Asset management techniques for transformers

On-line monitoring and diagnosis of transformers have been investigated and discussed significantly in last decade. This study has concentrated on issues arising while on-line transformer winding deformation diagnosis is going to be applied on transformers with various kinds of techniques. From technical perspective, before replacing off-line methods by on-line methods and eventually by intelligent approaches, practical challenges must be addressed and overcome. Hence, available off-line transformer winding deformation diagnosis methods are discussed precisely. Mathematical calculation in on-line short circuit impedance measurement is investigated. On-line transformer transfer function measurement setup is presented. A profound insight to the problems pertaining on-line transformer winding deformation recognition methods, characterizes existing online methods, explains the concepts behind online measurements and striving to open the discussion doors towards challenges are discussed. In the end a 400 MVA step up transformer has been taken as a case in order to clarify the capability of Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) method in fault detection while short circuit impedance could only demonstrate some rough understanding about transformer condition.

Advanced transformer winding deformation diagnosis: moving from off-line to on-line

Sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA) for the assessment of winding displacements and deformation in power transformers

Power transformers are in service under different environmental, electrical, and mechanical conditions [1] and may be subject to enormous hazards during the course of operation [2], [3]. They are commonly considered to be the heart of the transmission and distribution sectors of electric power systems; monitoring their condition and diagnosing faults are important parts of the maintenance function [4]. Utility engineers strive to keep power transformers in service and to prevent even shortterm outages. Failure of a transformer can cause extensive damage to equipment owned by consumers or the utility [5].

Frequency response analysis and short-circuit impedance measurement in detection of winding deformation within power transformers

With the increasing age of the primary equipment of the electrical grids there exists also an increasing need to know its internal condition. For this purpose, off- and online diagnostic methods and systems for power transformers have been developed in recent years. Online monitoring is used continuously during operation and offers possibilities to record the relevant stresses which can affect the lifetime. The evaluation of these data offers the possibility of detecting oncoming faults early. In comparison to this, offline methods require disconnecting the transformer from the electrical grid and are used during planned inspections or when the transformer is already failure suspicious. This contribution presents the status and current trends of different diagnostic techniques of power transformers. It provides significant tutorial elements, backed up by case studies, results and some analysis. The broadness and improvements of the presented diagnostic techniques show that the power transformer is not anymore a black box that does not allow a view into its internal condition. Reliable and accurate condition assessment is possible leading to more efficient maintenance strategies.

Diagnostic Measurements for Power Transformers

Frequency response analysis (FRA) is an emerging, powerful non-intrusive condition monitoring and diagnostic tool for verifying the mechanical integrity of power transformers. FRA results are graphical in nature and require trained experts to interpret test results. The work reported discusses numerical-criteria-based evaluation techniques. Persons not familiar with interpreting the FRA results can apply the evaluation criteria. The various criteria help in deriving proper conclusions. By evaluating correlation coefficient (CC), standard deviation and absolute sum of logarithmic error (ASLE) techniques, it is possible to discriminate between defective and non-defective windings. Experimental studies were conducted on two test transformers for axial and radial displacements, and additionally two sets of identical substation transformers. The techniques mentioned above are useful for interpreting frequency responses even in situations when a reference fingerprint was not available. However, it was concluded that if original fingerprints are available, the method gives very reliable indication for diagnosing the faulty winding. In addition, the severity of displacement/deformation can also be concluded from the amount of variation of the parameters from the suggested critical values.

Application of numerical evaluation techniques for interpreting frequency response measurements in power transformers

The paper deals with the frequency response analysis (FRA) technique, which uses sweep frequency responses of the transformer winding to study the various aspects of winding deformations. Experimental and theoretical investigations were carried out on the HV disc winding of a 11 kV/433 V, 1 MVA transformer. Sweep frequency responses of this transformer were obtained experimentally. Theoretical computations of frequency responses using EMTP are made by representing the transformer winding as ladder network parameters, comprising inductances and capacitances that are computed from its design data. The paper presents the theoretical and experimental results and analysis of the frequency responses on the variations of the winding parameters, which represents the winding deformation.

B.P. Singh

Papers

Application of numerical evaluation techniques for interpreting frequency response measurements in power transformers

Frequency response analysis approach for condition monitoring of transformer

Turn Fault Characteristics of Transformer Using Transfer Function Method