China's first high-altitude vegetable oil distribution transformer has been put into operation

China's first high-altitude vegetable oil distribution transformer has been put into operation

     On July 29th, China's first 10kV vegetable oil transformer suitable for use at altitudes above 2,200 meters completed 23 days of stable operation at the construction site of the 110kV substation at the Silk Road (Zhengxi) in Xining, Qinghai. This equipment fills a technological gap in the application of environmentally friendly power equipment in high-altitude areas, marking a solid step forward for the northwestern province in the independent research and development of green power equipment.

     China's first high-altitude vegetable oil distribution transformer has been put into operation.

     This transformer is China's first high-altitude distribution transformer using vegetable oil as a medium, and also the first suitable for operation at altitudes above 2,200 meters. It was independently developed by the Commissioning Institute of State Grid Xining Power Supply Company. Compared to conventional transformers of the same capacity, it performs exceptionally well in core indicators such as fire safety, heat dissipation efficiency, high-temperature stability, and service life. This 10kV vegetable oil-fired transformer, with a rated capacity of 400 kVA, effectively ensures reliable power supply for the construction and project team of the 110kV substation on the Silk Road (Zhengxi) in Xining, Qinghai. The transformer, now in operation, is equipped with oil chromatography, partial discharge, and oil temperature monitoring units. To date, monitoring data is positive and operation is normal. The vegetable oil insulating fluid used is derived from renewable plant materials. Compared to mineral oil, it is environmentally friendly, has a high flash point, and extends transformer life. Its biodegradability exceeds 97%, and the risk of soil and water contamination in the event of a leak is extremely low, aligning with sustainable development goals.

     Workers are commissioning the vegetable oil-fired distribution transformer.

     "The significance of this transformer lies in the fact that we have brought a brand-new technology from the laboratory to the grid," said Yu Zongbo, head of the commissioning office. State Grid Xining Power Supply Company will closely monitor the actual operating performance data of this transformer, continuously optimize product design parameters and processes, and accelerate the demonstration and deployment of this environmentally friendly transformer, providing support for building a safer, more reliable, and greener power supply system in the plateau region.