35kV/10KV Oil-immersed Grounding transformer

Overview

The oil-immersed grounding transformer is a special type of transformer specifically designed for neutral point grounding in power systems. It is mainly used in ungrounded systems or systems grounded via arc suppression coils. By establishing an artificial neutral point, it realizes functions such as grounding protection, voltage measurement, or arc suppression coil connection when a system fault occurs.

Brief introduction

Ⅰ.Brief introduction

1.Standards: IEC 60076, GB/T 1094, GB/T 25446-2010

2.Power Rating: 30KVA-2500 kVA

3.Primary Voltage: 35KV

4.Secondary Voltage: 0.4 kV or as required

5.Voltage regulation mode: off-circuit tap changing

6.Frequency: 50HZ or 60HZ

7.Type: 3 Phase Electric Power Transformer

8.Connection Type: Dyn11, Yyn0, or per client specification

9.insulation grade:A

10.Cooling method: ONAN

11.Scope of application: The core application scope of oil-immersed grounding transformers is concentrated in medium and low-voltage non-effectively grounded systems. They are mainly used in scenarios such as neutral point extraction, capacitive current compensation, grounding fault handling, and zero-sequence parameter monitoring. They are particularly suitable for distribution networks, small-scale power generation systems, and industrial and civil power networks with high requirements for power supply reliability.

Ⅱ.Working conditions

1.Ambient Temperature: No more than +40℃ No less than -25℃, The monthly average temperature is no more than +30℃, The yearly average temperature is no more than +20℃

2.Altitude: No more than 1000m.

3.Relative air humidity:≤90%

4.installation site: no corrosion gas, No obvious dirt

Ⅲ.The tests for oil-immersed grounding transformer

The test types for oil-immersed grounding transformers include four categories: factory tests, type tests, on-site tests, and preventive tests:

1.Factory Tests (Mandatory before leaving the factory to ensure the qualification of individual equipment)

Factory tests are conducted on each finished product to verify whether the equipment meets design requirements and factory standards. They mainly include:

①Insulation tests: insulation resistance measurement, dielectric loss factor (tanδ)

②measurement, power frequency withstand voltage test, induced withstand voltage test

③Winding DC resistance measurement

④Transformation ratio test

⑤No-load test

⑥Short-circuit test

⑦Sealing test

2.Type Tests (Conducted during new product finalization or design changes to verify overall performance)

Type tests are a comprehensive verification of the rationality of product design. In addition to all items of factory tests, the following items need to be added:

①Temperature rise test

②Lightning impulse test

③Switching impulse test

④Short-time withstand current test

⑤Zero-sequence impedance measurement

⑥Sound level measurement

⑦Oil tank mechanical strength test

3.On-site Tests (Conducted before installation and commissioning to verify installation quality and transportation impact)

On-site tests are carried out after the equipment is transported to the site and installed. They focus on checking whether the equipment is damaged during transportation and installation. The main items include:

①Visual inspection

②Insulation resistance and polarization index measurement

③Transformation ratio test and group verification

④DC resistance measurement

⑤Power frequency withstand voltage test (partial)

⑥Oil quality test

4.Preventive Tests (Conducted regularly during operation to ensure long-term safe operation)

Preventive tests are carried out periodically (usually every 1-3 years) to detect potential defects of equipment at an early stage. The main items include:

①Insulating oil test

②Winding insulation resistance and tanδ measurement

③DC resistance measurement

④Retesting of transformation ratio and zero-sequence impedance

⑤Infrared temperature measurement

⑥Core insulation resistance measurement

Ⅳ.Component inspection of oil-immersed transformer

1.Winding Inspection:

①DC Resistance Measurement

②Insulation Resistance Test

③Dielectric Loss Factor Test

2.Iron Core Inspection: Grounding Resistance Measurement

3.Insulating Oil Inspection

①Breakdown Voltage Test

②Acid Value Test

③Moisture Content Test

4.Tap Changer Inspection

①Operational Performance Check

②Switching Time Measurement

5.Radiator Inspection

①Appearance and Operation Check

②Infrared Thermographic Detection

6.Protection Device Inspection

①Action Calibration of Gas Relay

②Inspection of Other Protection Devices

Structural Features

Ⅰ.Product features

1.Establishment of Neutral Point

In power systems with ungrounded neutral points (such as 10kV and 35kV distribution networks), three-phase lines do not have a natural neutral point, making it impossible to directly implement grounding protection. A grounding transformer artificially draws out a neutral point through special wiring (e.g., star-open delta connection), providing a connection point for neutral grounding devices (such as arc suppression coils and resistors).

2.Fault Protection Support

When a single-phase ground fault occurs in the system, the grounding transformer can limit the fault current within a safe range. At the same time, it cooperates with relay protection devices to quickly detect the fault and trip, preventing the fault from expanding.

3.Voltage Measurement and Monitoring

Its open delta winding can be connected to a voltage transformer to monitor the system’s zero-sequence voltage, which is used to determine the type and location of ground faults.

Ⅱ.Product Advantages

Oil-immersed grounding transformers demonstrate targeted advantages in specific application scenarios, as detailed below:

1.Stronger Functional Adaptability, Specifically Designed for Grounding Protection

①Precisely Establishing Zero-Sequence Current Path

Oil-immersed grounding transformers specifically construct a low-impedance zero-sequence path through special winding connections. This ensures that zero-sequence current can flow stably when a single-phase ground fault occurs in the system, providing accurate fault signals for relay protection devices.

②Deep Compatibility with Grounding System Protection Devices

Oil-immersed grounding transformers can be directly connected in series with arc suppression coils to compensate for grounding capacitive current by adjusting inductance and extinguish fault arcs; or connected in series with grounding resistors to limit the grounding current within a safe range and prevent fault expansion. This compatibility is a “customized advantage” that distribution transformers do not possess.

2.More Efficient Structural Design, Optimized Space and Cost

①Small Capacity with High Cost-Effectiveness, Avoiding Functional Redundancy

During normal operation, oil-immersed grounding transformers only carry extremely small no-load current or zero-sequence current. Their rated capacity is usually 1/10 to 1/5 that of distribution transformers.

②Integrated Design, Meeting Multiple Needs Simultaneously

Oil-immersed grounding transformers can be designed as an integrated “grounding + station service transformer” structure. This design eliminates the need for additional station service transformers, saving equipment procurement costs and installation space.

3.Operational Characteristics Better Adapted to Fault Scenarios, with Higher Stability

①Stable Zero-Sequence Impedance Characteristics, Ensuring Protection Accuracy

Through special winding design, oil-immersed grounding transformers achieve stable zero-sequence impedance with high linearity, ensuring accurate operation of protection devices.

②Stronger Short-Term Impact Resistance

The windings and insulation systems of oil-immersed grounding transformers are specially optimized for short-term fault current impacts. They have larger thermal capacity, enabling them to withstand high current impacts before fault clearance (usually < 10 seconds). Their mechanical strength (resistance to short-circuit electromagnetic forces) is also superior, reducing the risk of fault expansion.

4.More Flexible Environmental and Maintenance Adaptability

①Environmental Adaptability Comparable to Distribution Transformers, but with More Focused Functional Scenarios

Due to their small capacity and low heat generation, oil-immersed grounding transformers exhibit better heat dissipation performance in enclosed cabinets or narrow spaces.

②Maintenance Costs Comparable, but Higher Functional Value Throughout the Lifecycle

If ordinary distribution transformers are used to replace grounding transformers, additional grounding devices (such as arc suppression coils and grounding resistance cabinets) must be configured. This not only increases costs but may also reduce system reliability due to compatibility issues, resulting in higher long-term comprehensive costs.

Product structure

Oil-immersed earthing transformers are key equipment in power systems for neutral point earthing, stabilizing system voltage, and limiting fault current. Their production process follows the general standards for oil-immersed transformers while enhancing structural design and performance control specifically for the core “earthing” function:

Ⅰ.Core Component Production Process

The iron core is the magnetic circuit core of the earthing transformer, ensuring low loss and high mechanical strength.

1.Iron Core Manufacturing: Including silicon steel sheet cutting, laminating process,annealing treatment,earthing treatment.

2.Winding Manufacturing:

This step Include winding preparation and winding process

The winding is critical for current transformation and neutral point extraction, with a focus on controlling insulation strength and short-circuit resistance.

3.Core Assembly

Core assembly ensures the relative position accuracy between windings and iron core to avoid local electric field concentration: iron core pre-treatment, winding assembling, lead connection, overall pre-pressing.

Ⅱ.Oil Tank and General Assembly Process

1.Oil Tank Manufacturing

The oil tank must meet requirements for sealing, heat dissipation, and mechanical protection;cutting and welding, strength testing, surface treatment

2.General Assembly Process: Including put core insertion into the tank, accessory installation, vacuum oil filling

Ⅲ.Testing and Quality Inspection Stage

Earthing transformers undergo rigorous tests to verify performance, with key tests on “earthing function reliability” and “insulation safety”.

1.Routine Tests: Including insulation resistance test, dielectric loss test, transformation ratio test, no-load test, short-circuit test.

2.Special Tests (for earthing function): including neutral point withstand voltage test and partial discharge test

3.Pre-delivery Inspection: Including appearance inspection, sealing test, oil quality re-inspection.

Ⅳ.Packaging and Delivery

1.The inside of the oil tank is filled with transformer oil (oil level up to 2/3 of the tank height), and all interfaces are sealed.

2.Vulnerable components such as bushings and terminals are equipped with protective covers, and the whole unit is fixed on a transport frame.

3.Accompanying technical documents: factory test report, certificate of conformity, installation manual, list of spare parts, etc.

Specification

Rated Capacity H.V. L.V. Connection symbol No-load loss(kw) On-load loss(kw) Short circuit impedance
S18 S20 S22 S18 S20 S22
3150





35

38.5

±

5/2*2.5%

6.3

6.6

10.5

11
Dd11 2.4 2 1.7 21.9 20.7 20.7 7
4000 2.9 2.3 2 25.9 24.6 24.6
5000 3.5 2.8 2.4 29.7 28.2 28.2
6300 4.2 3.4 2.9 33.3 31.5 31.5 8
8000 5.8 4.7 4 36.5 34.6 34.6
10000 7 5.7 4.8 46 40.8 40.8
12500 8 6.5 5.5 51.1 48.4 48.4
16000 9.7 7.9 6.7 62.5 59.2 59.2
20000 11.5 9.4 7.9 75.5 71.6 71.6
25000 13.6 11.1 9.4 89.3 84.6 84.6 10
31500 16.2 13.1 11.1 106.4 100.8 100.8

FAQs

Ⅰ.Basic Maintenance Service

Kete oil-immersed grounding transformers mainly adopt two common cooling methods: ONAN and ONAF.

①Scope of Application of ONAN

·Transformers with small capacity

Typical applicable capacity: Usually used for transformers of 10kV class with 500kVA and below, and 35kV class with 1000kVA and below.

Reason: Small-capacity transformers have low losses (small heat generation), and natural heat dissipation can meet the temperature rise requirements, with a simple structure and low cost.

·Scenarios with loose installation environment

Suitable for outdoor open spaces, well-ventilated indoor distribution rooms, or areas with low ambient temperatures.

If installed in enclosed spaces (such as basements), additional evaluation of heat dissipation conditions is required, and the cooling method may need to be upgraded.

·Transformers with low load rate or intermittent operation

For transformers that are in a light load state for a long time (load rate < 50%), the heat dissipation capacity of ONAN is sufficient, without wasting energy consumption from forced cooling.

②Scope of Application of ONAF

·Medium and large capacity transformers

Typical applicable capacity: 10kV class with 800kVA and above, 35kV class with 1600kVA and above for small and medium-sized transformers.

Reason: Medium and large-capacity transformers have high losses (large copper loss and iron loss), and natural heat dissipation cannot meet the temperature rise limit, so fans are needed to assist in enhancing heat dissipation.

·Transformers with high load rate or continuous operation

Suitable for scenarios with long-term full-load operation or large load fluctuations (needing to cope with short-term overload), such as main transformers in industrial plants and hub transformers in urban distribution networks.

·Environments with limited heat dissipation conditions

If the transformer is installed in a poorly ventilated indoor environment or in areas with high ambient temperatures (such as tropical regions), ONAF can make up for the deficiency of natural heat dissipation through forced air cooling, avoiding excessive oil temperature that affects service life.

The choice between ONAN (Oil Natural Circulation and Air Natural Cooling) and ONAF (Oil Natural Circulation and Air Forced Cooling) cooling methods for Kete oil-immersed grounding transformers is corely based on the matching between the transformer’s heat dissipation requirements and actual heat dissipation conditions. Specifically, it can be comprehensively judged from the following 5 key dimensions:

①Transformer Rated Capacity and Heat Generation from Losses

This is the most fundamental basis. The heat generated by a transformer mainly comes from copper losses (load losses) and iron losses (no-load losses). The larger the capacity, the higher the losses and the stronger the heat dissipation demand:

·Small-capacity transformers (low loss):

When the rated capacity is small (e.g., ≤500kVA for 10kV class, ≤1000kVA for 35kV class), the heat generated by losses is small. Heat can be dissipated through the natural convection of transformer oil (hot oil rises, cold oil falls) and the natural convection between the casing/radiator and air, without the need for additional cooling equipment. Therefore, ONAN is preferred.

·Medium and large-capacity transformers (high loss):

When the capacity exceeds the above range (e.g., ≥800kVA for 10kV class, ≥1600kVA for 35kV class), losses increase significantly, and the natural heat dissipation rate cannot match the heat generation. This may cause the oil temperature to exceed national standard limits (usually top oil temperature rise ≤55K or 60K). In such cases, fans must be used to force air flow and accelerate heat dissipation, so ONAF is chosen.

②Operating Load Characteristics

The actual load rate and operation mode of the transformer directly affect heat dissipation requirements:

·Low load rate or intermittent operation:

If the transformer operates at light load for a long time (load rate < 50%) or only runs during short-term peak periods (e.g., rural distribution transformers), even if its capacity is slightly larger, the actual heat generation is low. The natural heat dissipation capacity of ONAN can meet the demand, and there is no need to waste energy on fans. Thus, ONAN is selected.

·High load rate or continuous full-load operation:

For transformers in industrial parks, urban core distribution networks, and other equipment that operate at full load for a long time or have large load fluctuations (needing to cope with short-term overload), heat generation remains high. ONAN cannot meet the heat dissipation requirements, so ONAF’s forced air cooling via fans is necessary. Even during overload, fans can enhance heat dissipation capacity (usually supporting 10%-20% short-term overload). Hence, ONAF is chosen.

③Installation Environment and Heat Dissipation Conditions

Environmental factors directly affect the efficiency of natural heat dissipation, and cooling methods need to be adjusted according to scenarios:

·Well-ventilated and low-temperature environments:

If the transformer is installed in an open outdoor area, high-altitude regions (low air density but good ventilation), or cold areas, the efficiency of natural convection heat dissipation is high. Even if the capacity is close to the critical value, ONAN can be prioritized.

·Poorly ventilated and high-temperature environments:

If installed in enclosed distribution rooms, basements, tropical regions, or industrial environments with heavy dust/oil pollution, natural heat dissipation is hindered. Even with a slightly smaller capacity, oil temperature may rise excessively due to poor heat dissipation conditions. In such cases, upgrading to ONAF is necessary to compensate for environmental defects through forced air flow by fans.

④Cost and Maintenance Requirements

There are significant differences in initial costs and operation/maintenance costs between the two cooling methods:

·Advantages of ONAN:

It has no fans or control circuits, resulting in a simpler structure. The initial procurement cost is low (5%-10% lower than ONAF of the same capacity), and there is no need for motor maintenance, making long-term operation and maintenance costs almost zero. It is suitable for scenarios sensitive to cost and with limited maintenance resources (e.g., rural power grids, small user transformers).

·Disadvantages and necessity of ONAF:

It requires additional configuration of fans, thermostats, and power circuits, leading to higher initial costs. Fan motors need regular inspection (dust cleaning, bearing lubrication), involving certain maintenance workload and energy consumption (fan power is usually tens to hundreds of watts). However, for medium and large-capacity transformers or those with insufficient heat dissipation conditions, these costs must be borne to ensure safe operation. Thus, ONAF is a “necessary choice” rather than a “cost-priority choice.”

The comprehensive protection configuration of the Kete earthing transformer serves as the “first line of defense”, effectively preventing faults that the transformer may encounter during operation, such as short circuits (e.g., inter-turn short circuits of windings, short circuits to ground), overloading, and excessive oil temperature.

①Electrical Protection

·Current quick-break protection: Designed to handle severe short-circuit faults.

·Overcurrent protection: Addresses general short-circuit faults or overloading issues.

·Zero-sequence current protection: Targets faults in the grounding system.

When triggered, these protection mechanisms can quickly initiate tripping or issue alarms.

②Non-Electrical Protection

·Oil temperature protection: Triggers an alarm or tripping when the top-layer oil temperature exceeds the safe threshold.

·Oil level protection: Issues an alarm when the oil level is too low or too high, preventing insufficient insulating oil or tank deformation.

·Gas protection (Buchholz protection): Activates an alarm or tripping when gas is generated inside the tank, responding to minor internal faults or severe short circuits.

③Accuracy of Protection Settings

Protection settings are calibrated based on transformer parameters (e.g., rated current, short-circuit current) and system requirements. This calibration prevents “maloperation” (tripping during normal operation) or “failure to operate” (no response when a fault occurs).

The structural design of the Kete oil-immersed grounding transformer takes both “mechanical stability” and “sealing and leak prevention” into account, avoiding faults caused by structural defects:

①Mechanical strength: The clamping structure of the iron core and windings is firm, which can withstand vibrations during transportation and installation, as well as the electric force during short circuits (the electromagnetic force generated by short-circuit current may cause deformation and displacement of the windings); the tank shell must have sufficient strength to prevent damage from external impact.

②Sealing performance: The insulating oil is isolated from air (to prevent oxidation and water ingress). For the gaskets at the tank’s flange connections, bushing outlets, butterfly valves and other parts, oil-resistant and aging-resistant materials (such as nitrile rubber) are selected.

①Condition Parameter Monitoring

This includes top-layer oil temperature, oil level, winding temperature (some equipment is equipped with winding temperature sensors), load current, and dielectric loss of insulating oil. Data can be obtained via online monitoring systems or regular manual inspections. By comparing with historical trends, it is possible to determine whether anomalies exist (for example, a sudden rise in oil temperature may indicate an internal fault).

②Abnormal Trend Analysis

For instance, if the dielectric loss value of insulating oil rises continuously, it may indicate oil aging or water ingress. If the load current exceeds the rated value for a long time, it is necessary to check for the risk of overloading and adjust the operation mode in a timely manner.

The service life of Kete oil-immersed grounding transformers (usually 20-30 years) is directly related to maintenance quality. They must be maintained in accordance with the principle of “regularity and standardization”, and the core maintenance contents include:

①Insulating Oil Maintenance

·Take oil samples regularly to test oil quality. If the indicators exceed the standard, oil filtration (for impurity and moisture removal) or oil replacement is required.

·Before new transformers are put into operation, vacuum degassing treatment must be carried out on the insulating oil to remove dissolved air in the oil.

②Component Inspection

·Clean the radiator regularly (to prevent dust blockage from affecting heat dissipation).

·Inspect bushings (to remove surface dirt and prevent creepage).

·Tighten terminal blocks (to prevent overheating caused by poor contact).

·Test insulation resistance (to verify insulation performance).

③Maintenance of Cooling/Protection Components

·Clean fans and oil pumps, and check the wear condition of their bearings.

·Calibrate the sensitivity of protective components such as gas relays and temperature controllers to ensure accurate operation.

Ⅱ.After-sales maintenance

Our company’s warranty coverage includes performance failures caused by material defects or manufacturing process issues, such as cabinet water leakage, insulation failure, abnormal switch operation, etc.

We provide spare parts for maintenance free of charge, and will dispatch technical personnel for on-site inspection and repair if necessary, with travel expenses borne by the supplier.

For large transformers that require the removal of some accessories to fit into containers, we will provide an installation video and an electronic version of the installation instructions.

If the customer needs to purchase spare parts from our company, the goods can generally be shipped within 2-7 days.

24/7 technical support hotline, ensuring a fault time of ≤ 2 hours.

During the warranty period, regular return visits (once every 3 months) will be conducted to provide operation status testing and maintenance recommendations.

After the warranty period expires, lifelong maintenance services at cost price and spare parts supply can be provided.

Yes, we can. Generally, the warranty period for our products is one year. If an extension of the warranty period is required, we will increase the price by a certain profit margin based on the existing price accordingly.

Ⅲ.Delivery and Payment

Generally speaking, if the customer provides detailed design drawings and specification requirements, transformers below 2500KVA can be completed within approximately 20 days; transformers above 2500KVA usually take about 30 to 40 days. The specific lead time depends on the complexity of the transformer.

For bulk cargo, we will use wooden cases for packaging; for full containers, we will use wooden pallets to reinforce the packaging.

If you have legally registered patent, we can pack the goods in your branded boxes after getting your authorization letters.

①T/T 30% as deposit, and 70% before delivery.

②LC at sight

③DP at sight

EXW, FOB, CFR, CIF or some other delivery terms inquired by customers.

Ⅳ.Systems and Certifications

Kete Oil-Immersed Transformers Meet Various International Standards, National Standards, and Core Certification Systems

①General Standards: IEC 60076, GB 1094

②Key Certification Systems

·Chinese Certifications: CCC Certification, ISO System Certification

·EU Certification: CE Certification

·US Certification: UL Certification

·Canadian Certification: GSA Certification

·Russian Certification: Gost Certification

·African Certification: COC Certification

Why Choose us ?

Built to last, engineered to perform.

Kete Transformer is a key national-level manufacturer specializing in transformers, recognized as a “Contract-Honoring and Promise-Keeping” enterprise, a high-tech enterprise, and a national-level enterprise technology center. It is recommended in the national directory for rural and urban power grid construction and renovation, as well as a recommended supplier of major electromechanical equipment for hydropower projects. Its products have been awarded the title of “National Quality Inspection Qualified Product – Quality Trustworthy Product” and “Nationally Recognized Product for Mechanical Industry Users.

Our Project

Our products not only dominate the domestic market but are also exported to more than 30 countries and regions, including Russia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas, serving industries such as power, municipal engineering, metallurgy, and petrochemicals.

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