How to prevent power transformers from being damaged by overload operation?

As an important device in the power system, power transformers are responsible for transmitting power of different voltage levels to electrical equipment or loads. Since transformers are usually key equipment for continuous operation, overload operation is one of the common causes of transformer damage. Overload operation not only shortens the life of the transformer, but may also cause serious power failures and even fires. Therefore, it is crucial to take effective measures to prevent transformer overload operation.

1. Correctly select the capacity of the transformer

The first measure to prevent overload operation is to correctly select the capacity of the oil immersed type transformer. The capacity of the transformer should be determined according to the actual load demand. Generally, the maximum demand of the load should be considered during design and selection, and a certain margin should be left. If the capacity of the transformer is insufficient, the equipment will be in an overload state for a long time at high load. Therefore, load analysis is the key to ensure the safe operation of the transformer.

2. Implement load monitoring and management

To prevent overload operation, a real-time load monitoring and management system should be implemented. By monitoring the load of the transformer, managers can grasp the operating status of the industrial transformer in a timely manner and avoid overload operation. Modern transformers are usually equipped with intelligent monitoring systems that can record load curves and automatically issue alarms to remind managers to take measures, such as distributing loads or reducing unnecessary power consumption.

3. Regular maintenance and overhaul

Regular maintenance and overhaul are important means to ensure the normal operation of transformers and avoid overload. The operating status of the transformer will be affected by long-term operation, environmental factors and power fluctuations, and problems such as poor contact and winding aging may occur. If these problems are not handled in time, they may increase the burden on the equipment and even cause overload operation. Regular overhaul can timely discover and eliminate these hidden dangers to ensure the safe operation of the oil immersed power transformer under the designed working conditions.

4. Install overload protection devices

In order to prevent the transformer from overloading, overload protection devices such as overcurrent relays or temperature monitoring devices can be installed. When the transformer load exceeds the rated capacity, these protection devices will cut off the power supply or issue an alarm in time to prevent the transformer from being overloaded for a long time. The temperature monitoring device can monitor the transformer winding temperature in real time. When the temperature exceeds the safe value, the device will trigger an alarm or automatically cut off the load to protect the transformer.

5. Reasonable load distribution

In the planning and actual operation of the power grid, reasonable load distribution is crucial to prevent some transformers from overloading. By distributing the load to multiple transformers or moving the peak load to different time periods, the burden of a single transformer can be effectively reduced. For example, the load during the peak period can be dispersed to the valley period by the method of peak shaving and valley filling, thereby balancing the load of the oil immersed transformers.

6. Improve the heat dissipation capacity of the transformer

The transformer will generate a lot of heat during operation. Excessive temperature will accelerate the aging of the transformer insulation material, thereby reducing its load capacity. Therefore, improving the heat dissipation capacity of the transformer is an effective means to prevent overload operation. The operating temperature of the transformer can be reduced by improving the heat dissipation design of the transformer, using forced air cooling or oil cooling, etc., to ensure that it can operate safely under high load conditions.

7. Establish an early warning and emergency mechanism

In order to cope with sudden load fluctuations and overload risks, the power system should establish a complete early warning and emergency mechanism. The early warning mechanism can predict possible overload conditions by real-time monitoring of the operating parameters of the transformer and take measures in advance. The emergency mechanism can respond quickly when an overload occurs, adjust power distribution or start backup power to avoid long-term damage to the transformer.

Preventing electrical power transformers from overloading requires multiple aspects such as equipment selection, operation monitoring, maintenance, and load management. The risk of overload operation can be effectively reduced by correctly selecting transformer capacity, real-time load monitoring, regular maintenance and repair, and reasonable load distribution. In addition, installing protective devices and improving heat dissipation capacity are also important protective measures. The combined use of these strategies can ensure that power transformers operate in a safe and stable state for a long time, extend their service life, and ensure the reliability of the power system.