers, among other commercial projects.
In an outdoor substation, utility grid or heavy industrial installation, where space is critical and high capacity cooling is needed, the oil-immersed transformer is the standard for the outdoor installation. They can be applied in power stations, step-up applications of solar and wind farm, and large-scale infrastructure. Jiangsu Ryan Electric's oil-immersed and pad-mounted transformers are put into use around the world and even used in transmission electric grid of major utility companies. These units are designed to meet rigorous international standards such as IEEE, UL, CE, ASTA and other standards, with our expertise in Eaton joint ventures and CNAS-accredited testing labs.
Why Jiangsu Ryan Electric is Your Partner
Having over 20 product series and international reputation for excellence in more than 80 countries, Jiangsu Ryan Electric provides precision engineering solutions. We have two CNAS (China National Accreditation Service) accredited test labs to ensure the high performance and reliability of all transformers and meet international standards. Our skilled R&D team offers both custom-designed dry type transformer for an indoor data center and powerful oil immersed transformer for an outdoor substation up to 10MVA, as per your operational requirements.Call our technical consultants today and have consultation. We will assist you in getting your application right, understanding regulatory constraints and give you tailored offering and quote optimizing performance and value.