Indepth Electrical engineering

Silica Gel in Transformers – Functions, Working & Replacement Guide Transformers are the backbone of power systems, and their reliable operation depends largely on the condition of insulating oil . Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of transformer insulation, as it reduces dielectric strength and accelerates aging. To counter this, every transformer with a conservator tank is fitted with a Silica Gel Breather . This article explains: Why silica gel is required in transformers The functions of a silica gel breather When and how to change silica gel Why is Silica Gel Required in Transformers? When a transformer is on full load or at load, oil temperature rises , leading to expansion of transformer oil. As oil expands, the trapped air above the conservator oil level escapes. When the load reduces, the oil cools down and contracts, creating a vacuum inside the conservator. This vacuum pulls atmospheric air back into the conservator tank. 👉 The problem: Atmosp...

Copper Rotors in Induction Motors: Advantages Over Aluminum Rotors Induction motors form the backbone of industrial operations, and their performance largely depends on the design of the rotor . Traditionally, aluminum has been the material of choice for rotor bars and end rings due to its low melting point and ease of die casting. However, with advancements in manufacturing techniques, die-cast copper rotors have emerged as a superior alternative, offering significant energy efficiency and environmental benefits . Why Copper for Rotors? Higher electrical conductivity: Copper has nearly 60% higher conductivity than aluminum , which means lower resistive (I²R) losses. Improved energy efficiency: Less power wasted as heat translates into higher motor efficiency. Durability: Copper rotors withstand thermal and mechanical stresses better than aluminum. While copper’s higher melting point (~1085°C compared to aluminum’s ~660°C) initially made manufacturing difficult...

Lubrication Interval of Motor In Induction motors Lubrication plays an important part for efficient operation of motor. Timely lubrication also leads to lower breakdown of motors. Below is the lubrication interval of the motor. Vibration Level In motors:- Vibration of an electrical machine is closely related to its assembly on the application and, thus, it is generally desirable to perform vibration measurements under installation and operational conditions. Nevertheless, to allow evaluation of the vibration generated by the electrical machine itself in a way to allow reproducibility of the tests and the obtaining of comparative measurements, it is necessary to perform such measurements with the machine uncoupled, under controlled test conditions. The test conditions and vibration limits described here are those found in IEC 60034-14. The severity of vibration is the maximum value of vibration found among all the recommended measurement points and directio...

Dimmers are used for controlling brightness of the light. Dimmers are used to change the waveform of the voltage applied to the light. Dimmers are used for controlling voltage of resistive loads lights i.e. for CFL’s, Bulbs, resistive incandescent, LED lights etc. Dimmer chops the voltage applied to light. Which will allows chopped part of voltage to pass to light.  Dimmers are available in different sizes and ratings, they have sizes as small as size light switch to control domestic lighting and have as higher rating for controlling lighting installations in theatres and architectural lightings. Above pic shows small size of dimmer used domestic lights Dimmer is wired in series with the lamp. The lighting dimmer control is done by potentiometer. To control voltage in lighting potentiometer needed to be rotated to control the voltage. From above pic you can see how Dimmer is wired in circuit. Dimmers are available in different ratings from 600-1000 W rating, de...