What are the main components of a power transformer?

Power transformers depend on a coordinated set of essential components to achieve reliable voltage conversion and efficient energy transmission. The key parts that form their functional core include windings, iron cores, oil tanks, bushings, transformer oil, and cooling mechanisms.

Encased in a sturdy metal enclosure, the inner workings of a power transformer remain hidden from view. Beneath this protective shell lies a precision-engineered arrangement: tightly coiled metal windings wrapped around a laminated iron core. The iron core itself is constructed from stacked silicon steel sheets—a design choice that minimizes eddy current losses and maximizes magnetic conductivity, laying the foundation for the transformer’s operational efficiency.

To ensure both effective heat management and robust insulation, the entire winding-core assembly is fully submerged in specialized transformer oil within the transformer’s oil tank. This oil plays a dual critical role: it enhances the internal insulation strength of the transformer, preventing electrical breakdown between components, and efficiently dissipates the heat generated during operation—keeping the system within safe temperature limits.

Connecting the transformer’s internal windings to external circuits requires a reliable insulating solution: bushings. These components act as a secure barrier between the high-voltage internal parts and the external environment, facilitating smooth electrical transfer while preventing leakage or short circuits. By isolating the internal windings from external connections, bushings ensure the transformer operates safely and stably in various power system setups.