Radiator

of
Transformer
Function of Radiator

Function of Radiator
When an electrical transformer is loaded, the current starts flowing
through its windings. Due to this flowing of electric current, heat is
produced in the windings, this heat ultimately rises the temperature of
transformer oil. We know that the rating of any electrical equipment
depends upon its allowable temperature rise limit. Hence, if the
temperature rise of the transformer insulating oil is controlled, the
capacity or rating of transformer can be extended up to significant range.
The radiator of transformer accelerates the cooling rate of
transformer. Thus, it plays a vital role in increasing loading capacity of an
electrical transformer.This is basic function of radiator of an electrical
power transformer.
Oil immersed power transformer is generally provided with detachable
pressed sheet radiator with isolating valves. But in case of small size
distributing transformer, the radiators are generally integrated parts of
transformer body and projected from the main tank.
The working principle of radiator is very simple. It just increases the
surface area for dissipating heat of the oil. In case of electrical power
transformer, due to the transport limitation, this units are sent
separately and assembled at site with transformer main body. At the
time of dispatching, the flings of radiator are blanketed by gasket and
blanketing plates. The radiator valves on the main tank are also
blanketed by gasket and blanketing plates.

Assembling and Mounting of Transformer

Radiator
Special care should be taken while removing radiators from crates and
the same care should also be taken during handling and mounting the
radiator bank. This is because any minor damage can initiate oil leakage
from the bank as radiator units are made from very thin steel sheets of
metal for good conduction of heat from oil to air.

After removing from crates, these radiators must be cleaned externally.

These are also required to be clean from inside by flashing with
transformer insulating oil. The radiator units must be assembled one by
one that means, fitting and fixing of one unit must be completed in all
respect before assembling the next unit. The assembling should be
started from one side and finished at other side. Before assembling the
unit, remove blanketing plates from the top and bottom radiator valves.
During the removing of blanketing plates; if gasket surface is damaged,
it should be replaced by new gasket. Then the radiator unit would be
lifted vertically and brought nearer to the respective main tank valves.
Now remove the blanketing plates of the main tank valves. Fit the
radiator flange on respective valve of main tank by nuts, bolts, plain and
spring washers. Assemble all the other radiator units in same manner.

After assembling all the units, this is the time for filling insulating oil. This
should also be done one unit by one unit. For that, first the bottom valve
is opened and air release plug on the top of the radiator is also gets
slowly unscrewed. The oil from main tank will enter into the transformer
radiator unit. Air starts escaping from air release plug till the unit is
totally filled with transformer insulating oil. The oil filling in the unit is

completed when oil comes out from unscrewed air release plug. After
that, the air release plug is tightened and top radiator valve is open.

Operation of Transformer Radiator

Under loaded condition, warm oil increases in volume and comes to the
upper portion of the main tank. Then this oil enters in the radiator
through top valve and cools down by dissipating heat through the thin
radiator wall. This cold oil comes back to the main tank through the
bottom radiator valve. This cycle is repeated continuously till the load is
connected to the transformer. Dissipation of heat in the transformer
radiator; can be accelerated further by force air provided by means of
fans. These fans are fitted either on the radiator bank itself or fitted
nearby the bank but all the fans must be faced towards the radiator.
Sometime, the cooling rate of convectional circulation of oil is not
sufficient. That time an oil pump may be used for speeding up oil
circulation.