What is the efficiency of the Electric Motor ?

The efficiency of the Electric Motor is about 92 %. 

The efficiency is lower for smaller size motors.  The efficiency for smaller motors can drop to around 80%

The losses in the motor are the iron losses due to the magnetic field, the copper losses due to the current, the mechanical losses (friction and windage losses) and the stray losses such as the harmonic losses. 

How are ceramic fuses different from glass fuses ?

Ceramic Fuses are used in locations where the temperature is high.  In such locations, glass fuses cannot be used.  Ceramic fuses come in a wide range of sizes.  Some ceramic fuses are filled with ceramic fusesand to absorb the heat and to extinguish the arc.

Ceramic Fuses can also interrupt high currents as compared to glass fuses.

See Glass Fuses

Glass Fuses

Glass fuse are fuses of low current rating.  These fuses are widely used in electronics, toys and in domestic appliances.  The glass fuse consists of a hollow glass tube with two metal caps.  The fuse element is connected between the two end caps.  glass fuse

The transparent glass body makes the fuse element clearly visible from the outside.  This makes it easy for the fuse to be checked.

The downside of the glass fuse is that it has low breaking capacity.  It is also sensitive to temperature.  Hence, it cannot be used in high temperature applications.

HRC Fuses-An Overview

HRC fuses are used in circuits where the current is high.  HRC stands for High Rupturing Capacity. 

The HRC fuse consists of a porcelain body containing silica sand.  The fuse element is enclosed in a porcelain body.  The HRC fuse differs from a normal fuse in that it contains silica sand.HRC fuses

When high currents are interrupted, a powerful arc occurs.  This arc needs to be quenched.  The HRC fuse does this by using the silica sand.  The high temperature generated by the arc causes the silica sand to fuse.

This absorbs the heat energy of the arc and the arc is extinguished. 

The HRC fuse has a tin alloy in the fuse section.  This enables precise operation at a specified overcurrent value.

The advantages of the HRC fuse are quick action, ability to interrupt high currents and reliable operation. 

Hermetically Sealed Transformers

Hermetically Sealed Transformers are transformers which are airtight i.e. they do not allow the air from the atmosphere to enter the transformer.  These transformers are totally filled with oil.  Preventing the entry hermetically sealed transformerof air protects the oil from oxidation and consequent deterioration. 

Since the transformer is totally sealed, water cannot enter the transformer.  This protects the insulation from moisture. 

The transformer has low maintenance as there is no need for testing the oil or the insulation for a period of 10 years.  This reduces the life cycle cost of the Transformer. 

Since, there is no ingress of water or air into the transformer, the aging of the transformer insulation and oil are considerably reduced. 

Hermetically sealed Transformers are used applications where it is difficult to conduct maintenance such as Offshore Platforms.  Hermetically sealed transformer are more expensive to purchase.  However, since they have lower maintenance costs and downtime, the life cycle cost of these transformer is cost effective as compared to conventional transformers. 

Natural Ester Oils for Transformer Cooling

Natural Ester Oils or Esters are used in cooling Transformers.  These ester based oils are created by a reaction between a tri-alcohol and fatty acids.  Natural Oils have higher flash and fire point.  They are chemically stable.  They are also biodegradable.

 
Another important advantage is the water solubility.  Natural ester oils have a water solubility which is 20 to 30 times that of mineral oils.  Thus water is drawn from the insulation and absorbed in the oil.  This increases the life of the insulation.     They are thus considered an effective alternative to mineral oils which are environmentally risky and prone to fire accidents.

The downside is that Natural Ester Oils are more expensive.  They also have high viscosity which results in slower flow through the transformer and results in reduced heat transfer.  Natural Ester Oils are also prone to oxidation which reduces the lifespan.  Natural ester oils are used in temperate climates.  At cold climates, the flow rate is reduced. They are used in distribution and Traction Transformers.

Synthetic Ester based oils are artificial oils made by select ingredients.  These oils can be tailored to meet the exact requirements of the application.  Synthetic ester oils can be made to resist oxidation.  They can be used in cold as well as temperate climates.

Silicone Coolant in Transformers

Transformers generate tremendous amounts of heat.  This heat can be cooled by air in case of small transformers.  In large transformers, more substantial cooling media are needed.  Mineral oil is widely as a cooling medium.  Another medium of cooling transformers is Silicone Transformer Oil.

Silicone Transformer Oil has high flash point.  Hence, it can be placed closer to buildings as the risk of fire is reduced.  Silicone fluid is also self extinguishing.  The heat and smoke produced in the event of a fire is minimal.  It is not hazardous and environmentally friendly.  It can be recycled.  Its base is polydimethylsiloxane is a chemically inert material.  It does not form sludge and down not break down over its lifecycle.  The Transformer has a longer life with reduced maintenance. 

The downside is that Silicon Transformer Oils is not biodegradable. 

Useful Links

http://www.siliconerecycling.com/silicone-oil-usage-for-transformers/