E-lesson

Transformer oil – e- lesson #1 – Introduction: A brief overview of transformers based on insulation systems

This is the first e-lesson in the Transformer Oil course, authored and hosted by C. S. NARASIMHAN.

Basic level
Transformer oil - e-lesson #1 - illustration 850 x 400
Basic level

Hosted by: C. S. NARASIMHAN. / Free, Basic level

This lesson provides an introduction to transformer oils and the different types of transformers based on insulation systems. It explains why oil-insulated transformers, particularly those using mineral oil, are the most widely used. The lesson compares the characteristics and applications of oil-insulated, gas-insulated, and dry-type transformers, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each. It also briefly introduces high-temperature superconducting (HTS) transformers as a specialized technology. The major manufacturers of transformer oils are listed, and the course structure is outlined, with the basic level focusing on oil properties, standards, and key concepts. Attendees are encouraged to register for the upcoming lessons to fully understand the comprehensive course material. <!-- To know what to expect in the entire course, please see the Transformer Oil brochure.-->

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The topic covers the following aspects:

  • Why mineral oil is the most popular fluid among different oils
  • A technical comparison of oil-filled transformers (OIT) with gas-insulated transformers, dry-type transformers and liquid nitrogen cooled transformers highlighting the major advantages of OITs over the other types of transformers
  • Finally, a list of major transformer oil suppliers and the grades of oils they make will also be provided

Keywords: mineral oil, oil-filled transformers, SF6 insulated transformer, dry type, HTS 

About the author

CS NARASIMHAN 300 x 300

C. S. NARASIMHAN.

Dr. Narasimhan is a Ph.D. in Chemistry with over 30 years of experience in Industrial R&D. While working as a technical director in a major oil company manufacturing transformer oils, he led project teams for developing and commercializing mineral oils for EHV applications and ester fluids. He is a member of several IEC and CIGRE committees dealing with transformer oils. He has several publications and patents to his credit.