35kV/10KV S18/S20/S22 Series Oil-immersed Distribution transformer

Overview

The Kete series of oil-immersed distribution transformers offer a wide range of capacity options and flexible configurations. They fully comply with multiple standards such as IEC, ANSI, and GB, and can be accurately adapted to diverse application scenarios including power transmission and distribution line construction, renewable energy power generation systems (e.g., wind power, photovoltaic), and power distribution for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Brief introduction

.Brief introduction

1.Standards: IEC 60076-7:2018, GB/T 1094.7-2024, GB/T 6451-2023

2.Power Rating: 3150KVA-31500 kVA

3.Primary Voltage: 35KV-38.5KV

4.Secondary Voltage: 6.3-11kV 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

.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

5.Scope of application: Power transmission and distribution, industrial production, and outdoor power supply.

.The tests for oil-immersed transformer

The tests for oil-immersed transformers in our company can be divided into four categories based on the test stage and purpose: factory tests, type tests, on-site tests, and preventive tests.

1.Factory Tests (Verification Tests During Manufacturing)

They mainly include: insulation resistance measurement, DC resistance measurement, turns ratio measurement, connection group and polarity test, no-load test, insulating oil test, and sealing test.

2.Type Tests (Design Verification Tests)

They mainly include: temperature rise test, insulation strength test, short-circuit withstand capability test, zero-sequence impedance test, sound level measurement, tank mechanical strength test, and no-load current harmonic measurement.

3.On-Site Tests (Acceptance Tests After Installation)

They mainly include: appearance inspection, DC resistance measurement, recheck of turns ratio and connection group, insulating oil breakdown voltage and dielectric loss test, power frequency withstand voltage test (partial), and tap changer operation test.

4.Preventive Tests (Maintenance Tests During Operation)

They mainly include: insulation resistance and polarization index measurement, winding DC resistance measurement, dielectric loss factor (tanδ) measurement, insulating oil test, partial discharge measurement, iron core grounding current measurement, bushing test, and infrared thermal imaging detection.

The test types for oil-immersed transformers cover the entire life cycle from manufacturing, installation to operation and maintenance. The test focuses at different stages vary: factory tests ensure qualified basic performance, type tests verify design limits, on-site tests guarantee installation quality, and preventive tests prevent operational failures. These tests together form an important guarantee for the safe and reliable operation of transformers.

.Component inspection of oil-immersed transformer

Component inspection of oil-immersed transformers is a crucial link to ensure their safe and stable operation, which mainly includes the following contents:

1.Appearance Inspection: Check whether the transformer’s appearance is intact, whether there is oil leakage in the oil tank, and whether parts such as junction boxes, insulating bushings, and leads are damaged, rusted, or loose. At the same time, confirm that components like radiators, oil conservators, breathers, and oil level indicators are in normal condition.

2.Insulation Inspection: Use an insulation resistance tester to measure the insulation resistance between windings and ground as well as between windings themselves; the measured values should meet the specified standards. Additionally, conduct dielectric strength tests and insulating oil polarization tests to evaluate insulation performance.

3.Mechanical Operation Inspection: Check whether core equipment such as fans, coolers, pressure relief valves, and voltage regulating valves are operating normally. Ensure that bushings, connecting bolts, and terminal blocks are not loose, so as to guarantee the normal operation of mechanical components.

4.Oil Quality Inspection: Observe the color, odor, and transparency of transformer oil, and check for the presence of mixed impurities. Conduct tower-type oil sampling to inspect sediments and contaminants. Moreover, perform tests on transformer oil such as breakdown voltage, acid value, dielectric loss factor, moisture content, and particle size to determine if the oil quality is good.

5.Partial Discharge Detection: Use partial discharge detectors, such as installing UHF sensors or using high-frequency current transformers and ultrasonic sensors, to detect parts of the transformer such as windings and insulating bushings, and locate the position of the discharge source. If the partial discharge amount exceeds the specified value, the insulation risk needs to be evaluated.

6.Oil Temperature Inspection: Check whether the on-site gauge indications of the transformer’s upper-layer oil temperature and high/low winding temperatures are consistent with the readings on the control panel or CRT display. Verify if all temperatures are normal and whether they are close to or exceed the maximum allowable limits. At the same time, touch the surface of the radiating pipes by hand to check if the cooling device is in good condition.

7.Voltage and Current Inspection: Measure whether the voltage and current on the high-voltage side and low-voltage side of the transformer are within the normal range. Generally, the voltage on the high-voltage side must not exceed 105% of the nominal voltage value of its corresponding tap, to ensure the transformer operates within rated parameters.

8.Sound Inspection: A normally operating transformer emits a uniform “buzzing” sound. During inspection, pay attention to the presence of abnormal sounds such as sharp noises or crackling sounds. Abnormal sounds may be caused by internal faults or looseness and other reasons.

.Certificate: CE, UL, ISO, SGS, CCC

Structural Features

Ⅰ.Product features

1.The iron core is made of high-quality, high-performance silicon steel sheets with high magnetic permeability, resulting in low no-load loss.

2.The high-voltage windings all adopt a multi-layer cylindrical structure to improve the voltage impulse distribution of the windings. The low-voltage windings, with a capacity range of 30KVA to 4000KVA, use a cylindrical or spiral structure. They feature high mechanical strength, balanced ampere-turn distribution, and strong short-circuit resistance.

3.A fixed structure is installed inside the transformer to prevent displacement during transportation. All fasteners are equipped with locking nuts to ensure they do not loosen during long-term operation.

4.This product has a fully sealed structure. During packaging, a vacuum oil-filling process is adopted to completely remove moisture from the transformer, ensuring isolation between transformer oil and external air, preventing oil aging, and improving the operational reliability of the transformer.

5.The product is equipped with a pressure relief valve, a signal thermometer, a gas relay, etc., to ensure the safe operation of the transformer.

6.This product uses a corrugated oil tank. Such a tank is simple to process, has high mechanical strength, achieves good welding results, and is leak-proof. Moreover, due to the strong fluidity of the oil, the heat dissipation capacity of the product is enhanced.

7.The surface of the oil-immersed power transformer is treated with degreasing, derusting, and phosphating, followed by the application of primer and topcoat.

8.This product can meet the special operational requirements of industries such as metallurgy and petrochemicals, as well as the special operational needs of humid and dirty environments.

.Product Advantages

1.High heat dissipation efficiency, suitable for large – capacity scenarios. The thermal conductivity of insulating oil (mineral oil or synthetic oil) is far superior to that of air (the main heat dissipation medium of dry – type transformers). Moreover, the heat from windings and iron cores can be quickly taken away through the natural convection of oil or forced circulation (such as adding oil pumps and radiators).

2.Excellent insulation performance and strong high-voltage resistance. The breakdown field strength of insulating oil (about 25 – 35kV/mm) is higher than that of air (about 3kV/mm), which can provide more reliable insulation protection under high voltage.

3.Low cost and high cost – performance ratio. The raw material cost of insulating oil is lower than that of insulating materials such as epoxy resin and Nomex paper used in dry – type transformers. In addition, the structural process of oil – immersed transformers (such as iron core and winding encapsulation) is relatively simple, resulting in lower production and manufacturing costs.

4.Long maintenance cycle and good weather resistance. Insulating oil has a sealing and protective effect, which can isolate the erosion of moisture and dust in the air on windings and iron cores, and reduce the rate of oxidative aging. Daily maintenance mainly involves regular detection of oil quality (such as dielectric loss and water content) and replacement of insulating oil, with a cycle usually of 1 – 3 years. When installed outdoors, the closed oil tank of the oil – immersed transformer can resist the impact of natural environments such as rain, snow and high temperature, making it suitable for open – air scenarios in rural areas and suburbs.

5.Strong overload capacity. Insulating oil has a large heat capacity. During short – term overload (such as during peak electricity consumption periods), the oil temperature rises slowly, and it can bear loads exceeding the rated capacity for a certain period of time.

Product structure

The core processes can be divided into five major stages: core component manufacturing, final assembly, insulation treatment, oil filling and vacuum treatment, and test detection. The specific procedures are as follows:

Ⅰ.Core Component Manufacturing

The core components of oil-immersed transformers include the iron core, windings, and oil tank. The manufacturing precision of these three components directly affects the performance of the transformer.

1.Iron Core Manufacturing

Cutting of silicon steel sheets, lamination and pressing, iron core drying, binding, and grounding.

2.Winding Manufacturing

Conductor processing, winding technology, pre-drying, and shaping.

3.Oil Tank and Accessory Manufacturing

Oil tank welding, heat dissipation structure processing, and accessory assembly.

Ⅱ.Final Assembly

Assembling core components such as the iron core, windings, and insulators into an integrated transformer is a key step to ensure structural stability and insulation reliability, including core assembly, lead installation, overall fastening, and core drying.

Ⅲ.Oil Filling and Vacuum Treatment

Insulating oil pre-treatment, filtration, vacuum dehydration and degassing, vacuum oil filling, and hot oil circulation.

Ⅳ.Overall Sealing and Appearance Treatment

1.Seal Testing: After oil filling, the transformer is left to stand for 24 hours. Tank welds and accessory interfaces are checked for leaks (using soapy water to detect bubbles). Leak points are repaired by welding or replacing seals.

2.Appearance Treatment: The tank surface is derusted, phosphatized, then painted with anti-rust paint and topcoat (outdoor products require weather-resistant coatings).

Ⅴ.Test Detection

After production, transformers must pass rigorous tests to ensure performance compliance, including routine tests, type tests, and special tests.

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

Primary Voltage (High Voltage Side): Typically range from 1 kV to 66 kV, with common ratings like 6kV, 10 kV, 11KV, 20KV, 33 kV, 34.5KV, 35KV

Secondary Voltage (Low Voltage Side): Common secondary voltage ratings include:

·400 V (0.4 kV) for industrial and residential supply

·11 kV or 33 kV

Customization: Transformers can be designed for specific applications. If you have specific power requirements or voltage needs, we can specially design and customize transformers to meet your demands.

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

Scope 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.

Scope 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 impact of ONAN (Oil-Immersed Natural Air Cooling) and ONAF (Oil-Immersed Forced Air Cooling) cooling systems of Kete oil-immersed transformers on performance under different climatic conditions is as follows:

Impact of High-Temperature Climate

·ONAN Cooling System: When the ambient temperature exceeds 40°C, the heat dissipation efficiency of the ONAN cooling system decreases significantly, potentially dropping to approximately 60%. This is because high temperatures reduce the viscosity of the oil, weakening its fluidity and thus lowering the efficiency of natural convection heat dissipation. At this point, the winding temperature of the transformer rises rapidly, accelerating insulation aging. According to the Arrhenius law, the insulation life is halved for every 8°C increase in temperature. Meanwhile, high temperatures cause a decrease in the magnetic permeability of silicon steel sheets and an increase in eddy current losses, reducing energy efficiency. The transformer may need to be derated; otherwise, there are risks of insulation damage and fire.

·ONAF Cooling System: In high-temperature environments, the cooling effect of the fans in the ONAF cooling system diminishes. Although heat dissipation can be enhanced by adding auxiliary cooling equipment, the overall performance is still affected to a certain extent. However, compared to the ONAN cooling system, the ONAF system, with active heat dissipation by fans, achieves higher heat dissipation efficiency under the same high-temperature conditions. It can better control the transformer’s winding temperature and delay insulation aging.

Impact of Low-Temperature Climate

·ONAN Cooling System: In low-temperature environments, such as temperatures below -30°C, the viscosity of transformer oil increases sharply, leading to greater circulation resistance. This may cause heat dissipation to stagnate, or even result in oil solidification (the pour point of transformer oil is approximately -45°C). In addition, dissolved water in the oil may turn into suspended ice crystals, increasing the risk of partial discharge. During cold startup, mechanical stress may cause welds or insulation to crack due to brittleness. Therefore, in extremely low temperatures, preheating to above 0°C is required before commissioning.

·ONAF Cooling System: In low-temperature environments, apart from the issue of increased oil viscosity similar to that of ONAN, the ONAF cooling system also faces the risk of fan icing. This can affect the normal operation of the fans and further impair heat dissipation efficiency.

Impact of High-Humidity and Salt-Spray Climate

·ONAN Cooling System: In high-humidity environments with humidity exceeding 90%, the moisture content of insulation paper increases, causing the dielectric strength to decrease by approximately 30% and reducing the transformer’s insulation performance. In salt-spray environments, winding joints are corroded, increasing contact resistance and leading to local overheating, which affects the transformer’s normal operation and service life.

·ONAF Cooling System: High-humidity and salt-spray climates affect the ONAF cooling system similarly to ONAN, mainly causing insulation performance degradation and component corrosion. However, since the ONAF cooling system is equipped with rotating components such as fans, in high-humidity environments, additional attention must be paid to preventing issues such as moisture-induced short circuits in fan motors.

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 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:

Transformer 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.

Operating 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.

Installation 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.

Cost 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.”

According to international standards (such as IEC 60076), the design life of Kete oil-immersed transformers is usually calculated as 20 years. This is the expected service life under the ideal condition of “normal operating conditions + regular maintenance”, which refers to the time it takes for core components (iron core, windings, insulating oil) to age to a critical state within the design parameters.

Practical industry reference range: In actual power grid or industrial applications, it is a dynamic indicator affected by multiple factors such as design standards, operating conditions, and maintenance levels. The service life of transformers can generally reach 20-40 years.

The core limiting factor for Kete transformer lifespan is the aging rate of its insulation system (including winding insulation paper, insulating oil, and insulating components), which is determined by the following factors:

Operating Temperature (the most critical factor)

The aging rate of insulating materials, especially paper insulation, has an exponential relationship with temperature. According to the “thermal aging law,” the insulation lifespan is halved for every 6-8℃ increase in temperature.

During normal operation, the maximum top oil temperature rise limit for oil-immersed transformers is typically 55K (ambient temperature + 55℃). Long-term operation at excessive temperatures (e.g., top oil temperature exceeding 80℃) accelerates the embrittlement of insulation paper and the cracking of insulating oil, significantly shortening the lifespan.

For example, if a transformer operating at full load or overload for a long time experiences cooling system failure leading to overheating, its lifespan may be reduced from 30 years to less than 15 years.

Quality and Condition of Insulating Oil

Insulating oil primarily functions for insulation and heat dissipation, and its performance degradation directly affects the lifespan of the insulation system.

Excessive moisture, increased acid value, accumulated impurities, or sludge formation in the oil reduce insulation strength and accelerate winding corrosion and aging.

Failure to regularly filter, regenerate, or replace the oil (it is generally recommended to test every 3-5 years and replace or regenerate every 10-15 years) will cause premature failure of the insulation system.

Load Characteristics and Operating Conditions

Long-term high load rates, frequent overloads, or short-circuit impacts cause winding overheating and increased mechanical stress, accelerating insulation fatigue:

Rural power grid or industrial transformers that frequently withstand short-term overloads (e.g., motor startup impacts) are prone to insulation aging in windings due to thermal cycles and mechanical vibrations.

Short-circuit faults (e.g., line short circuits causing transformers to bear huge short-circuit currents) may result in winding deformation and insulation damage. Even after repair, hidden dangers may remain, shortening the remaining lifespan.

Environmental Conditions

The installation environment directly affects the aging rate of insulation and components.

Humid, high-temperature, or highly polluted environments (with dust or chemically corrosive gases) accelerate insulation moisture absorption, oil degradation, and rusting of metal parts.

In high-altitude areas (where air is thin and heat dissipation is poor), insufficient heat dissipation may lead to overheating if the transformer is not specially designed.

Locations with strong vibrations (e.g., industrial workshops near pumps or fans) exacerbate winding loosening and insulation wear.

Maintenance Level

Lack of regular inspections (such as oil quality testing, insulation resistance testing, and partial discharge detection) prevents early faults from being identified, allowing minor issues to evolve into major defects.

Unrepaired faults in cooling systems (fans, oil pumps) reduce heat dissipation efficiency and cause temperature rise.

Neglected maintenance of accessories like bushings and tap changers may trigger local overheating or insulation breakdown, indirectly affecting the overall lifespan.

The service life of Kete oil-immersed transformers is influenced by multiple factors such as operating environment, maintenance quality, and load conditions. Scientific maintenance can effectively delay equipment aging and maximize service life (usually designed for 20-30 years, but can exceed 40 years with proper maintenance). Daily inspections, maintenance of core components, environmental control, test detection, and fault prevention all impact their service life.

Daily Inspection and Basic Maintenance

Daily inspection is crucial for timely detection of hidden dangers, and a standardized inspection system must be established.

·Appearance and Operating Status Inspection: Oil Level and Oil Color, oil Leakage Inspection, temperature Monitoring, sound and Vibration

·Accessory Status Inspection: Bushings, cooling System, protection Devices

Maintenance and Management of Transformer Oil

Transformer oil is the core medium for insulation and heat dissipation, and its quality directly affects equipment life.

·Oil Quality Testing and Treatment: Regular Testing, In-Service Oil, dehydration and Degassing, pollution Prevention

·Oil Level and Replenishment Management

Specialized Maintenance of Core Components

·Iron Core and Winding Maintenance: Iron Core Grounding Inspection, winding Insulation Inspection

·Tap Changer Maintenance: Regular operation and cleaning of tap changer, DC Resistance Testing, oil Chamber Seal Inspection

Environmental and Operating Condition Control:

·Operating Environment Optimization: Dust and Moisture Prevention, load Control

·Regular Maintenance and Testing: Minor Maintenance (Annually), major Maintenance (Every 5-10 Years), electrical Testing

Fault Prevention and Emergency Handling: Establish Maintenance Records, emergency Measures

The service life maintenance of Kete oil-immersed transformers should adhere to the principle of “prevention first, full-process monitoring.” By timely detecting abnormalities through daily inspections, ensuring insulation and heat dissipation via oil quality management, conducting regular maintenance of core components, and scientifically controlling the environment and load, insulation aging and component wear can be effectively delayed, maximizing equipment service life. Additionally, integrating intelligent monitoring technologies (e.g., online oil quality monitoring, temperature rise sensors) can further improve maintenance efficiency and accuracy.

Mineral insulating oil in Kete oil-immersed transformers plays multiple crucial roles in ensuring the safe and stable operation of transformers.

Excellent Insulating Performance for Electrical Safety

·High Breakdown Strength: The breakdown voltage of mineral insulating oil is typically above 30kV (high-quality products can reach over 50kV), far exceeding that of air (approximately 3kV/mm). This effectively isolates conductors at different potentials and prevents short-circuit faults caused by insulation breakdown.

·Low Dielectric Loss and High Volume Resistivity: It has a small dielectric loss factor (tanδ), resulting in low energy loss under electric fields and reduced heat generation. Meanwhile, its high volume resistivity (usually >10¹⁴Ω・cm) minimizes leakage current, further enhancing insulation reliability.

·Filling Insulation Gaps: Solid insulating materials such as insulating paper and cardboard inside transformers have tiny pores. Mineral insulating oil can penetrate these pores, fill air gaps, avoid partial discharge caused by air ionization, and improve the overall dielectric strength of the insulation system.

Efficient Heat Dissipation to Maintain Stable Equipment Temperature Rise

·Good Thermal Conductivity: Its thermal conductivity is approximately 0.12-0.15 W/(m・K), much higher than that of air (about 0.026 W/(m・K)), enabling it to quickly absorb heat generated by windings and iron cores.

·Convection Circulation Cooling: Heated insulating oil reduces in density, naturally rises to the radiator at the top of the transformer, exchanges heat with air through the radiator, cools down, and sinks, forming a circulation to continuously conduct heat out of the equipment.

·Synergy with Cooling Systems: In large transformers, mineral insulating oil can work with forced oil circulation cooling systems (such as oil pumps and cooling fans) to further enhance heat dissipation efficiency, meeting the needs of high-load operation.

Strong Chemical Stability to Extend Equipment Lifespan

·Excellent Oxidation Resistance: Refined mineral insulating oil (e.g., derived from naphthenic or paraffinic crude oil) contains few impurities such as sulfur and nitrogen. It is not easily oxidized at high temperatures to form acids, colloids, or sludge, reducing corrosion and blockage of insulating materials.

·Low Volatility: It has a high boiling point and low volatility, so it is not prone to oil reduction or performance degradation due to volatilization during long-term operation, reducing maintenance frequency.

·Good Compatibility with Solid Insulation: It is well compatible with materials commonly used in transformers, such as cellulose paper and insulating cardboard, without chemical reactions that cause material aging, jointly maintaining the stability of the insulation system.

Arc Quenching and Protection to Enhance Operational Safety

·Arc Quenching Function: When an arc is generated, the oil decomposes into gases such as hydrogen and methane, which can absorb arc energy. At the same time, the flow of oil can cool the arc area, quickly extinguishing the arc and preventing fault expansion.

·Isolating Air and Moisture: The oil layer covers the surface of internal components, isolating oxygen and moisture in the air, avoiding moisture-induced rust of metal components such as iron cores and windings, and reducing the risk of insulation deterioration.

·Fault Diagnosis Carrier: Insulating oil generates characteristic gases (such as acetylene and hydrogen) during faults. Through Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) technology, potential faults can be detected in advance, providing a basis for equipment condition assessment and maintenance.

Advantages in Economy and Practicality

·Controllable Cost: Mineral insulating oil has wide raw material sources (based on petroleum refining), mature production processes, and relatively low prices, making it suitable for large-scale applications in various transformers (from distribution transformers to ultra-high voltage transformers).

·Convenient Maintenance: During normal operation, only regular monitoring of oil quality (such as moisture, dielectric loss, and breakdown voltage) is required. If necessary, filtration and regeneration treatments can restore its performance, with maintenance costs lower than some synthetic insulating oils.

·Strong Adaptability: It can maintain stable performance over a wide temperature range (e.g., good fluidity at low temperatures and resistance to deterioration at high temperatures), adapting to the operational needs of different climate regions.

Mineral insulating oil provides comprehensive operational protection for transformers through its four core roles: insulation, heat dissipation, chemical stability, and arc quenching protection. It is an indispensable key material in power systems. Its performance is directly related to the lifespan, efficiency, and safety of transformers, so it still dominates the power industry (although synthetic insulating oils are increasingly used in specific scenarios, mineral oil remains one of the most cost-effective choices).

Kete oil-immersed transformers typically adopt multi-level protection measures, covering internal self-protection design, external monitoring devices, and relay protection systems.

Protection Measures Against “Overload”

Overload refers to the situation where the transformer’s load current exceeds the rated value for a long or short period, which may cause winding overheating and accelerated insulation aging. The main protection measures include:

·Overload Protection (Relay Protection System)

Principle: Load current of the transformer is monitored by current transformers. When the current exceeds a certain multiple of the rated value (e.g., 1.2~1.5 times) and lasts for a set threshold, the protection action is triggered.

·Internal Thermal Protection Design: Including winding Conductor Selection and heat Dissipation Structure Optimization: Natural heat dissipation capacity is enhanced by increasing the oil tank volume and optimizing the layout of cooling fins, mitigating temperature rise during overload.

Protection Measures Against “Overheating”

Overheating may be caused by overload, excessive core loss, or cooling system failures, requiring real-time monitoring and rapid response:

·Temperature Monitoring Devices

Oil Temperature Thermometer: Directly measures the upper oil temperature in the tank. An alarm is issued when the oil temperature exceeds 85°C (typical set value).

Winding Thermometer: Simulates the winding hot-spot temperature (combining oil temperature and load current). Protection is triggered when the hot-spot temperature exceeds 105°C.

Optical Fiber Temperature Measurement: In large transformers, optical fiber sensors are used to directly measure hot-spot temperatures of windings or cores, offering higher accuracy and faster response.

·Cooling System Protection

Forced Cooling Assistance: Larger-capacity transformers are equipped with forced oil circulation air cooling (OFAF) or water cooling systems. These systems automatically start when oil temperature rises to enhance heat dissipation; if the cooling system fails (e.g., fan stops), an alarm is triggered or the load is reduced.

Buchholz Relay: Light gas action may occur when high oil temperature causes oil decomposition and generates a small amount of gas, issuing an alarm to prompt inspection of overheating causes.

·Over-Temperature Trip Protection

When the temperature continues to rise to a dangerous level (e.g., oil temperature exceeds 95°C or winding hot-spot temperature exceeds 120°C), the protection system directly cuts off the transformer power supply to prevent insulation breakdown.

Protection Measures Against “Short Circuit”

Short circuits (including internal winding short circuits and external outlet short circuits) generate massive currents that may instantly damage the transformer, requiring rapid fault isolation:

·Differential Protection (Main Protection)

Principle: Based on the principle that “current flowing into the transformer equals current flowing out,” current difference is measured by current transformers on both sides. An internal short circuit is determined when the differential current exceeds the set value.

Features: It acts rapidly (usually within tens of milliseconds) and can effectively distinguish between internal short circuits and external faults, serving as the core of transformer short-circuit protection.

·Buchholz Protection (Exclusive to Internal Short Circuits)

Heavy Gas Action: When an internal winding short circuit occurs, high temperatures from the short-circuit current cause intense oil decomposition, generating a large amount of gas. This pushes the Buchholz relay to act, triggering an instantaneous trip to cut off the power supply and prevent fault expansion.

Application Scenario: Particularly suitable for internal faults such as inter-turn or inter-layer winding short circuits, serving as an important supplement to differential protection.

·Overcurrent Protection (Backup Protection)

External Short Circuit Protection: When an external short circuit occurs (e.g., outlet short circuit), overcurrent protection detects the overcurrent and trips with a delay (the delay must avoid the impact duration of the short-circuit current), preventing the transformer from enduring long-term short-circuit currents.

Instantaneous Overcurrent Protection: For close-range external short circuits, instantaneous overcurrent protection can trip without delay to quickly isolate the fault.

·Current Limiting Measures

Short-Circuit Impedance Design: Windings are designed with a specific short-circuit impedance to limit the amplitude of short-circuit currents, reducing mechanical stress on windings and cores caused by short-circuit impacts.

Winding Mechanical Reinforcement: A robust winding structure (e.g., reinforced insulation binding, support strip fixation) is adopted to enhance mechanical strength against short-circuit impacts.

Comprehensive Protection and Auxiliary Measures

·Grounding Protection: The transformer neutral point is grounded or grounded via an arc suppression coil. In case of a single-phase ground short circuit, zero-sequence current protection detects the fault and trips to prevent overvoltage damage to equipment.

·Backup Protection Coordination: Overload protection, overcurrent protection, etc., act as backups to provide safeguards when main protection fails, forming a multi-layered defense of “main protection + backup protection.”

·Online Monitoring System: Intelligent transformers are equipped with condition monitoring devices that collect real-time data on oil temperature, oil level, gas composition, partial discharge, etc. Potential faults are predicted through data analysis, enabling early warning of short-circuit or overheating risks.

Kete oil-immersed transformers can be customized in multiple aspects to meet the specific needs of different customers.

Rated Power and Transformation Ratio: According to the customer’s power consumption requirements, the rated power and transformation ratio of the transformer can be adjusted to ensure the output of appropriate voltage and meet the needs of different loads.

Overall Dimensions: If the customer’s installation space is limited, manufacturers can customize transformers with special dimensions based on actual conditions to enable them to better adapt to the installation environment.

Accessories and Wiring Methods: Corresponding accessories such as junction boxes, temperature probes, and gas relays can be provided according to customer requirements, and reasonable wiring methods can be designed to facilitate customers’ installation and use.

Winding Material: Some oil-immersed transformers offer two winding materials, full copper and full aluminum, for users to choose from. Full-copper transformers have good electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, which can reduce resistance and temperature rise; full-aluminum transformers, on the other hand, are lighter in weight and have excellent corrosion resistance.

Insulation Material: High-temperature-resistant insulation materials can be selected to meet the insulation performance requirements under special environments or operating conditions, thereby improving the reliability and service life of the transformer.

Protection Level: For some special application environments, such as high-temperature, high-humidity, polluted areas, or offshore platforms, the protection level of the transformer can be improved through special design to make it adapt to harsh operating environments.

Heat Dissipation Method: According to the capacity and usage environment of the transformer, the heat dissipation design can be optimized. For example, special oil channel design, increasing the number of cooling fins, or adopting forced air cooling can be used to improve heat dissipation efficiency and reduce the temperature rise of the transformer.

Winding Structure: For instance, for low-voltage and high-current windings, copper foil winding can be adopted. On one hand, it reduces the transverse leakage flux of the winding to decrease eddy current loss; on the other hand, it improves the transformer’s ability to withstand sudden short circuits.

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

General Standards: IEC 60076, GB 1094

Key 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.

7 units of Distribution-type for Vietnam Environmental Protection Engineering
16 units of SFZ-35000/33 oil-immersed transformers for Bangladesh project
SFSZ-10000/220 oil-immersed transformers for Zambia Power Project
Bhutan Metal Silicon Substation Project of High Voltage Switchgear (GIS)
36 units of oil-immersed transformers Bolivia power project
2 units of SFSZ-25000/110 oil-immersed transformers for Russian Project
3 Units Of OSFSZ-195000/330 Oil-Immersed Transformers For Poland Project
3 Units Of OSFSZ-195000/330 Oil-Immersed Transformers For Poland Project
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