Reasons for Transformer Odor and Sudden Burn - out after Use
After a transformer has been in use for a period of time, if there is an abnormal odor and it suddenly burns out, it may be caused by the following reasons:
Insulation Aging
During the operation of the transformer, due to long - term exposure to environmental factors such as high temperature and high humidity, the insulation materials gradually age, resulting in a decline in insulation performance. When the insulation performance deteriorates to a certain extent, problems such as short - circuits and leakage may occur in the transformer, which can trigger a fire. For example, in some industrial plants with high temperature and high humidity, the aging rate of the transformer's insulation materials is significantly accelerated.
Overload Operation
When the transformer operates under overload for a long time, the internal temperature will rise, accelerating the aging of the insulation materials. At the same time, overload operation can also increase the magnetic flux density of the transformer's core, generating eddy currents, which intensify the heating of the transformer and affect its insulation performance. In the long - term vicious cycle of overload and heating, the insulation system of the transformer will rapidly collapse, eventually leading to a burnout accident. For instance, during peak power consumption periods in some areas, transformers are prone to such problems due to excessive loads.
Poor Contact
Poor contact inside the transformer can cause local overheating, which may trigger a fire. In addition, poor contact can also lead to current leakage, causing the transformer to operate in an overloaded state and accelerating the aging of the insulation. For example, if the terminal connections inside the transformer are not tightened properly, poor contact problems are likely to occur.
External Force Damage
During the transportation, installation, and maintenance of the transformer, it may be damaged by external forces. For example, during transportation, due to vehicle bumps and collisions, or improper operations during installation, such as being hit or squeezed by heavy objects, the transformer may be damaged. These external force damages may cause the internal insulation materials of the transformer to be broken, leading to problems such as short - circuits. Once a short - circuit occurs, a large amount of current is released instantaneously, generating a large amount of heat in a short time and ultimately causing the transformer to burn out. There have been cases where large construction machinery operating improperly hit the transformer being installed, resulting in internal damage and eventual burnout.
Design Defects
Design defects in the transformer can also lead to malfunctions during its operation. For example, if the heat - dissipation design of the transformer is unreasonable and the heat - dissipation capacity is insufficient, the heat generated during operation cannot be dissipated in a timely manner, resulting in an excessive internal temperature, accelerating insulation aging, and increasing the risk of malfunctions. In addition, incomplete protection devices are also common design problems. For example, if over - current protection, over - voltage protection and other devices are not accurately set or lack functions, when the transformer faces abnormal operating conditions, it cannot be protected in a timely and effective manner, undoubtedly increasing the possibility of the transformer burning out. Some old - model transformers may have such design defects due to the limitations of design concepts and technical levels at that time.