Vegetable Oil Transformer: Core Technological Breakthrough And New Market Opportunities for Low-Carbon Power Transformation

I. A New Industry Benchmark: Major Breakthrough in the 220 kV Mixed Insulating Oil Transformer

On August 5, 2025, China's first 220 kV mixed insulating oil transformer was successfully put into operation at the Bishan Substation in Chongqing, China. This marks a milestone breakthrough for vegetable oil transformer technology in the high-voltage sector. Utilizing a "60% mineral oil + 40% vegetable oil" golden ratio, the technology combines the stability of mineral oil with the oxidation resistance of vegetable oil, with key performance metrics far exceeding those of traditional mineral oil:

• Insulating paper lifespan increased by 1.91 times, with significantly reduced thermal aging rate;

• Breakdown voltage, flash point, acid value, and other indicators comprehensively optimized, meeting the requirements of National Standard GB 2536-2011;

• Directly compatible with existing transformer structures, requiring no equipment modification, reducing retrofit costs.

A Decade of R&D Effort: The Chongqing University team, after hundreds of formula adjustments and accelerated aging tests, overcame the challenge of molecular compatibility between vegetable oil and mineral oil, paving the way for large-scale application.

II. Core Advantages of Vegetable Oil Transformers: Dual Revolution in Environmental Protection and Performance

1. Green and Low-Carbon Transformation

• Vegetable insulating oil is biodegradable, posing no soil contamination risk if leaked;

• Flash point exceeding 300°C (compared to ~160°C for mineral oil), enhancing flame retardancy and significantly reducing fire hazards.

2. Performance and Cost-Effectiveness Breakthrough

• Optimized Heat Dissipation: Huaxiang Technology's patented system dynamically adjusts oil circulation via an intelligent temperature control system, solving heat dissipation challenges in confined spaces (e.g., offshore wind turbine towers);

• Reduced Lifecycle Cost: Extends equipment service life, reduces maintenance frequency, lowering comprehensive costs by over 20%.

3. Adaptability to New Energy Scenarios

• Offshore wind power step-up systems utilize compact vegetable oil transformers, adapting to the limited space within towers;

• Equipped with forced circulation pumping station systems to ensure stable operation in high-temperature and high-humidity environments.

III. Application Scenarios: From Grid Backbone to New Energy Frontiers

Data Support: State Grid (China) has accumulated tens of thousands of hours of operational data on 10-110 kV transformers, verifying the reliability of mixed oil in complex environments.

Related Pages: The offshore wind turbine nacelle/tower transformer

Conclusion: The Strategic Window of the Technology Dividend Period is Opening

The evolution of vegetable oil transformers from "laboratory specimens" to a "forest within the power grid" confirms the irreversible trend of green power equipment. As the "blood" of transformers shifts from mineral oil to a plant-based foundation, an industrial chain revolution encompassing manufacturing, marketing, and services has arrived.