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gkkumar
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Join Date: Sep 2010
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Air Conditioning of Transformer Room

07/17/2011 5:48 PM

We have a 10 MVA furnace transformer.The cooling system of it is OFWF.the oil temperature is become more than 80 degree C during summer (the plant is in Kuwait).Since there is no way to improve our furnace power factor (current -0.67) we have to find another solution to reduce the temperature.We have not facing such temperature rise in winter. Now we are planning to Air-conditioning the Transformer room. I want to know does it advisable or not .
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tcmtech
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#1

Re: Air conditioning of transformer Room

07/17/2011 6:25 PM

Setting up s cooling system to cool the transformers oil would be far more efficient. Pump the hot oil off the top of the transformers tanks and out side to a large radiator and fan system then back in to the lower side of the tanks.

Circulating the oil to an outdoor radiator will carry far more heat energy for a given volume than air does which in itself make the system more efficient that way alone.

Even with an extremely high outdoor Temp of some 50 C you would still have a considerable temperature differential that would still allow for a a fair cooling of the oil even on the absolute hottest and worst possible days of summer.
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bubbapebi
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#4
In reply to #1

Re: Air conditioning of transformer Room

07/18/2011 10:55 PM

You will find more possibilities here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformer_oil
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Deefburger
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#8
In reply to #1

Re: Air conditioning of transformer Room

07/19/2011 10:31 AM

PG&E has a similar setup on their down converters out here. Both the transformer and the radiators are exposed but the separation and the fans add a good deal of cooling with very low maintenance.

The fans are situated above the radiators and prevent the sun from directly heating the radiators. Plus, the concrete pad is kept clean and lightly colored to reflect away sunlight. The transformers are painted light colors as well.

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lyna4
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#11
In reply to #1

Re: Air conditioning of transformer Room

07/20/2011 10:56 AM

In my opinion that's the best way to solve this problem (Thanks to you tcmtech),I think that what it should be added is to choose a well rated circulating pump because we are returning back the cooled oil to the lower side of the transformer and like this fighting against the oil pressure.
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wareagle
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#2

Re: Air Conditioning of Transformer Room

07/17/2011 10:07 PM

What kind of load do you have that produces a -0.67 power factor?
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brich
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#3

Re: Air Conditioning of Transformer Room

07/17/2011 10:12 PM

I worked in Saudi for Hadeed Steel. ALL the transformers were out side, in fact I've NEVER seen power transformers in a building.

You can try the pipework and radiator option, but a quicker and cheaper method would be to demolish the building and just put a corrugated shade over the transformers to stop the temp rising during the day while in direct sunlight.

It worked in Saudi. it will work with you.

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Johannescnc
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#10
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Re: Air Conditioning of Transformer Room

07/20/2011 3:11 AM

Why not just cut wall sections out of existing building?

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er.gpedwin
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Join Date: Jul 2011
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#5

Re: Air Conditioning of Transformer Room

07/19/2011 2:14 AM

As I am working in OMAN for the last 5 years, I suggest you to go ahead with an Air-conditioner to cool the Transformer. In Oman most of the Transformers are being installed inside air-conditioned concrete buildings.

If this method doesnt down the temperature, you go for an additional cooling system.
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brich
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#6
In reply to #5

Re: Air Conditioning of Transformer Room

07/19/2011 2:21 AM

what size transformers are you installing in a room?

what is the cost of installing and running A/c over the cost of natural convection and cooling?

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Stedou73ish
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#9
In reply to #5

Re: Air Conditioning of Transformer Room

07/19/2011 12:21 PM

Be sure to oversize the heck out of it. In that climate it is going to take the first 20 tons of cooling just to cool the first 2 inches of concrete before it begins cooling the transformer load.

I agree with brich no walls just a shed for shade and hey install a couple of fans for circulation on the dead air days.

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vargaalex
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#7

Re: Air Conditioning of Transformer Room

07/19/2011 9:44 AM

You can pipe the oil from the transformer to a heat exchanger for cooling, but you should contact the transformer manufacturer to see what they would propose, modifications may void warranties.
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TonyS
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#12

Re: Air Conditioning of Transformer Room

11/22/2011 8:58 PM

The furnaces I've worked on used external pumped cooling.

It would seem the popular way to go.

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PWSlack
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#13

Re: Air Conditioning of Transformer Room

10/09/2024 2:53 AM
  • Cooling is achieved by contact of the hot thing with a fluid at a lower temperature, and rejecting the heat to atmosphere.
  • <...Air Conditioning...> is for comfort control.

Many transformers have connections for cooling fluids to be used. What does the transformer's original equipment manufacturer have to say on the topic? A site call-out visit has been arranged, hasn't it?

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Users who posted comments:

brich (2); bubbapebi (1); Deefburger (1); er.gpedwin (1); Johannescnc (1); lyna4 (1); PWSlack (1); Stedou73ish (1); tcmtech (1); TonyS (1); vargaalex (1); wareagle (1)

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