Subway and tunnel environments are enclosed, high-traffic, and demand highly reliable electrical infrastructure. In these settings, safety and stability are non-negotiable. Dry-type transformers have emerged as the preferred power solution due to their superior performance, safety, and adaptability.
Fire and Explosion Safety
Dry-type transformers are designed without flammable oil. Their windings are encapsulated in epoxy resin, eliminating the risk of oil leakage and fire. In contrast, oil-immersed transformers pose a significant fire hazard. In the event of an internal fault, rapid combustion of transformer oil can lead to uncontrollable fires in confined spaces like tunnels.
Additionally, dry-type transformers do not carry the risk of explosion. Without oil to vaporize and expand under fault conditions, these transformers remain stable even under pressure. This greatly reduces danger to passengers, staff, and infrastructure in enclosed transportation systems.
Superior Environmental Resilience
Humidity is a major challenge in subways and tunnels. Dry-type transformers resist moisture thanks to their sealed, resin-encapsulated design. Their surfaces are smooth and non-porous, preventing water absorption and maintaining insulation integrity even in damp conditions.
Dust and debris from ongoing rail operations or construction can also impair transformer performance. Dry-type transformers feature a fully enclosed shell that blocks dust and airborne contaminants. Their surfaces are easy to clean, preventing buildup that can otherwise hinder heat dissipation or cause short circuits.
Oil-immersed transformers, with exposed components, are more vulnerable to dust accumulation. Reduced cooling efficiency leads to overheating, accelerated insulation aging, and increased risk of failure.
Simplified Maintenance and Fast Repairs
Routine maintenance for dry-type transformers is straightforward. With no oil system to monitor, technicians can focus on visual inspections, temperature checks, and simple diagnostics. Maintenance downtime is minimal, making dry-type transformers ideal for metro systems where continuous power is critical.
In the event of a fault, the dry-type transformer's open design allows technicians to quickly locate and replace damaged components. By contrast, oil-immersed transformer repairs involve draining oil, accessing internal parts, and performing time-intensive diagnostics—causing longer service interruptions.
In subways and tunnels, where space is limited and safety is critical, dry-type transformers offer unmatched advantages. From fire prevention and explosion resistance to excellent environmental adaptability and low-maintenance requirements, they provide a reliable backbone for modern rail power systems. Their growing adoption in metro infrastructure is a testament to their performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
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