What are the differences between oil-immersed distribution transformers and dry-type distribution transformers? What are their respective advantages and disadvantages?

oil-immersed transformersdry-type transformers

: Oil-immersed transformers use insulating oil for cooling and insulation, offering superior heat dissipation and higher load-carrying capacity. Dry-type transformers rely on air circulation for cooling, making them less efficient in high-power applications.

: Oil-immersed transformer requires regular maintenance to check oil quality, gas relays, and potential leaks. Dry-type transformers are maintenance-free as they do not involve liquid media, reducing operational costs over time.

: Oil-immersed transformer poses a fire risk due to the flammable nature of insulating oil. It is typically installed outdoors or in dedicated rooms. Dry-type transformer is inherently safer in terms of fire hazards and can be installed indoors, even in populated areas.

: Oil-immersed transformer may cause environmental pollution if oil leakage occurs. Modern designs focus on eco-friendly oils to mitigate this issue. Dry-type transformer is environmentally friendly since it does not use oil, avoiding contamination risks entirely.

: Oil-immersed transformer has lower initial cost and better performance in large-scale power systems. Dry-type transformer is more expensive upfront but suitable for smaller installations or locations where space is limited.