Critical Factors to Consider When Replacing Your Transformer
Power transformers play an essential role in every company, and when they fail, everything usually grinds to a halt. Getting operations back up can be tricky if the transformer is faulty and cannot be repaired or meet your requirements. The only solution to such a problem is to replace the transformer. Unfortunately, transformers rarely go down, so those in charge of buying a replacement unit may not know how to go about it. Knowing some essential factors that need to be considered when buying a new transformer can help. This post will outline the top considerations to remember before purchasing another transformer.
Winding material
One of the primary factors you need to consider when choosing a transformer is the material that's used for winding and insulation. This material normally affects the transformer's performance and averts disastrous emergencies while the unit is running. Common materials manufacturers use are aluminium and copper. Although copper increases the costs, it outperforms and outlasts aluminium. When you opt for copper windings and insulation, your transformer's reliability will be guaranteed over the years, even when temperatures increase. Therefore, it's better to choose high-quality insulation, even if you will pay more.
Transformer sturdiness
You also need to know about the type of transformer that's suitable for your application before buying. The common forms are dry type and liquid-filled transformers. The oil or liquid-filled transformer requires a liquid coolant while the dry one uses air. Many people prefer dry transformers because they won't experience issues like leakage or fire. Moreover, the transformer runs without noise and stays cooler compared to the liquid-filled ones.
Be sure to consider the accessories that will be needed for each type of transformer before buying. The accessories vary depending on the application and may include the pressure relief device, winding temperature gauge, protection current transformer, Basler relay, lightning arrestors, etc.
Winding design
Another aspect you should consider is how the coils are wound around the transformer's core. The design that's used usually determines its toughness and capability to survive impulses — the impulses may occur when lightning strikes or while switching surges. The primary winding designs manufacturers use today are rectangular or circular. Rectangular windings aren't costly to build but tend to develop issues like hot spots and air traps over time. Round windings, on the other hand, provide constant cost-saving and operational benefits. They enable the transformer to run quieter, stay cooler while reducing short circuit risks. Consider talking to a power transformer supplier about this to get more clarification before making a choice.
