Oil-immersed power transformers generate a certain amount of energy loss during operation. This loss increases approximately quadratically as the transformer’s load grows. The heat generated by these losses is dissipated primarily through radiators, which transfer most of the heat to the surrounding air via thermal exchange. Unfortunately, this heat is not utilized, leading to a significant waste of energy.

Given the vast number of oil-immersed transformers currently in use in China, the cumulative waste heat is substantial and cannot be ignored. The potential social and economic benefits would be enormous if this dispersed heat could be harnessed for centralized applications such as waste heat power generation or heating.

Innovative Design for Waste Heat Heating

An innovative approach involves retrofitting oil-immersed transformers with valves at the upper and lower sections of the transformer tank. These valves connect to inlet and outlet oil pipes of a specific diameter. These pipes are extended to a room requiring heating, where they are connected to form a closed-loop oil circulation system. The transformer oil, which maintains a certain temperature, circulates through the pipes, naturally exchanging heat with the room’s air and thereby providing heating.

This design is rooted in the principle of energy conservation, leveraging the waste heat from transformer losses as a valuable energy resource.

Broader Applications of Waste Heat Utilization

The heat generated by transformer losses is a substantial energy resource that, with smart design and bold innovation, can be effectively captured and utilized. Potential applications extend beyond heating. For instance, waste heat could be used for power generation or even stored as energy, aligning with the rapid advancements in energy storage technology. Stored waste heat could then be released when needed, serving as a critical supplement to the construction of modern power systems.

Given the enormous number of transformers in operation in China, the potential value of such innovations is immense. Moreover, efficiently utilizing waste heat from transformers could contribute significantly to reducing the greenhouse effect, cutting carbon emissions, and conserving energy, marking a breakthrough in sustainable energy practices.