Different transformer accessories are fitted in order to provide long life to the transformer. One should gain knowledge about transformer accessories for better understanding transformer operation and maintenance.
Rajasthan Powergen, the leading transformer manufacturing company in India is providing the details about the accessories of transformers for all customers.
Breather of Transformer
The oil expands and contracts when the temperature changes occur in transformer insulating oil and an exchange of air also occurs when transformer is fully loaded. When transformer gets cooled, the oil level goes down and air gets absorbed within. This process is called breathing and the apparatus that pass through the air is called breather.
Conservator Tank of a Transformer
Conservator Tank is a cylindrical tank mounted on supporting structure on the roof of the transformer’s main tank. It also acts as a reservoir of oil. When transformer is loaded, the temperature of oil increases and consequently the volume of oil in the transformer get increased. The conservator tank of a transformer provides adequate space for expansion of oil.
Explosion Vent of Transformer
To prevent damage of the transformer tank if any excessive pressure generated inside the transformer, explosion vent is used.
Construction of Explosion Vent of Transformer
Explosion vent is a bent pipe with thin aluminium diaphragms at both ends. A wire mesh is provided at upper end of vent pipe to protect mechanical damages of upper diaphragm and also provided at lower end of the explosion vent to prevent the pieces of rutted diaphragm from entering the tank. Near the lower end, a small oil level indicator is provided to lower diaphragm ruptures; transformer oil rises in the vent pipe and is visible through the indicator indicating the failure of the lower diaphragm. If there is enough pressure in lower diaphragm and is not reduced, the upper diaphragm then bursts out to give way to release the inside pressure of transformer tank by thronging out oil and gases. In this way, explosion vent of transformer prevents mechanical damage to transformer tank. Sometimes, upper portion of conservator tank is connected with explosion vent with an equalizer pipe with or without a valve.
Radiator of Transformer
Transformers are of two types: Oil immersed transformer and Electrical power transformer. Former is always provided with radiator and in later, radiators are detachable and transported separately. The upper and lower portions of the radiator unit are connected with the transformer tank via valves. Valves are provided to prevent wastage of oil while detaching a radiator from transformer for maintenance purposes.
Operation and Purpose of Radiator in Transformer
- When transformer is in the loaded condition, the hot oil comes up in the main tank, and enters into the radiator tank through upper valve.
- As the heat transfer surface of the radiator is quite large, the oil gets cooled and enters into the transformer tank via lower value of radiator units.
- The convectional flow of oil in the tank and radiator of transformer continues. The cooling effect of radiator can be accelerated by applying force air to the radiator outer wall by air fans.
