What is a dry-type transformer?

A dry-type transformer is a type of transformer that doesn’t require the use of liquid cooling medium such as oil for heat dissipation. In contrast, traditional oil-immersed transformers use insulating oil for cooling the windings and transferring heat. Dry-type transformers control temperature through ventilation and convection, often incorporating features like fans and heat sinks around the windings to enhance heat dissipation.

Dry-type transformers offer several advantages:

Environmental Friendliness: Dry-type transformers eliminate the risk of liquid leakage and environmental contamination associated with insulating oil, making them more environmentally friendly.

Ease of Maintenance: Since there’s no need for regular oil changes or monitoring of oil quality, maintenance is more convenient, reducing maintenance costs.

Suitability for Indoor Installations: As they don’t require liquid cooling medium, dry-type transformers can be installed indoors without the need for special protective measures.

Fire Safety: Dry-type transformers, not involving insulating oil, are safer in terms of fire risk compared to oil-immersed transformers.

However, dry-type transformers also come with some limitations:

Heat Dissipation Challenges: Dry-type transformers tend to have poorer heat dissipation performance, requiring well-designed heat dissipation structures to maintain operational temperatures.

Larger Dimensions: To achieve sufficient heat dissipation surface area, dry-type transformers might have larger dimensions, which could be a limitation in space-constrained environments.

Higher Costs: Manufacturing and maintenance costs for dry-type transformers are generally higher compared to oil-immersed transformers.

The choice between using dry-type or oil-immersed transformers depends on specific application requirements, environmental conditions, and economic considerations.