In the power system, transformer is a crucial equipment, and transformer oil plays an indispensable role in it. Transformer oil is not only an insulating material, but also a cooling medium to ensure the safety and stability of the transformer during operation. With the progress of science and technology, the types of transformer oil are increasingly rich, and its functions are more and more diversified.

Type of transformer oil

Transformer oil can be mainly divided into mineral oil, synthetic oil and vegetable oil three categories.

1. Mineral oil

Mineral oil is the most common type of transformer oil, usually made from petroleum after refining. Its advantages are low cost and reliable performance. Mineral oil has good insulation properties and heat conductivity, which can effectively cool transformers and prevent the occurrence of electrical failures. However, the thermal stability of mineral oil is relatively poor, and harmful substances may be produced in high temperature environments.

2. Synthetic oil

The synthetic oil is made by chemical synthesis method and has better thermal stability and oxidation stability. Compared with mineral oil, synthetic oil can operate at higher temperatures, extending the service life of the transformer. In addition, the insulation performance of the synthetic oil is also relatively good, which is suitable for high voltage and large capacity transformers. However, its cost is high and the scope of use is relatively limited.

Step 3: Vegetable oil

Vegetable oil, as an environmentally friendly transformer oil, has attracted more and more attention in recent years. It is made from oils extracted from plants and has good biodegradability and low environmental impact. The insulation properties and thermal conductivity of vegetable oil are not inferior to mineral oil, which is suitable for some occasions with high environmental protection requirements. However, the price of vegetable oil is relatively high, and the performance of mineral oil and synthetic oil at low temperatures is not as good as that of mineral oil.

The functions of transformer oil

The main functions of transformer oil can be summarized in the following aspects:

1. Insulation effect

The insulation performance of transformer oil is one of its most important functions. It can effectively isolate the conductive part inside the transformer and prevent current leakage, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits and electrical failures. High quality transformer oil can maintain stable insulation performance under high voltage, ensuring the safe operation of the transformer.

2. Cooling function

During the operation of the transformer, the current flow will generate heat, and if it is not dissipated in time, it may cause the transformer to overheat or even damage. Transformer oil has good heat conductivity, can quickly take away the generated heat, and maintain the normal working temperature of the transformer. By way of oil flow, transformer oil can effectively conduct heat from the inside of the transformer to the outside, thus ensuring its stability.

3. Anti-corrosion effect

Transformer oil usually contains some antioxidants and preservatives, which can effectively prevent the corrosion of the metal parts inside the transformer. Over time, the environment inside the transformer may become harsh due to the presence of moisture and impurities, and the anti-corrosion effect of transformer oil can extend the service life of the equipment and reduce maintenance costs.

4. Gas release and gas monitoring

During the operation of the transformer, gas may be produced in the oil, and the composition and amount of these gases can reflect the operation state of the transformer. By monitoring the gas in the transformer oil, the abnormal condition of the equipment can be found in time, which is convenient for maintenance and overhaul.

5. Environmental protection

With the enhancement of environmental awareness, many companies have begun to pay attention to the environmental performance of transformer oil. As a renewable resource, vegetable oil can be naturally degraded after use, reducing the impact on the environment. Choosing environmentally friendly transformer oil not only helps enterprises fulfill their social responsibilities, but also enhances their corporate image.
Transformer oil plays a very important role in the power industry, and its type and performance directly affect the safety and stability of the transformer. When choosing transformer oil, enterprises should consider factors such as cost, performance and environmental protection according to their own needs and environmental conditions to ensure the efficient operation of transformers. With the continuous progress of science and technology, more types of transformer oil may appear in the future to meet the growing market demand.