New insulation for oil-filled transformers can help increase
transformer overload capabilities and provides size reduction
opportunities
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
3M today introduced an improved standard for insulating
high-temperature, liquid-filled distribution transformers. New Liquid-Filled
Transformer Insulation (LFT insulation) from 3M is designed to offer
excellent thermal stability, low moisture absorption, high thermal
conductivity, and long-term reliability.
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New Liquid-Filled Transformer Insulation (LFT insulation) from 3M is designed to offer excellent thermal stability, low moisture absorption, high thermal conductivity, and long-term reliability. (Photo: 3M)
The need for new materials that can improve transformer performance
comes as global efficiency requirements have increased. These new
standards are resulting in bigger and heavier transformers that may
require pole and pad-mount size to increase.
Because of new standards, such as IEEE C57.154™ and IEC 60076-14, LFT
insulation combined with high-temperature insulation liquids and
components can help reduce transformer size. For example, if a
transformer coil design is optimized for a higher thermal class, a
transformer with LFT insulation can be made with less conductor, less
liquid, a smaller tank, and potentially lower overall material cost,
depending upon design.
Greater Thermal Stability
In long-term thermal aging tests conducted in accordance with IEEE
C57.100™-2011 Annex A and B, LFT insulation has been assigned a 155
degrees Celsius Thermal Class rating in mineral oil – 35 degrees Celsius
higher than thermally upgraded kraft insulation.
Low Moisture Absorption
LFT insulation typically achieves 1 percent moisture content by weight
at 50 percent relative humidity and less than 5 percent moisture content
at 95 percent relative humidity, which can be up to seven times less
than thermally upgraded kraft insulation. This can help reduce energy
costs in manufacturing, because the reduced moisture content of LFT
insulation means less energy is required to dry transformer coils.
Higher Thermal Conductivity
LFT insulation provides higher thermal conductivity almost 10 percent
greater than conventional cellulose insulation, which increases heat
dissipation and may reduce coil hot spot temperatures.
Meets Sustainability Requirements
With LFT insulation, transformer designers can meet some of the most
demanding sustainability requirements with minimal environmental impact.
By increasing thermal class and thermal conductivity, transformers can
be designed smaller with less materials and lower subsequent lifecycle
waste. LFT insulation is RoHS and REACH Compliant.
Long-Term Reliability
LFT insulation resists degradation when exposed to moisture from water
ingress. This increases long-term reliability, which is a key concern
for liquid-filled transformers that must meet lifetime requirements of
most global electrical utilities. For more information, go to www.3M.com/LFTinsulation.
Since the invention of vinyl electrical tape in 1946, the 3M Electrical
Markets Division has designed and manufactured reliable products for
some of the world’s leading industries, including energy, commercial and
industrial electrical construction, oil and gas, mining, water,
transportation and manufacturing. Today, the division deploys technology
to create new solutions to help meet energy and infrastructure
challenges.
About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily.
With $32 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers
all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the
world’s problems at www.3M.com
or on Twitter @3M
or @3MNewsroom.
3M is a trademark of 3M Company.
The IEEE standards cited are
trademarks of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,
Inc. (IEEE). All other trademarks listed herein are owned by their
respective companies.
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Source: 3M