The
transformer tank or enclosure of a power transformer is fabricated of
welded
steel.
The tank contains the transformer core and coil assembly. It is
normally filled
with
mineral oil or a synthetic nonflammable insulating liquid that is
used as an
insulating
and cooling medium.
The
electrical power circuits must be insulated where they enter the
tank. A bushing
provides
an insulated oil-tight and weather-tight entrance for the conductor
into the
transformer.
It is usually composed of an outer porcelain body, and at higher
voltages,
additional insulation in the form of oil and wound paper is used
within the
porcelain
column.
On
larger transformers (over 500 KVA), a reservoir of oil is maintained
in a tank at a
level
above the cover of the transformer which is connected to the
transformer by a
pipe.
This is known as a conservator tank (expansion tank) and keeps the
main tank
completely
full of oil at all times, permitting expansion and contraction. An
oil level
indicator
with an alarm circuit is provided to indicate the oil level in the
conservator
tank.
The
conservator tank has a breather to the outside. In order to take care
of the
expansion
and contraction of the cooling liquid with varying temperatures,
smaller
units
have an air space above the oil, which is connected to atmosphere by
a breather.
This
breather is, arranged to prevent the entry of moisture, snow, etc,
into the
transformer
Radiators
are fitted to the tank so that a larger surface is reached by the
liquid
flowing
into the top, down the tubes of the radiators and back into the
bottom of
the
transformer.
Fans
blow air across the radiators to increase the cooling of the oil.
To
change the turns ratio on the source winding, a switch is operated by
a handwheel
on
the exterior of the tank. The handwheel is used to operate a switch
within the
tank
via an exterior operating rod and interior insulated operating rods.
The switch
takes
the form of fixed terminals or contacts arranged in a circle. Turning
the
handwheel
moves the contact or finger around the centre of the circle to
complete