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As an electrical equipment purchasing person, you will inevitably feel confused when choosing: what is the difference between a transformador y un transformador de potencia? Why are there such large differences in price, size, and applicable scenarios for the same voltage conversion equipment?
This article will help you clearly distinguish between transformadores y transformadores de potencia from basic concepts to core differences, and summarize key information such as types, uses, and prices of power transformers to provide clear guidance for your purchasing decisions.
A transformer is a stationary electrical device based on the principle of electromagnetic induction to realize the conversion of AC energy between different voltage levels. Its core function is to change the voltage, isolate the circuit or match the impedance, and is widely used in power, electronics, industry and other fields.
From the point of view of types, transformers are classified in a variety of ways: according to their uses, they can be divided into power transformers, control transformadores de potencia, distribution transformers, etc. According to the cooling method, it can be divided into dry type and oil-immersed type; Transformers can be divided into low-voltage, medium-voltage and high-voltage transformers according to voltage level. Among them, control power transformers are often used for local power supply in machine tools and automation equipment, with low voltage levels and small capacities. The line power transformer, on the other hand, focuses on voltage regulation in power lines and is an important branch of the transformer family.
Power transformer is the core category of transformer designed for high voltage, large capacity, and long-distance power transmission, and is the “heart equipment” of power system generation, transmission, and distribution.
Core definition and key characteristics
Compared with ordinary transformers, the core characteristics of transformadores de potencia are reflected in “big” and “high”: high voltage level, large capacity, strong endurance, and can adapt to a complex power grid environment and long-term continuous operation requirements.
Core components of transformadores de potencia
The structure of the power transformer is more complex, and the process requirements are higher. The core components include:
Types of power transformers
Chuanli’s transformadores de potencia cover a variety of types and are suitable for different scenarios:
According to use: Step-up transformer, step-down transformer, isolation transformer.
According to the cooling method: Dry type transformer, oil-immersed type transformer.
According to special needs: High altitude transformer, anti-corrosion transformer, photovoltaic special transformer.
General transformers: suitable for low voltage and small capacity scenarios, such as control transformers for local power supply of equipment, electronic transformers for household appliances and instruments, and line transformers for short-distance low-voltage line regulation;
Power Transformer: Focuses on high voltage and large capacity scenarios, such as power plant boosting, long-distance transmission, and large industrial park distribution, which is also the core field of power transformer application.
Common transformers: voltage level ≤ 1 kV, capacity ≤ 100 kVA, such as common control transformer capacity of 1 kVA-10 kVA;
Power transformer: voltage level ≥ 10 kV, capacity ≥ 400 kVA, is the most intuitive indicator to distinguish between the two.
General transformer: It can withstand intermittent load, such as the start-stop load of machine tool equipment, and has low requirements for continuous operation.
Power transformer: It needs to withstand long-term continuous load, and in some scenarios, it also needs to withstand short-term shocks of 120% of the rated load.
Ordinary transformer: Simple structure, low requirements for iron core and winding process, mostly small-sized design;
Power transformer: Adopt high-strength structure design, iron core stacking precision reaches millimeter level, winding adopts vacuum impregnation process, insulation performance is stronger; The oil-immersed products are equipped with explosion-proof oil tanks, and the dry products use epoxy cast winding, which can adapt to complex working conditions.
General transformers: The energy efficiency requirements are relatively low, the no-load loss and load loss are relatively high, due to the small capacity, the impact on the overall energy consumption is limited.
Power transformer: As a high-capacity, long-term operation equipment, energy efficiency is the core indicator.
Ordinary transformer: Usually installed indoors, small in size and light in weight; no special site conditions are required.
Power transformer: The oil-immersed type is usually installed in outdoor substations, and the dry type can be installed in large indoor rooms.
Ordinary transformer: simple maintenance, only needs to clean and check the wiring regularly, and has a low maintenance cost.
Power transformer: requires specialized maintenance, including oil quality testing (oil-immersed), insulation testing, cooling system inspection, etc.
General transformers: Design life 10-10 years, due to load fluctuations and process limitations, actual life may be shorter.
Power transformer: The design life of Chuanli Power Transformer Manufacturer products is more than 25 years. Through high-quality materials and precise technology, the actual operating life can reach more than 20 years, and the average fault-free working time is far beyond that of ordinary transformers.
General transformers: Most of them are standardized products, with fewer customized requirements.
Power transformer: Needs to be customized according to the voltage, capacity, and environment of the project. Chuanli supports full-dimensional customization from the number of turns of the winding, cooling method, and protection level, to meet the needs of special scenarios.
Ordinary transformer: Low noise requirement, usually ≤70dB is enough;
Power transformer: Especially in urban distribution networks, subways, and other scenes, noise control is strict.
Ordinary transformer: Light weight (≤50kg), can be moved and installed by hand;
Power transformer: Weighing hundreds of kilograms or even several tons, it requires professional lifting equipment and an installation team. Chuanli provides a one-stop service of logistics tracking and on-site installation guidance to ensure smooth installation.
General transformers: Meet basic electrical standards;
Power transformer: Must comply with IEC 60 076, GB 1094 and other strict international and domestic standards. Chuanli products have passed ISO 900 1, CE and other certifications, and have participated in national projects such as the Three Gorges Dam and Western Power Transmission. Compliance is guaranteed.
| Comparison Dimensions | Ordinary Transformer | Transformador de potencia | Chuanli Power Transformer Advantages |
| Nivel de tensión | ≤1kV | 10kV-220kV | Covers the entire voltage range, suitable for diverse scenarios |
| Capacity Range | ≤100kVA | 400kVA-10MVA | Large capacity design, supports 120% overload operation |
| Escenarios de aplicación | Equipment control, home appliances, and low-voltage lines | Power generation, transmission, industrial distribution, and new energy grid connection | Suitable for core scenarios such as power plants, subways, and industrial parks |
| Load Characteristics | Primarily intermittent loads | Long-term continuous loads + short-term impacts | Stable structure, resistant to complex load fluctuations |
| Energy Efficiency Level | Ordinary energy efficiency | Level 1 energy efficiency | Energy saving of 20%, lower long-term operating costs |
| Entorno de instalación | Primarily indoors, no special requirements | Outdoor/Large indoor spaces require heat dissipation space | IP65 protection, suitable for environments from -40℃ to +70℃ |
| Requisitos de mantenimiento | Simple, regular cleaning | Professional, regular oil cleaning/ Insulation Testing | Maintenance manual provided + on-site inspection, reducing workload |
| Design life | 0-15 years | 25+ years | High-quality materials + precision manufacturing for a longer lifespan |
| Personalización | Standardization is the primary focus | Full-Dimensional Scenario Customization | Supports customized requirements for voltage, capacity, and protection |
| Noise Level | ≤70dB | ≤65dB (oil immersion) / ≤55dB (dry type) | Low-noise design, suitable for urban environments |
| Logistics and installation | Manually operable | Professional hoisting and installation team | One-stop logistics + installation guidance service |
| Compliance Certifications | Basic Electrical Standards | IEC, GB, ISO 9001, etc. | Multiple international certifications and national-level project verifications |
A certain new energy automobile park needs to purchase transformers to reduce the 110kV voltage of the power grid to 10kV to supply power to many factories in the park, while also meeting the stable power supply requirements of some high-precision equipment. Initially, the buyer considered choosing large distribution transformers, but after evaluation by the technicians of Chuanli:
Project requirements: Voltage 110kV → 10kV, capacity 5MVA, long-term continuous operation, noise ≤60dB, installed in outdoor substation;
Selection conclusion: Ordinary distribution transformers cannot meet the requirements of 110kV high voltage and 5MVA large capacity, and power transformers need to be selected.
Chuanli solution: Provide a 110kV oil-immersed power transformer, energy efficiency 98.8%, noise ≤62dB, protection level IP65, equipped with an intelligent monitoring sensor (real-time monitoring temperature, current), perfectly adapted to the needs of the park.
After one year of operation, the power transformer did not have any faults, and the annual electricity saving was about 80,000 yuan. The stable voltage output ensured the normal operation of the precision equipment. This is the core value of choosing the right power transformer.
For buyers, choosing a reliable power transformer manufacturer is more important than simply comparing the price of power transformers. High-quality manufacturers can provide “product + service + guarantee” full-process support, and the core advantage of Chuanli lies in:
Product quality is guaranteed
Chuanli adopts high-quality raw materials (anodized copper, high-permeability silicon steel sheet) purchased from around the world. Through laser cutting, automated welding, vacuum impregnation and other precision processes, each device needs to undergo more than 10 strict tests such as pressure test and partial discharge test, before leaving the factory (power transformer testing) to eliminate congenital quality defects.
Full category coverage + customization capability
Chuanli’s power transformadores cover all types of oil-immersed, dry, step-up, step-down, etc. At the same time, it supports customized needs such as high altitude, anti-corrosion, and compactness, and can precisely match your project scenario.
Lifecycle services
From the initial selection guidance, the provision of power transformer diagrams, to logistics and transportation, on-site installation and commissioning, to later maintenance and warranty services, Chuanli provides full-process support to make your purchase worry-free.
Visualization of product and component recognition
Chuanli can provide power transformer pictures with names and detailed explanations of core components to help you understand the product structure intuitively and facilitate maintenance and management in the future.
As a buyer, you need to be clear: Transformer is the general term, Power Transformer is the core category for high voltage and large capacity scenarios, and the difference between the two lies in voltage, capacity, application scenarios, energy efficiency and other key dimensions. When selecting, if your project involves power generation, long-distance transmission, large-scale industrial distribution, etc., you must choose power transformers; If it is only used for equipment control and local low-voltage power supply, ordinary transformers can meet the needs.
The core of purchasing power transformers is “adaptability”, rather than simply pursuing low prices or high parameters. To ensure the long-term stable operation of the project and maximize the return on investment, it is necessary to choose a reliable manufacturer like Chuanli, taking into account the voltage, capacity, environment, and load requirements of the project.
Q1: What is the core difference between a control power transformer and a power transformer?
A: Control transformers are mainly used for local control circuit power supply of equipment, with voltage ≤ 1 kV and capacity ≤ 10 kVA, with simple structure and small size; Power transformers are used for high-voltage and large-capacity power transmission, with voltage ≥ 10kV and capacity ≥ 400kVA, with complex processes and strong endurance.
Q2: What is the price range of power transformers? How can I get a precise quotation?
A: The price of power transformers is influenced by voltage, capacity, cooling method, and customization requirements. The price range of standard models from Chuanli is 50,000 yuan to 5 million yuan (400kVA to 10MVA). Provide your project voltage, capacity, and installation environment information, and you can get a precise quotation. Bulk purchases can enjoy preferential prices.
Q3: Can ordinary transformers and power transformers be used interchangeably?
A: Not recommended. Ordinary transformers cannot withstand high voltage and large capacity operation requirements, and forced use will cause insulation breakdown, burning and other faults. Power transformers are used in low-voltage and small-capacity scenarios, which will cause cost waste and reduced energy efficiency, and their volume and weight are too large to be installed. Chuanli‘s technical team can help you make a precise judgment to avoid making the wrong choice.
