Energy-efficient transformers are a type of power transformer that significantly reduces energy consumption during operation through optimized design, adoption of new materials, and advanced manufacturing processes. They are widely used in power transmission, industrial production, building power distribution, and other fields, playing a crucial role in improving energy utilization efficiency and reducing energy waste.
Core Advantages of Energy-efficient Transformers
1. Low Loss Characteristics
Low No-load Loss: By improving the core structure (such as adopting stepped joints) and using high-permeability materials (e.g., oriented silicon steel sheets), hysteresis loss and eddy current loss in the core are reduced. For example, transformers using high-grade silicon steel sheets like 30Q130 can reduce no-load loss by more than 30% compared to traditional products.
Low Load Loss: High-conductivity copper wires (e.g., oxygen-free copper wires) or aluminum wires (e.g., rare earth aluminum alloy wires) are used, and the winding structure is optimized (such as foil windings and transposed conductors) to reduce resistance loss and additional loss in the windings. Under rated load, the load loss of energy-efficient transformers is usually 10%-20% lower than that of ordinary transformers.
2. High Operating Efficiency: Due to the reduction in no-load loss and load loss, the operating efficiency of energy-efficient transformers is higher than that of ordinary transformers under different load rates. Especially during light load operation (e.g., distribution transformers often operate at 30%-60% load rate), the efficiency advantage of energy-efficient transformers is more obvious, which can effectively reduce energy waste during long-term operation.
3. Long Service Life: Insulation materials with higher temperature resistance (such as Class N insulating paper and high-temperature resistant insulating oil) are used, and the heat dissipation design is optimized (such as increasing heat dissipation area and adopting forced oil circulation cooling) to improve the thermal stability of the transformer, extend its service life, and indirectly reduce energy and resource consumption caused by equipment replacement.
Main Types of Energy-efficient Transformers 1. S11 and S13 Series Oil-immersed Distribution Transformers: These are widely promoted energy-efficient oil-immersed transformers in China. The S11 series adopts a fully sealed structure and high-permeability silicon steel sheets, with no-load loss reduced by about 30% compared to the S9 series. The S13 series further optimizes the core and winding design, with no-load loss reduced by more than 20% compared to the S11 series, and has better short-circuit resistance. 2. SCB10 and SCB13 Series Dry-type Distribution Transformers: Suitable for places with high requirements for fire and explosion protection (such as high-rise buildings, hospitals, and subways). The SCB10 series uses epoxy resin casting technology with low load loss. The SCB13 series, through improving core materials and winding processes, reduces both no-load loss and load loss by 15%-20% compared to the SCB10 series, with low partial discharge and low noise. 3. Amorphous Alloy Transformers: Amorphous alloy materials are used as the core. Amorphous alloys have excellent magnetic properties, and their no-load loss is only 1/3-1/5 of that of traditional silicon steel sheet transformers, making them one of the energy-efficient transformers with the lowest no-load loss currently. However, amorphous alloy materials have high hardness and brittleness, which makes processing difficult and costs relatively high. They are mainly suitable for occasions with long no-load operation time and low load rates (such as distribution transformers in rural power grids and urban distribution networks). Application and Promotion of Energy-efficient Transformers Policy Support: The state has included energy-efficient transformers in the promotion catalog of energy-saving products, and promotes the replacement of ordinary transformers through financial subsidies, mandatory energy efficiency standards, and other means. For example, the *Minimum Allowable Values of Energy Efficiency and Energy Efficiency Grades for Power Transformers* (GB 20052-2021) stipulates that since June 1, 2022, newly produced transformers must meet energy efficiency level 2 or above, further eliminating high-energy-consuming products. Economic Benefits: Although the initial purchase cost of energy-efficient transformers is 10%-30% higher than that of ordinary transformers, the cost can usually be recovered within 3-8 years through long-term energy savings. Taking a 1000kVA S13 series oil-immersed transformer as an example, compared with the S9 series, it can save about 5000-8000 kWh of electricity annually. Based on the industrial electricity price of 0.8 yuan/kWh, the annual electricity cost savings range from 4000 to 6400 yuan. In conclusion, energy-efficient transformers are key equipment for energy conservation and consumption reduction in power systems. Their promotion and application are of great practical significance for achieving the "dual carbon" goals and promoting energy structure transformation. With the continuous advancement of material technology and manufacturing processes, the performance of energy-efficient transformers will be further improved, and their costs will gradually decrease, leading to wider applications in various fields in the future.
