The Buchholz relay in a transformer serves the following purposes:
Detection of oil level changes: It monitors variations in the oil level within the transformer. A decrease in oil level may indicate oil leakage or loss, which could compromise the transformer's insulation properties or lead to thermal overloading.
Detection of gas generation: In the event of abnormal conditions inside the transformer, such as aging insulation materials or insulation faults, gases like hydrogen and acetylene can be produced. The Buchholz relay is capable of detecting the accumulation of these gases, indicating potential issues with the transformer.
Detection of internal faults: When internal faults occur within the transformer, such as insulation breakdown, discharge, or partial discharge, gases are generated. The Buchholz relay is designed to sense the presence of these gases and trigger alarms or power disconnect actions to prevent further damage.
Providing safety protection: If the Buchholz relay detects any abnormal conditions, it typically triggers alarm alerts or power cutoff mechanisms to protect the transformer from potential hazards.
In summary, the Buchholz relay plays a crucial role in monitoring and safeguarding oil-immersed transformers, enabling early detection of internal faults or abnormal conditions to minimize potential damage and enhance the transformer's reliability. It is an essential safety device for transformers.
