Condition monitoring of transformers

Condition monitoring of transformers is the process of acquisition and processing of data related to various parameters of transformers so as to predict and prevent the failure of a transformer. This is done by observing the deviation of the transformer parameters from their expected values. Transformers are the most critical assets of electrical transmission and distribution system. Transformer failures could cause power outages, personal and environmental hazards and expensive rerouting or purchase of power from other suppliers. Transformer failures can occur due to various causes. Transformer in-service interruptions and failures usually result from dielectric breakdown, winding distortion caused by short-circuit withstand, winding and magnetic circuit hot spot, electrical disturbances, deterioration of insulation, lightning, inadequate maintenance, loose connections, overloading, failure of accessories such as OLTCs, bushings, etc.[1] Integrating the ‘individual cause’ monitoring allows for monitoring the overall condition of transformer. The important aspects of condition monitoring of transformers are:[2]

Thermal modelling

The useful life of a transformer is determined partially by the ability of transformer to dissipate the internally generated heat to its surroundings.[3] The comparison of actual and predicted operating temperatures can provide a sensitive diagnosis of the transformer condition and might indicate abnormal operation. The consequences of temperature rise may not be sudden, but gradual as long as it is within break down limit. Among these consequences, insulation deterioration is economically important. Insulation being very costly, its deterioration is undesirable. Thermal modelling is the development of a mathematical model that predicts the temperature profile of the power transformer using the principle of thermal analysis. The thermal model is used to determine the top oil temperature and hot spot temperature(maximum temperature occurring in the winding insulation system) temperature rise

Dissolved gas analysis
Main article: Dissolved gas analysis

Gases are produced by degradation of the transformer oil and solid insulating materials. Gases are generated at a much more rapid rate whenever an electrical fault occurs.[4] Normal causes of fault gases are classified into three categories: Corona or partial discharge, thermal heating and arcing. These faults can be detected by evaluating the quantities of hydrocarbon gases, hydrogen and oxides of carbon that are present in the transformer. Different gases can serve as markers for different types of faults. The concentration and the relation of individual gases allow a prediction of whether a fault has occurred and what type it is likely to be.[5]

Frequency response analysis

When a transformer is subjected to high currents through fault currents, the mechanical structure and windings are subjected to severe mechanical stresses causing winding movement and deformations. It may also result in insulation damage and turn-to-turn faults.[6] Frequency response analysis (FRA) is a non-intrusive very sensitive technique for detecting winding movement faults and deformation assessment caused by loss of clamping pressure or by short circuit forces. FRA technique involves measuring the impedance of the windings of the transformer with a low voltage sine input varying in a wide frequency range.[7]

Partial discharge analysis

Partial discharge (PD) occurs when a local electric field exceeds a threshold value, resulting in a partial breakdown of the surrounding medium. Its cumulative effect leads to the degradation of insulation.[8] PDs are initiated by the presence of defects during its manufacture, or the choice of higher stress dictated by design considerations. Measurements can be collected to detect these PDs and monitor the soundness of insulation. PDs manifest as sharp current pulses at transformer terminals, whose nature depends on the types of insulation, defects, measuring circuits and detectors used.[9]

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References
  1. Arvind Dhingra, Singh Khushdeep and Kumar Deepak, "Condition monitoring of power transformer: A review." Transmission and Distribution Conference and Exposition, 2008. T&D. IEEE/PES. IEEE, 2008.
  2. W. H. Tang and Q. H. Wu, “Condition Monitoring and Assessment of Power Transformers Using Computational Intelligence”, Springer, 2011
  3. Tang, W. H., Q. H. Wu, and Z. J. Richardson. "Equivalent heat circuit based power transformer thermal model." Electric Power Applications, IEE Proceedings-. Vol. 149. No. 2. IET, 2002.
  4. Emsley, A. M., and G. C. Stevens. "Review of chemical indicators of degradation of cellulosic electrical paper insulation in oil-filled transformers." Science, Measurement and Technology, IEE Proceedings-. Vol. 141. No. 5. IET, 1994.
  5. Wang, Dian. Ontology-based fault diagnosis for power transformers. Diss. University of Liverpool, 2011.
  6. Abu-Elanien, Ahmed EB, and M. M. A. Salama. "Survey on the transformer condition monitoring." Power Engineering, 2007 Large Engineering Systems Conference on. IEEE, 2007.
  7. Gonzalez, Carlos, et al. "Transformer diagnosis approach using frequency response analysis method." IEEE Industrial Electronics, IECON 2006-32nd Annual Conference on. IEEE, 2006.
  8. Bartnikas, R. "Partial discharges. Their mechanism, detection and measurement." Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, IEEE Transactions on 9.5 (2002): 763-808.
  9. Stone, G. C., et al. "Practical implementation of ultrawideband partial discharge detectors." Electrical Insulation, IEEE Transactions on 27.1 (1992): 70-81.
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