American vs European style box transformers

The difference between American and European style box transformers

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American Box Transformer

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American style box transformer, also known as American prefabricated cabin, is a type of substation equipment that integrates high-voltage switchgear and transformers. It usually uses load switches and current limiting fuses as power switches, which have the advantages of simple structure, easy operation, small size, and small footprint.

Advantages of American box type transformer

Small size, small footprint, easy to place, easy to disguise, and easy to coordinate with the environment of the community. It can shorten the length of low-voltage cables, reduce line losses, and also lower the cost of power supply matching.
disadvantages of American box type transformer

• Low power supply reliability;
• Without an electric mechanism, it is impossible to install distribution automation devices;
• No capacitor device, which is not conducive to reducing line loss;
• The noise level is higher than that of type III and V stations, because type III and V stations place transformers indoors to provide sound insulation;
• In addition, decompose the concentrated electromagnetic radiation of Type III and Type V stations into multi-point radiation;
• Due to the different civil foundations of box transformers with different capacities, it is inconvenient to increase the capacity of box transformers;
• When the transformer is overloaded or the user increases capacity, the civil engineering needs to be rebuilt, which will result in a long power outage time and increase the difficulty of the project.

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European box transformer

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In contrast, the European box transformer is a type of substation equipment that separates high-voltage switchgear and transformers. It usually consists of transformers, high voltage switchgear, and low voltage switchgear, which are connected to each other through cables or other transmission media.

Advantages of European style box transformer

• The noise level is comparable to that of Type III and Type I stations;
• The radiation is lower than that of American box transformers because the transformers of European box transformers are placed inside a metal box to provide shielding;
• Distribution automation can be set up, which not only has the advantages of Type III and Type I stations, but also has the main advantages of American box type transformers.

disadvantages of European style box transformer

Large size, not conducive to installation, and has a certain impact on the environmental layout of the community.