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2nd IEEE International Conference on Power and Energy (PECon 08), December 1-3, 2008, Johor Baharu, Malaysia

Application of Frequency Domain Spectroscopy (FDS) in Assessing Dryness and Ageing State of Transformer Insulation Systems
Gobi K. Supramaniam1,Zahrul Faizi Hussien1 and, Mohd. Aizam T2
1Universiti 2Tenaga

Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Kajang, Malaysia.Email :gobiks@tnb.com.my/drirzahrul@yahoo.co.uk Nasional Berhad Research Center , Kajang, Malaysia. Email: mohdaizam@tnbr.com.my

Abstract Moisture in oil-paper insulation acts as a


catalyst in transformer insulation deterioration and accelerates ageing. Thus it is crucial to detect accurately the presence of moisture within oil and paper insulation early as to avoid any pre-mature failures. Reliability of power transformers depends on the integrity of paper insulation due to its irreversible properties. Chemical analysis method available is impractical and difficult to be performed to estimate the moisture content in the transformer solid insulation. It has to be performed under laboratory conditions and requires accessibility to the internal insulation system. In contrast, electrical measurement such as Frequency Domain Spectroscopy (FDS) is preferred due to its simplicity and practicality. The aim of the paper is to study and analyse the application of FDS technique and its influencing factors under laboratory condition using oil impregnated insulation model and factory measurements with variations like temperature, ageing rate and oil/paper conductivity. To determine the reliability and accuracy of the FDS method, field measurements at a Malaysian Electricity Utility Company, TNB were performed on twin power transformers and analysed against chemical analysis coulemetric Karl Fischer Titration (KFT) method.

power transformers depends on the integrity of solid insulation due to the irreversible properties of paper insulation. However, the determination of moisture in the paper is very difficult. At present, the only available laboratory method is the coulometric Karl Fisher Titration (KFT) method where paper sample is needed [34]. Traditional electrical measurements like loss power factor (tan), insulation resistance (IR), polarization index (PI) and oil quality tests have no definite relationship with moisture content. This is especially true in the paper insulation condition which is temperature dependent. These tests do not provide direct information to qualify significant changes in the dielectric properties of complex system [5]. Recently, several advance diagnostic techniques have been developed like Recovery Voltage Measurement (RVM), Polarisation & Depolarization Current Method (PDC) and Frequency Domain Spectroscopy (FDS) based on dielectric properties response of the insulation system [3],[5],[7-12]. Earlier adoption of the RVM method was reported to lead to wrong interpretation within utilities and one of the main drawbacks is that it does not take into account dependencies on geometry and oil properties [3],[8]. More recently, FDS measurement has been widely researched and applied in some utilities to estimate the ageing and dryness state of transformer insulation system particularly in paper insulation more accurately. The main aim of the research presented in this paper is to study and analyse the application of FDS and its influencing factors which refers to difference in temperature variation, oil/paper conductivity and insulation ageing using oil-impregnated insulation model. In order to determine the accuracy and reliability of FDS, the technique is applied in field measurement of twin samples to estimate the dryness and ageing state of the insulation system based on X-Y modelling numerical modelling technique as well as to compare the results with traditional chemical analyses using Karl Fisher

IndexTermsAgeing, Frequency Domain Spectroscopy, moisture content, oil-paper insulation

I.

INTRODUCTION

ower Transformers are the most critical and costly equipment used in the power system. The failures of transformers can result in interruption of power supply as well as revenue loss both to the utility company and to the nation. However, it is not an economic practice to replace power transformers just by considering their operation age. In various utilities around the world, power transformers still operate in fairly good condition even though they have exceeded their design service lifetime. In general, failures of power transformers which consist of oil and paper insulation are primarily due to degradation affected by primary factors due to heat, oxygen and moisture [1-2]. Reliability and lifetime of

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2nd IEEE International Conference on Power and Energy (PECon 08), December 1-3, 2008, Johor Baharu, Malaysia

Titration moisture analysis and oil-paper equilibrium curve.

C. Sample Preparation for Laboratory Measurement

Generally, sample preparation includes drying, moisturizing, impregnation with insulating oil, natural absorbing and artificial ageing. Insulation model is heated under vacuum-thermal chamber for a period of 24 hours A. Experimental Model Construction at drying temperature of 90C to ensure moisture free but not brittleness. The dry weight of the insulation paper is The insulation model constructed contains Kraft Thermo measured using precision scale before and after the 70 paper insulate Copper (Cu) conductor length 280mm drying process to observe whether the sample dried out. in a ring shape. Insulation paper of approximately 40mm The sample is assumed to be in dry condition with dry is removed at the sample end and the area is insulated weight moisture level below 0.5% by dry weight after with varnish. A hole is drilled at the location where the being left out in open atmosphere in the lab for a period paper is removed to make electrical connection. The of 10 minutes. On the other hand, the insulating oil used electrical wire connection is connected at the drill hole is estimated to be low moisture content below 10 ppm and the other end is connected to the terminal (ref Fig m.c. The oil is heated with a heater at elevated 1.0) temperature to achieve the equilibrium desired temperature to be tested. The room is kept closed at slightly elevated room temperature of 28-30C during the Electrical measurement. Meanwhile, the test vessel is cleaned with connection Varnish methanol and dried in thermal vacuum oven before the paper model and insulating oil are placed in the vessel. As a safety precaution, detail inspection is undertaken to Cu ensure no foreign materials especially pieces of Cu metal sticking onto the paper model as the presence of any Paper foreign particles will alter the experimental results significantly. II. MEASUREMENT D. Fig 1.0: Oil Impregnated Paper Insulation Model B. Experimental Setup FDS field measurements were carried out on two twin transformers T01 and T02 of Malaysian Transformers (MTM) manufactured in 2004 in TNB 132kV network system with rated capacity 21/30MVA and voltage level of 132/11kV. Only CHL guarded measurement were performed due to limited outage period. The percentage of barriers (X) and spacers (Y) were assumed to be 20% respectively due to unavailability of the geometric construction data from the manufacturer [7]. Precautions were taken during field measurement to reduce the effect of other influencing factors due to connected parallel equipment and minimise creep bushings leakages due to humidity [7]. Meanwhile, insulation Temperature was estimated using Linear Correlation Method as to reduce the influence of temperature variation during field measurement as shown in Table I. Field Measurement Preparation

Three-terminal Pyrex glass test vessel was used for FDS measurement using impregnated paper model constructed above during the experiment. The high temperature mercury thermometer was placed in one of the terminal. Figure 2.0 below illustrated the design of the test vessel used during the laboratory measurement.

Measuring Terminal Test Vessel Heating Bath Heater Fig 2.0: FDS Experimental Setup

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2nd IEEE International Conference on Power and Energy (PECon 08), December 1-3, 2008, Johor Baharu, Malaysia

TABLE I Temperature measurement and Linear Correlation Method during field measurement Temperature Transformer T01 T02 Humidity 51.0% 62.3% 32.0 30.7 Ambient Temp(C) Top Oil Winding 45.0 46.0 Temp (C) measured with oil gauge Outer Top Tank 37.8 38.6 Temperature (C) 32.4 34.5 Outer Middle Tank Temperature (C) Outer Bottom Tank 32.3 33.6 Temperature (C) Oil Temperature at Mid Tank 38.6 41.1 (Estimation Using Linear Interpolation Method) E. Chemical Measurement

a b c d e

a b c d e

70C 60C 50C 40C 30C

a b c d A a e b c d e

70C 60C 50C 40C 30C

Coulometric KFT chemical analysis were performed to estimate the moisture content corrected to 20C in T01 and T02 in accordance to IEC 60814. Equilibrium oil/paper system curve was used to estimate moisture in the paper by dry weight. Meanwhile oil conductivity was measured using Oil Conductivity Meter and measurement corrected to 20C using LCM software. III. A. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Fig 3.0: Real and imaginary component of complex permittivity versus frequency with different testing temperature In Fig 3.0, higher temperature increases both the real and imaginary component of the complex permittivity due to the increase in dc conductivity (activation energy) of the material. This phenomenon is highly dependent on temperature and it explains the increasing ionic conduction within the oil/paper insulation.
a b b c d c a e d e 70C 60C 50C 40C 30C

Influence of Temperature

This variation of testing temperature was studied at temperature of 30C, 40C, 50C, 60C and 70C which are based on typical operating transformer temperature in the system. The temperature is not further increased taking into account the thermal withstand capability of the sample to be tested at high temperature and the selection of temperature range is deemed sufficient to perform the study.

Fig 4.0: Variation of frequency dependent losses, tan versus frequency with different testing temperature

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2nd IEEE International Conference on Power and Energy (PECon 08), December 1-3, 2008, Johor Baharu, Malaysia

The loss factor (tan) curve is showed Fig 4.0. It was observed that there is logarithmic shift of amplitude and frequency horizontally due to change in absolute temperature caused by increase in activation energy (dc conductivity) at higher temperature. The shift is independent of frequency due to the effect of Arrhenius factor where higher activation energy of dielectric material contributed due to higher moisture content at increasing temperature [13-15]. This can be expressed by Arrhenius type relationship as below

C.

Influence of Paper Conductivity

Influence of different moisture content in oil impregnated paper is studied with moisture content of 2.1 %, 5.2 % and 8.9% by dry weight at constant insulation temperature respectively.
a 8.9% m.c paper

shift = log(1 ) log( 2 ) =

E K

1 1 T T 2 1
(1)

a b c

5.2% m.c paper

8.9 % m.c paper

Where E is the activation energy, K is Boltzmans constant, T is absolute temp in Kelvin (K)

The phenomena of vertical shift in y- direction occurred at 60C during the experiment could be mainly contributed due to change in oil conductivity [16]. Meanwhile, migration of moisture from the sample at higher elevated temperature 70C could results in decrease of loss peak as observed during the experiment. Meanwhile, the effect of inhomogeneous moisture distributions on the surface or inside was the sample not taken in account to simplify analysis [13]. B. Influence of Oil Conductivity

Fig 6.0: Losses (tan) versus frequency at different moisture content of oil impregnated paper The tan curve is illustrated in Fig 6.0. Higher paper moisture content causes tan minimal value to increase. It will also cause horizontal shift of frequency dependent losses (tan) and complex permittivity curves irrespective of temperature. This phenomenon occurs due to the increase in dc conductivity of the paper and activation energy which is influenced by higher moisture content at frequency range above 10Hz. This can be modelled by Havriliak-Negami expression and dc loss KramersKronig transformation respectively [7]. D. Influence of Ageing

55pm (7.5 pS/m) 35ppm (5.1pS/m)

c a c b

In this study, the samples (<0.5% dry weight) with the oil (<10ppm m.c) were artificially aged for duration of 0 hrs, 15ppm (1.6pS/m) 50hr, 100hrs, 150 hours at heated temperature 50C and 100C respectively.
a uag 50C

b ag 50C

Fig 5.0: Imaginary component of complex permittivity versus frequency at different oil conductivity
c d a b

c uag 100C d ag 100C

Increase in dc oil conductivity has significant influence on the imaginary component of permittivity and frequency dependent losses tan within frequency range of 0.01Hz and 10Hz. Assuming that the dispersion of paper component at low frequency is negligible, the Maxwell-Wagner behaviour in parallel system explained that the permittivity and dielectric losses is mainly influenced by conduction of oil [7],[17].

Fig 7.0: Losses (tan) versus frequency for aged and unaged oil impregnated sample at 50C and 100C

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2nd IEEE International Conference on Power and Energy (PECon 08), December 1-3, 2008, Johor Baharu, Malaysia

a d a c

uag 50C ag 50C a T01

b uag 100C a b

T02

b c

d ag 100C

Figure 8.0: Capacitance value versus frequency response for aged and un-aged oil impregnated at 50C and 100C respectively Based on Fig7.0 and Fig 8.0, it can be deduced that the loss factor (tan) and capacitance of the oil impregnated insulation increases as the ageing rate increases at lower frequency region below 0.1 Hz and 0.001Hz respectively [18]. This is due to increases in conductivity which can be influenced by reduction in degree of polymerisation (DP) of the paper or presence of ageing by-products such as light acids of the insulation [13]. It was found that the ageing influence is more pronounced at higher temperature. Fig 10: Capacitance value versus frequency for similar T01 and T02 transformers at TNB Substation From spectra in Fig 9.0 and Fig 10, it was clearly indicated that T01 has higher dielectric losses or oil dc conductivity compared to T02. This can be influenced by the presence of contamination or impurities like moisture and difference in oil conductivity. The actual moisture in the solid insulation and oil conductivity estimated using X-Y modelling software MODS was compared with traditional laboratory Karl Fischer titration method and oil conductivity meter as in Table II
a b T02 T01

E.

Field Measurement

TABLE II Comparison of paper moisture content and oil conductivity between Laboratory Method and FDS Modelling Method measurement
Tx Data Oil Data oil [pS/m] Conductivity Meter 3.1@38.6C Temp corrected with LCM software 1.2@20C 3.8@41.1C Temp corrected with LCM software 1.4@20C Paper Data FDS (MODS) Assumed X=20%, Y=20% H2Opaper oil [% [pS/ M/DW] m]

Unit b a

H2O [ppm] KFT Method

T01

4.707ppm @38.6C 2.25ppm @20C

H2O [% M/DW] Estimation using Equilibrium Curve 1.0%@ 20C

1.2% @ 20C

2.35 @ 20C

T02

Fig 9.0: Frequency dependent losses tan versus frequency for similar T01 and T02 transformers at TNB Substation

4.936 ppm @41.1C 2.14ppm @20C

0.8%@ 20C

1.0% @ 20C

1.65 @20 C

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2nd IEEE International Conference on Power and Energy (PECon 08), December 1-3, 2008, Johor Baharu, Malaysia

Moisture estimation using FDS method is consistent with the KFT/Equilibrium Curve Method. However, percentage deviation between the two methods varies between 20% and 25%, which is fairly high. According to [19], the steep slope of moisture equilibrium curve and KFT method for temperature less than 40C contributes to less accurate results. The moisture content of paper estimated using FDS measurement for T01 (1.2% by dry weight) is found to higher than of T02 (1.0% by dry weight). According to IEEE Guide 62-1995, the estimated moisture level in the paper is below 1.5% by dry weight and oil moisture content below 15ppm m.c can be considered that both T01 and T02 transformers are still in dry condition and safe to be in operation [20]. Oil conductivity measured using FDS method and oil conductivity meter were corrected to the standard 20C. It was found that the values were inconsistent mainly could be due to presence of impurities, contamination during sampling, storage, handling or poor technique of sampling which is drawback of the chemical analyses method.

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

IV.

CONCLUSION

[13]

In conclusion, dielectric response of insulating material of power transformer is greatly influenced due to temperature, oil/paper conductivity and ageing. On the other hand, FDS method has proven to be reliable and accurate method to estimate the percentage of moisture in transformer paper insulation and oil conductivity compare to available chemical analyses which is impractical and difficult to be performed. This condition monitoring assessment technique has given utilities especially TNB new avenue to ensure higher reliability and availability of power transformers in the network system. Nevertheless, lack of knowledge on the transformers design parameters, variation of temperature during measurement and non-linearity of insulation properties were some of the few contributing factors to inaccuracy during FDS measurement both in laboratory and field for further studies. V.
[1]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

[19]

REFERENCES

[20]

Dag Linjell, Lars Lundgaard, 2007; IEEE Publication: Dielectric Repsonse of Mineral Oil Impregnated Cellulose and the Impact of Aging F Fetherson and B Finlay, Sept 2001; AUPEC Conference: Power Transformer Condition Assessment The Second Century and Beyond S.M. Gubanski,P.Boss,G.Csepes,V.Der Houhanessian etc,2003;IEEE CIGRE Task Force 15.01.09 : Dielectric Response Methods for Diagnostic of Power Transformers Jorgen Blennow, Chandima Ekanayake,Kzysztof Walezak,Belen Garcia and Stainslaw M.Gubanski, April 2006; IEEE Transaction on Power Delivery Vol 21,No 2 : Field Experience with Measurement of Dielectric Response in Frequency Domain for Power Transformer Diagnostics Walter S.Zaengl (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology), Nov/Dec 2003;IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine Vol 19, No.6 :Application of Dielectric Spectroscopy in Time and Frequency Domain for HV Power Equipment T.Leibfried ,A.J.Kachle,D.Pollaro (Siemens AG) : Power Transformer Ageing Assessment in Service By Means of The Polarisation and Depolarisation Current (PDC) Analysis Maik Koch, Stefan Tenbohlen (University of Stuggart), August 2005;Publication in Tsinghua University,Beijing, China : Diagnostics of Oil-Paper Using Relaxation Current Kchler,T.Leibfried,B.Breitenbauch,JJ.Alff,V.Der Houhanessian and W.S Zaengl, Sept 2003;48th International Colloquium Illmenau Technical University : Transformer Insulation Diagnosis by Polarization and Depolarization Current Analysis Tapan Kumar Saha,October 2003;IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery Vol 18, No.4 : Review of Time Domain Polarisation Measurements for Assessing Insulation Condition in Aged Transformers Chandima Ekanayake,Stanislaw M.Gubanski,Andrzej Graczkowski and Krzysztof Walczak,July 2006;IEEE Power Transaction on Power Delivery,Vol21,No.3 : Frequency Response of Oil Impregnated Pressboard and Paper Samples for Estimating Moisture in Transformer Insulation R.Neimanis and R.Eriksson,Jan 2004;IEEE Transaction on Power Delivery Vol 19.No.1:Diagnostic of Moisture in Oil/Paper Distribution Cables Part 1:Estimation of Moisture Content Using Frequency-Domain Spectroscopy Y.Du, M.Zahn, N.Altamirano, M.Sarda, A.V.Mamishev, and B.C. Lesieutre , 2002; IEEE Annual Report Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena: Moisture and Temperature Effects on the Dielectric Spectrum of Transformer Pressboard D.Linhjell, U.Gfvert and L.E.Lundgaard,2004;IEEE Annual Report Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena :Dielectric response of oil-impregnated paper insulation : Variation with humidity and ageing level. B.V.Hamon,Feb 1953;CSIRO Australia (NASA Astrophysics Data System) : Maxwell-Wagner Loss and Absorption Currents in Dielectrics Omar Hassan,A.A.Shyegani,Hossein Borsi,Ernst Gockenbach,E.M Abu Elzahab and M.I. Gilany,2004;International Conference on Solid Dielectric, Toulouse France : Detection of Oil-Pressboard Insulation Aging with Dielectric Spectroscopy in Time and Frequency Domain Measurement George K.Frimpong,Mark Perkins and Asim Fazlagic, Uno Gfvert ABB,2001; International Conference of Doble Client : Estimation of Moisture in Cellulose and Oil Quality of Transformer Insulation Using Dielectric Response Measurement. IEEE Std 62:1995, IEEE Guide for Diagnostic Field Testing of Electrical Power Apparatus

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H.Lee Willis (ABB Power T&D Company Inc), 1998; Marcel Dekker Inc Publication: Electrical Power Equipment Maintenance and Testing Nynas Naphthenics AB Communication Project Management, 2004; VICKERS Sweden Publication: Transformer Oil Handbook. John Lapworth and Richard Heywood (The National Grid Company, UK), 2001; Proceedings of the 2001 International Conference of DOBLE Clients Sec 8-11: The Determination of the Dryness of the Transformer Insulation Recent NGC Experience with Polarization Tests

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2nd IEEE International Conference on Power and Energy (PECon 08), December 1-3, 2008, Johor Baharu, Malaysia

Gobi K. Supramaniam was born in Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia, in 1977. He obtained his BSc degree in electrical engineering with Cum Laude from Western Michigan University, Michigan, USA in 1999. He is currently pursuing his MSc degree in power engineering from Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN),Selangor,Malaysia. He has worked with the Malaysian Electricity Utility Company (TNB) from year 19992006, being in charge of operations and maintenance works on high voltage substation installations in the transmission division. Currently, he is a Manager in the Transmission Asset Management Department, TNB, looking specifically on asset management and maintenance performance of primary equipments. His research interest includes transformer condition monitoring, equipment health indices and assessment, insulation coordination, insulation diagnostics and dielectric measurements.

Zahrul Faizi Hussien received the B. Eng (Honours) degree and Ph.D degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southampton, U.K, in 1995 and 2000 respectively. He is an Associate Professor at Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia and currently the Head, Department of Electrical Power Engineering. He was an electrical engineer at Tenaga Nasional Bhd., Kuala Lumpur, and then a researcher at the Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Southampton where he work on a collaboration project with Southern Electric plc and International Energy Systems Ltd. on flywheel energy storage system for electric utility applications. He also worked with Bowman Power Systems Ltd on micro turbine cogeneration systems. His research interest includes power quality, power systems analysis, power electronics and ac drives.He is a Senior Member of IEEE and currently the Chair of IEEE Power Engineering Society (PES), Malaysia. He is a corporate member of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) and a registered professional engineer with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).

Mohd Aizam Talib received his Bachelor in Electrical Engineering from the University of Portsmouth, UK in 1997, and Master degree in Electrical Engineering from Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) in 2001. Upon graduation in 1997, he worked with ABB Transmission and Distribution Sdn Bhd as a Design Engineer. Since 1998, he has been employed by TNB Research Sdn Bhd as a Research Engineer with a High Voltage Diagnostic Research Group. His research interests are in transformer condition monitoring, insulation diagnostic and dielectric measurements. Currently, he is Manager at High Voltage Testing Laboratory, TNB Research Sdn Bhd.

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