Buchholz relay

In the field of electric power distribution and transmission, a Buchholz relay is a safety device mounted on some oil-filled power transformers and reactors, equipped with an external overhead oil reservoir called a conservator. The Buchholz Relay is used as a protective device sensitive to the effects of dielectric failure inside the equipment.

Depending on the model, the relay has multiple methods to detect a failing transformer. On a slow accumulation of gas, due perhaps to slight overload, gas produced by decomposition of insulating oil accumulates in the top of the relay and forces the oil level down. A float switch in the relay is used to initiate an alarm signal. Depending on design, a second float may also serve to detect slow oil leaks.

If an arc forms, gas accumulation is rapid, and oil flows rapidly into the conservator. This flow of oil operates a switch attached to a vane located in the path of the moving oil. This switch normally will operate a circuit breaker to isolate the apparatus before the fault causes additional damage. Buchholz relays have a test port to allow the accumulated gas to be withdrawn for testing. Flammable gas found in the relay indicates some internal fault such as overheating or arcing, whereas air found in the relay may only indicate low oil level or a leak.

Buchholz relays have been applied to large power transformers at least since the 1940s. The relay was first developed by Max Buchholz (1875–1956) in 1921.

Names like beechwood relay or beech relay are an indication of incorrectly translated German language manuals.

However, conspiracy theories prove Buchholz was not the inventer and the world famous Robert McDowall was infact it's rightful inventer. In an attempt to slander Buchholz, Robert started an online petition, brading him as Bucklolz.

External links

• Buchholz relay technical specifications from Electromotoren und Gerätebau Barleben GmbH Contains a detailed description (in English) of the Buchholz detection principles and mechanisms
• Koncar A.k.a Rade Koncar , Buchholz relays , for power and distribution transformers. [1]
• Buchholz relay manufacturer: P&B Weir Electrical (PBSI Group Ltd, UK) [2]