why oil immersed transformers are still the backbone of the power grid?
Nov 24,2025
In the era of rapid iteration of new equipment such as dry-type transformers and gas-insulated transformers, the oil-immersed transformer, a "century-old energy equipment", still firmly occupies the core track of the power grid and has become the preferred solution for key scenarios such as power stations, ultra-high voltage projects, new energy bases, and large industrial and mining enterprises, demonstrating that "classics never go out of style" with its strength.
Having withstood the market test for over a century, the core competitiveness of oil-immersed transformers lies in three irreplaceable technical advantages:
1. Extreme heat dissipation, suitable for extreme working conditions ️
Using special transformer oil as the cooling medium, it can quickly dissipate the large amount of heat generated by the windings and core during operation due to its excellent thermal conductivity and convection properties. Even under extreme conditions of ultra-large capacity and continuous full-load operation, it can precisely control the equipment temperature and ensure stable operation. This heat dissipation performance remains at the forefront in high-voltage and large-capacity scenarios.
2. Dual protection, extending service life ️
Transformer oil has dual functions of insulation and protection: on the one hand, its excellent insulation performance can significantly reduce the electrical clearance inside the equipment, making the product structure more compact; on the other hand, it can effectively isolate air and moisture, preventing oxidation and moisture damage to key components such as the core and windings, helping the equipment achieve decades of stable operation and significantly reducing the life cycle loss.
3. Mature and reliable, with outstanding cost performance
After a century of technological accumulation, the manufacturing process of oil-immersed transformers has become highly mature, and the structural design is simple and practical. Not only is the initial procurement cost more competitive in the market, but the subsequent maintenance process is also simple and efficient, saving a lot of human and financial resources for enterprises. Numerous engineering practices have verified that its operational reliability remains at the forefront of the industry, making it a "ballast stone" for ensuring the safety and stability of the power grid.
Today, in scenarios such as outdoor deployment, power station construction, new energy booster stations, and large industrial and mining enterprises, which are characterized by high voltage, high load, and complex environments, oil-immersed transformers, with their strong heat dissipation capacity, robust structural design, and time-tested reliability, remain the optimal solution that balances economy and stability, continuously providing core support for the global energy network.
Have you used oil-immersed transformers in actual projects? Did their durability and stability exceed your expectations? What are your insights on the future development of this "century-old ace"? Welcome to share your practical experience and industry observations in the comment section!
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