What Is The Function of a Transformer Oil Cooler?

What is the function of a transformer oil cooler?

A transformer oil cooler uses transformer oil as a cooling medium to remove heat generated by power transformers during operation, maintaining the transformer at a normal operating temperature. Transformer oil, immersed in the transformer's core and windings, absorbs heat and dissipates it in the cooler. The oil circulates and dissipates the heat, protecting the transformer's core components from high temperatures.

Operating Principle

Oil Circulation: Heat is generated during operation by the transformer, which is absorbed by the transformer oil.

Heat Transfer: The heated transformer oil, due to its reduced density, naturally circulates and rises into the cooler.

Heat Dissipation: The cooler dissipates heat from the transformer oil using an external cooling medium (usually air or water).

Oil Recirculation: The cooled, denser transformer oil sinks back into the transformer, continuing its circulation and cooling process.

Cooler Types

The specific type of transformer oil cooler depends on the size of the transformer and the type of cooling medium. Depending on the cooling method, the transformer's cooling method can be represented by a four-letter code. For example:

Oil-immersed natural cooling (AN): The oil inside the transformer dissipates heat naturally through convection, with heat dissipated by the external air.

Oil-immersed forced air cooling (AF): Based on oil-immersed natural cooling, a fan is used to force air to accelerate heat dissipation.

Oil-immersed forced oil cooling (OF): Based on oil-immersed natural cooling, an oil pump is used to force oil circulation, and external air or water cooling is used.