HV Power Transformer Monitoring
What is transformer monitoring?
Transformers are key assets in the power grid and industrial processes. Transformer monitoring reduces business risk through:
- Providing better safety for workers and the public
- Reducing unexpected failures
- Reducing unplanned outages
The consequences of an unexpected transformer failure can be catastrophic, yet many failures are preventable. The condition of a transformer is only as good as its worst performing component.
Transformer monitoring actively monitors various operating characteristics to make sure they are functioning properly. Transformer monitors collect data and send alarms to notify the user if something looks off.
There are a wide range of transformer monitors available that can detect the symptoms of transformer failure by monitoring the cooling system, load tap changer, dissolved gas, bushing power factor and capacitance, partial discharge, oil levels, pressure, temperatures and more.
Failure Modes of High Voltage Transformers
What can go wrong on a transformer?
A major failure on a transformer is defined as an incident that takes the transformer out of service for seven or more days. To determine the risk of unexpected failure, it’s important to consider the consequences and the probability of failure occurring. About one out of every 200 transformers fails each year according to this CIGRE Transformer Reliability Survey. According to another study, major failures cost about $14,000 per MVA in property damage. In general, it is safe to say that unexpected failure can be costly.
There are a lot of helpful resources to better understand what can fail on a transformer. Therefore, it is important to evaluate several key areas when determining the risk. First the technical condition of the unit and the importance to the network (aka the criticality). Then perform an analysis of the make and model of the unit, unit features, years in service, and location. Transformer monitoring significantly decreases the risk of unexpected failure.
1
On average 1 out of every 200 transformers experience a major failure each year.
30
30% of transformers that fail are beyond repair
14,000
Major failures cost $14,000 per MVA in property damage, according to a study from 2003 (factoring in inflation).
How do transformer monitors decrease the risk of unexpected transformer failure?
Bushing Monitoring
50% of bushing failures end in fires. Continuous online bushing monitoring allows utilities to plan ahead and avoid failures.
Temperature/Cooling Control
For every 6˚C increase in temperature, transformer aging rate roughly doubles! Electronic temperature monitors provide alarms and cooling control.
OLTC Monitoring
Many OLTCs in service today are based on older technology which can lead to misoperation. OLTC monitoring evaluates wear and tear.
Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA)
Faults in the main tank cause oil degradation and gas generation. Monitors track increases in dissolved gas levels as an indicator of incipient faults.
Moisture Monitoring
Monitors evaluate the amount of water in the paper since it directly impacts bubble evolution, dielectric resistance, and the aging rate of the insulation.
Partial Discharge Monitoring
Monitoring of partial discharge provides early indication of insulation deterioration and is therefore an important factor.
GIC Monitoring
The flow of Geomagnetic Induced Current in transformers is the root cause of all GMD related power system problems. Monitors and sensors watch for GIC events.
Through Faults
Through faults happen frequently in overhead systems and are often transient in nature, resulting in the fault being cleared in a few milliseconds by the power system protection.Introducing Dynamic Ratings' Transformer Monitors
Dynamic Ratings offers a range of transformer monitors to meet your unique needs. Transformer monitors range from simple to complex starting with our basic electronic temperature monitor all the way to our enterprise comprehensive monitoring system.