Dry-type transformers have become the preferred and sometimes mandatory choice for modern power systems due to their unique safety, environmental, and operational advantages. They are especially suitable for locations with stringent fire safety standards, environmental requirements, space limitations, and flexible mobility needs. Below is a detailed analysis of their main application scenarios and cases where oil-immersed transformers remain more suitable.
Locations with Strict Fire Safety Requirements
Public spaces such as shopping malls, hospitals, schools, and facilities storing flammable or explosive materials require strict fire protection. Dry-type transformers use flame-retardant insulation and do not generate oil vapor, effectively eliminating the risk of fire. For example, in hospitals, where operating rooms and intensive care units demand stable and secure power, dry-type transformers provide reliable protection while minimizing fire hazards.
Locations with Harsh Environmental Conditions
Dry-type transformers excel in environments with high altitude, extreme temperature, humidity, dust, or corrosion. For instance, in mining areas exposed to heat and dust, their oil-free design prevents insulation degradation and moisture intrusion, ensuring stable operation under harsh conditions.
Space-Constrained Installations
High-rise buildings, underground distribution rooms, and large commercial complexes often face strict space limitations. The compact design and flexible installation of dry-type transformers save valuable space and eliminate the need for oil storage facilities. This makes them ideal for urban building upgrades where power demand increases but renovation space is limited.
Environmentally Sensitive Locations
With stricter environmental regulations, dry-type transformers are increasingly used in ecological reserves, water protection zones, and scenic areas. They produce no waste oil or hazardous emissions, reducing their environmental footprint and meeting green energy standards.
Applications Requiring Mobility or Temporary Power
Construction sites, temporary events, and emergency rescue operations require flexible and portable power solutions. Dry-type transformers are lighter and easier to transport, allowing quick installation and dismantling. They provide efficient temporary power supply solutions and can be reused across multiple projects.
Limitations of Dry-Type Transformers
Despite their advantages, dry-type transformers are not suitable for every situation. Oil-immersed transformers remain preferable in certain scenarios:
For ultra-large capacities above 2500kVA, oil-immersed transformers provide better performance. In ultra-high voltage networks of 110kV and above, oil-immersed designs dominate due to mature technology. Outdoor substations generally benefit from the lower cost and higher capacity of oil-immersed units, unless fire and explosion-proof standards are mandatory. Projects requiring high overload capacity also favor oil-immersed transformers due to their advanced cooling systems and superior overload endurance.
Dry-type transformers are highly effective in applications that require fire resistance, compact size, environmental adaptability, and mobility. However, oil-immersed transformers are still more suitable for ultra-high voltage, outdoor, and large-capacity scenarios. In practice, transformer selection should balance safety, cost, environmental protection, and power demand to ensure stable, safe, and efficient operation of the power distribution system.
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