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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-08-28 Origin: Site
In the era of digital transformation, data centers have become the heart of enterprises, and transformers are the critical equipment that keeps this heart beating. Selecting the right transformer is not only related to the energy efficiency and operational costs of the data center but also directly impacts business continuity and data security.
In the era of digital transformation, data centers have become the heart of enterprises, and transformers are the critical equipment that keeps this heart beating. Selecting the right transformer is not only related to the energy efficiency and operational costs of the data center but also directly impacts business continuity and data security.
Choosing transformers for large data centers requires consideration of multiple principles including load capacity, efficiency and energy consumption, stability, reliability, and adaptability. As the core equipment of the power system, the selection and setup of transformers directly affect the stable operation of the entire data center.
This article will detail the key factors to consider when selecting transformers suitable for data centers to help you make informed decisions.
Data centers have extremely high requirements for power supply. The load primarily consists of electronic information equipment such as servers, storage devices, and supporting auxiliary equipment like air conditioning and cooling systems. To avoid interference from air conditioning and cooling equipment on electronic devices, transformers are often set up separately according to different load categories during system configuration.
Dedicated data center transformers need to possess the following characteristics:
High Reliability Requirements: The load class (grade) in data centers is mostly above Level 1, demanding extremely high power supply reliability.
High Efficiency Requirements: Should meet or exceed Class 1 energy efficiency standards.
Strong Overload Capacity: Able to handle sudden load increases.
High Fire Safety Requirements: Ensure the safe operation of the data center.
Selecting a transformer with sufficient load capacity is very important because the load of large data centers typically increases with business development.
The optimal load rate (actual load / rated capacity) for a transformer is 70%-85%, which is the industry-recognized "golden range." A load rate below 70% causes the transformer to run under light load for extended periods, with no-load losses accounting for an excessively high proportion. Conversely, a load rate above 85% pushes the transformer close to full load, intensifying coil heating and drastically increasing the risk of failure.
Large data centers typically need to operate for long periods, so transformer efficiency and energy consumption are crucial factors to consider. High-efficiency transformers can reduce energy consumption and improve energy utilization, saving costs for data center operations.
When selecting a transformer, it is essential to compare not only the purchase price but also the "no-load loss + load loss." These losses are the invisible killers of electricity bills and, in the long run, may far exceed the initial price difference.
Stability is very important during data center operation. Choosing a highly stable transformer can guarantee the normal operation of the data center, avoiding data loss or other issues caused by voltage problems.
Reliability is one of the important standards for measuring equipment quality. A reliable transformer can avoid data interruptions and losses caused by equipment failures. The continuous operation of the data center is crucial for enterprises, so selecting transformers with high reliability and stability is paramount.
Transformers should possess high voltage stability to ensure data center equipment can operate steadily and avoid damage from voltage fluctuations. For data centers, equipment such as servers and UPS are sensitive to harmonics (excessive harmonics can cause equipment malfunctions). It is necessary to choose transformers with low harmonic distortion rate (≤3%) and harmonic suppression function.
As equipment in large data centers generates a significant amount of heat during operation, transformers need to have excellent heat dissipation performance to prevent failures caused by overheating. Heat dissipation for data center transformers primarily uses the AN/AF method, i.e., natural cooling supplemented by forced air cooling.
Modern data centers are increasingly focusing on environmental protection and safety performance. High-performance silicone rubber insulating materials possess V0 grade combustion characteristics—they are non-flammable and do not produce toxic smoke—making them highly suitable for the fire safety requirements of data centers. Furthermore, the main components of silicone rubber insulating materials are dimethylsiloxane and thermally conductive fillers, which are non-toxic. They are harmless to human health during the production, operation, and recycling processes of transformer windings, involve no exhaust gas or waste liquid emissions, and the materials can be recycled at the end of their life cycle.
| Feature / Type | Epoxy Resin Dry-Type Transformer | Oil-Immersed Transformer |
| Energy Efficiency Class | Meets Class 1 efficiency | Generally meets Class 1 efficiency |
| Safety | Good, but may crack | Poor, fire and pollution risk |
| Environmental Friendliness | Average, difficult to recycle | Poor, insulating oil may pollute environment |
| Heat Dissipation | Good | Good |
| Adaptability | Suitable for general environments | Has requirements for installation environment |
| Cost | Medium | Lower |
Selecting the appropriate transformer capacity requires comprehensive consideration of current load and future growth needs. It can be calculated using the following formula:
S = Maximum Load × (1 + Growth Factor) ÷ Load Rate
For example, assuming the data center's maximum load is 600kW, and a 20% load growth is expected in the next 3 years (i.e., 720kW), the recommended transformer capacity would be:
S = 720kW × 1.2 ÷ 0.85 ≈ 1030kVA → Choose 1000kVA or 1250kVA (standard capacity rating).
When choosing a transformer brand, the principle should be "choose large brands over small ones"—long-term service is more important than low price. The gap between large brands and small manufacturers lies in the "invisible details":
Production Process: Large factories have automated production lines with high winding precision (error ≤ 0.5%).
Quality Control: Large factories implement ISO9001 certification, with over 100 inspections performed on each transformer before leaving the factory.
After-Sales Service: Large brands have a national warranty network (on-site repair within 48 hours) and stable parts supply.
When selecting a data center transformer, it is also necessary to consider the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over 10 or even 20 years, rather than just comparing the initial capital investment. This includes the initial investment, operational energy costs, maintenance costs, and potential costs of production losses.
Selecting a transformer suitable for a data center is a decision-making process that requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors.
