Power Supply: Transformer oil management for all grid levels

Electrical energy is distributed from the various power plants to industrial operations and households via the grid levels of the power supply, and thus from generation to consumers. The individual grid levels are divided into their defined nominal voltage ranges. The different voltages are transmitted from grid level to grid level via transformers in order to be distributed within the grid levels. The most important medium in transformers and switchgear is insulating oil, which is used for insulation and heat dissipation, i.e. for cooling purposes. Electrical Oil Services ensures the safe transport of electricity across all levels with its transformer oils and accompanying services for transformers and switchgear. Read more here.

The grid levels are used to transport electrical energy efficiently from power plants to consumers and are crucial for an efficient and reliable energy supply. They enable electricity to be transported over long distances and ensure that consumers receive the amount of electricity they need.

Crossing the grid levels: Transformers and transformer oils are used in many different ways

Transformers and their insulating oils are used at all levels of the power supply grid to increase or reduce the voltage:

• Transformers are used at the transmission grid level to transport electricity over long distances with low losses at a stable voltage level at the highest grid level.
• Transformers are used at the subtransmission level to reduce the voltage from the transmission grid level to the distribution grid level 
• At the distribution grid level, transformers are used to transport the voltages to the various consumer networks and supply the electricity to industrial companies, commercial and residential areas. 
• Transformers are also used at the end consumer level to further reduce the voltage and supply electricity to individual households and businesses, as well as to charging stations for electric cars, for example
• Photovoltaic and wind systems as well as all renewable power generation systems are connected to the appropriate grid level according to their size and output.

As a reliable partner, EOS supports the maintenance of transformers - from commissioning to decommissioning

The Electrical Oil Services team regularly checks the condition of transformers by taking samples of insulating oil and carrying out additional tests. The aim is to professionally assess the quality of the transformer oil and provide network operators and companies with expert advice on the condition of their transformers.

Safe transport of electricity across all grid levels - from the high-voltage grid to the medium-voltage grid to the low-voltage grid

The grid levels are categorised as follows:

1. High-voltage grids:
   These levels have the highest nominal voltage and transport electricity over long distances from the power plants to the regional substations. The voltages involved range from 220 kV to an impressive 750 kV. These grid levels are normally not accessible to the general public and require specialised knowledge and technology to maintain and repair them.
   
   
2. Medium-voltage grids:
   Once the electricity reaches the regional substations, it is converted to a lower voltage (usually between 1 kV and 110 kV) to make it available for distribution to the various consumers. Although medium-voltage grids carry a high voltage by human standards, they are more accessible than high-voltage grids and easier for trained personnel to handle. 
   
   
3. Low-voltage grids:
   This includes the voltages supplied to our homes and businesses. Low-voltage networks in Central Europe typically have a voltage of 230 V or 400 V and are safe for general use if the relevant safety regulations are observed.

Electrical Oil Services is your partner for optimised transformer oil management for all grid levels

Electrical Oil Services specialises in insulating oils and associated services for transformers and switchgear. Large and small industrial customers, transformer manufacturers as well as transmission and distribution network operators appreciate the sustainable and professional all-round service from a single source - including customised consulting services.

Read more in these blog articles:

• Insulating oils & services: Electrical Oil Services at a glance
• EOS^® database: Well-founded decisions in transformer management
• EOS^® Mobile Processing Units: EOS has Europe's largest fleet
  
  
  

Conclusion

Transformers and their insulating oils ensure the necessary voltage changes and guarantee the correct voltage at the various grid levels. In order to maintain the quality of transformers and their insulating oils at a consistently high level and to recognise changes in quality at an early stage, manufacturers (OEMs) of transformers, transmission and distribution network operators as well as municipal utilities and industrial companies from various sectors rely on the products and services of Electrical Oil Services (EOS^®).

Benefit from our professional insulating oil analysis, treatment, maintenance services. Arrange a consultation appointment here: