Maintenance and care of transformers are crucial for ensuring their normal operation and extending their service life. This mainly includes the following aspects:
Daily Inspection
Visual Inspection
Inspect the transformer casing for damage, deformation, corrosion, or leaks. Pay special attention to welded areas, around gaskets, and radiators. For example, if oil leakage is found in the transformer tank, it may indicate aging or damage to the gaskets, requiring immediate replacement.
Check the transformer's nameplate and markings for clarity and completeness, ensuring accurate reading of technical parameters and other information.
Oil Temperature and Level Check
Regularly record the transformer oil temperature. During normal operation of an oil-immersed transformer, the top oil temperature should generally not exceed 85℃ (at an ambient temperature of 40℃). The oil temperature can be read using an oil temperature gauge installed on the transformer.
Check if the oil level is within the normal range. A low oil level may expose the transformer windings to air, reducing insulation performance; a high oil level may cause abnormal pressure increases inside the transformer. The oil level should generally be within the range indicated on the oil level gauge, taking into account the effect of ambient temperature. For example, in winter, the oil level may drop due to lower oil temperature, but it should not fall below the lower limit.
Sound Inspection
A normally operating transformer will emit a uniform "humming" sound. Listening to the sound can provide a preliminary assessment of any abnormalities in the transformer. If you hear uneven sounds, sharp noises, or crackling discharge sounds, it is very likely that there is an internal fault in the transformer, such as a short circuit in the windings or a loose core.
