What are the impacts of wind speed on the operation of transformers? (Part 2)

In the previous article, we talked about that the wind speed will cause the transformer bushing to generate mechanical stress, thereby affecting its sealing performance. Next, we will introduce other impacts of wind speed on the transformer.

Content

● Oil conservator
The oil conservator plays an important role in regulating the oil level and storing the transformer oil during the operation of the transformer, but it is also easily affected by the wind speed. The change of wind speed will exert different degrees of pressure on the surface of the oil conservator. When the wind speed is high, the pressure on the surface of the oil conservator is uneven, which may lead to fluctuations in the oil level. If the oil level fluctuates too much, it will have an adverse impact on the heat dissipation and insulation performance of the transformer.

On the one hand, too high an oil level may increase the internal pressure of the transformer, affect the sealing performance, and even may cause the oil to overflow; on the other hand, too low an oil level will affect the heat dissipation effect of the transformer, because the circulating heat dissipation of the transformer oil requires a certain oil level height to ensure. In addition, impurities such as dust carried in the wind are easily attached to the surface of the oil conservator, which not only affects its appearance but also affects the heat dissipation effect. Over a long period of accumulation, these impurities may cause corrosion and other damages to the structure of the oil conservator, shortening its service life.

● Radiator or cooler
The radiator or cooler is the key equipment for transformer heat dissipation, and its heat dissipation efficiency is directly related to the operating temperature of the transformer. The impact of wind speed on them is mainly reflected in the air flow. Under normal circumstances, the radiator or cooler dissipates the heat generated during the operation of the transformer to the surrounding environment through natural convection or forced air cooling. However, when the wind speed is high, it may interfere with the normal air flow around the heat sink. Strong winds may cause the air flow direction to be disordered, destroy the original heat dissipation duct, and lead to a reduction in heat dissipation efficiency.

If the wind speed is too high, it may even cause direct physical damage to the heat sink, such as deforming or falling off the heat sink. The damage of the heat sink will seriously affect the heat dissipation capacity of the transformer, causing the internal temperature of the transformer to rise. Excessive temperature will accelerate the aging and deterioration of the internal insulation materials of the transformer, reduce the insulation performance and service life of the transformer, and also affect the output power and operation stability of the transformer, posing a threat to the normal power supply of the power system.

In Summary

In conclusion, the wind speed has significant impacts on the operation of the transformer in many aspects, especially on important accessories such as the bushing, the oil conservator, and the radiator. In the process of transformer design, installation, operation and maintenance, the wind speed factor must be fully considered, and effective protective measures must be taken, such as strengthening the design of the mechanical strength and sealing performance of the bushing, optimizing the structure of the oil conservator to stabilize the oil level, and improving the wind resistance ability of the radiator or cooler. 

Only in this way can it be ensured that the transformer can operate safely, stably and reliably under different wind speed conditions and guarantee the continuous and stable power supply of the power system. Any behavior that ignores the impact of wind speed may bring potential risks and losses to the operation of the transformer, so we need to attach great importance to it and actively take corresponding countermeasures.

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LuShan, est.1975, is a Chinese professional manufacturer specializing in power transformers and reactors for 49 years. Leading products are single-phase transformer, three-phase transformers, DC inductors, AC reactors, filtering reactor, expoxy resin high-voltage transformer and intermediate, high-frequency products.Our transformers and reactors are widely used in 10 application areas: rapid transit, construction machinery, renewable energy, intelligent manufacturing, medical equipment, coal mine explosion prevention , excitation system, vacuum sintering, central air conditioning.

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