What effect does excessive heat in a transformer have on its windings?

Concept:

In transformers, heat is a critical factor affecting the performance and longevity of the winding insulation. Excessive heat can lead to the breakdown of insulation materials, reducing their resistance and increasing the risk of short circuits, failure, or fire.

Key Effect:

Prolonged overheating causes thermal degradation of the insulation, accelerates aging, and can permanently damage the transformer windings. Thus, maintaining temperature within specified limits is essential for safe and efficient operation.

Evaluation of Options:

Option 1: It reduces insulation resistance and can cause damage –  Correct
Excessive heat deteriorates insulation and increases failure risk.

Option 2: It increases transformer efficiency –  Incorrect
Efficiency generally decreases due to increased losses and insulation breakdown.

Option 3: It improves insulation performance –  Incorrect
Heat degrades, not improves, insulation performance.

Option 4: It has no significant effect –  Incorrect
Heat has a major impact on transformer insulation and longevity.