Oil-type distribution transformers are transformers which change the input and output voltages up to 36 kV voltage level and 5000 kVa power in desired proportions and provide cooling by means of transformer oil in order not to exceed the permissible operating temperature by eliminating the heat generated during operation with transformer oil. This type of transformer can be examined under 2 (two) main headings with hermetic and expansion tanks:
Hermetic Oil Type Distribution Transformers
They are produced in a power range of 25 - 5000 kVA, up to 36 kV high voltage level, with three or single phase, oiled, naturally cooled (ONAN), idle tap changer or automatic tap changer under load, so that they can be used both inside and outside. Hermetic oil type distribution transformers are manufactured by filling the oil under vacuum by balancing the oil pressure and atmospheric pressure at the desired temperature and not to allow the cooling oil to come into contact with the atmosphere.
As a result of changing oil pressure due to thermal changes in hermetic oil type distribution transformers, internal heat is controlled by natural expansion and contraction of boiler wave walls. Mechanical design and manufacturing is made to withstand these effects.
Hermetic oil type distribution transformers have lower heights compared to transformers with expansion tanks. Therefore it can be used in smaller areas.
Since the oil does not come into contact with the atmosphere in hermetic transformers, it does not require oil change in certain periods as in transformer with expansion tank.
Transformer with Expansion Tank
Transformer with expansion tank is the same as hermetic transformers with core and coil structure. The dimensions of the expansion tanks of such transformers are designed and manufactured as a result of calculations in order to store the expansion of the oil whose volume increases with temperature.
Since the transformers with expansion tanks are open to the atmosphere, the oil pressure is changed due to thermal effects, and the air exchange is provided by taking the moisture of the air through the Silica gel (air dryer) in the transformer tank.
As a result of the air exchange caused by the temperature differences due to the load, the expansion tank transformer which is put into operation loses its Silica gel property in time and causes humidification of the oil and deterioration of its structure. For this reason, it is necessary to carry out maintenance such as changing the silica gel and measuring the puncture voltage by sampling the oil.