Key Differences Between Amorphous Alloy Transformers and DryType Transformers

　　Amorphous alloy transformers and drytype transformers are distinct in core material, insulation type, working principle, performance characteristics, and application scenarios. The core difference lies in:

　　Amorphous alloy transformers: Defined by their amorphous alloy iron core (energysaving core material), which can be paired with either oilimmersed or drytype insulation.

　　Drytype transformers: Defined by their dry insulation system (no insulating oil), with iron cores typically made of traditional silicon steel (or occasionally amorphous alloy for enhanced energy efficiency).

　　Below is a detailed technical comparison based on core parameters, performance, structure, and applications:

　　Core Technical Contrasts (Deep Dive)

　　1. Core Material & Energy Efficiency (Critical Distinction)

　　Amorphous Alloy Transformers: The amorphous core’s disordered atomic structure eliminates crystalline boundaries, reducing hysteresis loss (main component of iron loss) by 7080% compared to silicon steel. For example, a 1000kVA amorphous alloy transformer has a noload loss of ~80W, while a silicon steel transformer of the same capacity has a noload loss of ~300W. This makes amorphous alloy transformers ideal for longterm lowload operation (e.g., nighttime grid distribution), where noload loss dominates energy consumption.

　　DryType Transformers: Standard models use silicon steel cores with higher iron loss, but their dry insulation system avoids oilrelated risks. For energysaving needs, manufacturers offer "amorphous core drytype transformers," which combine the advantages of both (low loss + fire safety) but with a higher price tag.

　　2. Insulation & Safety (ApplicationDriving Factor)

　　Amorphous Alloy Transformers (OilImmersed): Rely on mineral oil for insulation and cooling, but oil leakage can cause fires or environmental pollution. They require dedicated fireproof oil pits, distance from flammable materials, and regular oil quality monitoring (moisture ≤10ppm, dielectric strength ≥30kV/2.5mm).

　　DryType Transformers: Use solid insulation (epoxy resin) that is nonflammable and lowsmoke. Encapsulated models (EP/VPI) are dustproof and moistureresistant, making them suitable for harsh indoor environments (e.g., mines, chemical plants) where oilimmersed transformers are prohibited.

　　3. Structure & Installation Requirements

　　Amorphous Alloy Transformers (OilImmersed): Bulkier and heavier, requiring a solid foundation (concrete base) and adequate ventilation for heat dissipation. Outdoor installation is common, but indoor installation requires fireproof measures (e.g., firewalls, oil collection tanks).

　　DryType Transformers: Compact and lightweight, with vertical or horizontal installation options. They can be mounted on walls, floors, or cabinets, making them ideal for indoor substations with limited space (e.g., highrise buildings, data centers).

　　4. Lifespan & Maintenance

　　Amorphous Alloy Transformers (OilImmersed): Lifespan ~2025 years (limited by oil aging and core corrosion). Maintenance includes oil sampling (annual), oil change (58 years), and conservator diaphragm replacement (10 years).

　　DryType Transformers: Lifespan ~2530 years (insulation does not age like oil). Maintenance is limited to annual dust cleaning (especially in dusty environments) and insulation resistance testing (to detect moisture ingress).

　　5. Noise Performance

　　Amorphous alloy cores have lower magnetic permeability and less magnetic domain wall movement, resulting in 510dB lower noise than silicon steel cores. For example, a 1600kVA amorphous alloy transformer has a noise level of ~50dB, while a silicon steel drytype transformer of the same capacity has a noise level of ~60dB. This makes amorphous alloy transformers suitable for noisesensitive areas (e.g., residential districts, hospitals) if fire safety requirements are met.

　　Selection Guidelines

　In summary, the two types are not mutually exclusive—amorphous alloy transformers emphasize energy efficiency (core material advantage), while drytype transformers emphasize safety and environmental adaptability (insulation system advantage). The "amorphous core drytype transformer" integrates both advantages but is constrained by higher cost, making it suitable for highdemand scenarios (e.g., data centers with strict energy efficiency and fire safety requirements).