Shade for Pad-mount transformers

F

FaradayFF

Senior Member
Location
California
Greetings,
We'll be installing a pad mount transformer and it will be exposed to the elements, including high ambient temperatures during hot summer months. Someone suggested we provide a shade for the can. We're talking 2MVA, oil filled unit.
I haven't seen installations where shade or some sort of cover was provided for similar units to protect them from direct sun rays, but wanted to ask the forum.
It seems like the investment to provide a covering will pay off, I just haven't seen this being provided, these pad mount units are pretty durable.
Thoughts?
Thanks,
EE
 
I've never seen it. That said, anything that reduces the oil temperature in the transformer will extend the life of the windings. But if the transformer is heavily loaded, it will be radiating a lot more heat than the sun is adding. I don't think any possible increase in transformer life would justify the expense of the enclosure.
 
It is not needed. The only time I would suggest it is if you are in death valley and expect your loads to exceed 2 MVA for a long time during the afternoon. That or you can put in a fan for better forced air on the fins. High ambient temperatures with exceeded overloading will mainly lead to a faster consumption of the FR3 oil. If you check oil level every 5 years and get it filled if it runs low, you should be okay.

All shade does is keep the paint from peeling. But you can repaint it every 5 or so years.
 
Repainting can degrade heat dissipation. Ask your transformer manufacturer.
Transformer paint lasts decades.
Theoretically, shading it can reduce sun loading, but in my over 58 hears in engineering, I have never seen it.
JMHO.
RC
 
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