Presentation 5.

Transformers Site Diagnosis

Robert Slinger / Johnny Sanchez Gomez, ABB TRES, UK

Introduction
The Power Transformer is the most expensive
plant/equipment in any electrical network. During
its whole life (transportation, installation or under
service operation), it is exposed to transient and
steady state stresses that can affect its condition
as well as its service life.
Therefore, a condition assessment should be
carried out on a frequent basis. This is crucial for
its successful operation and, as a consequence,
for the reliability of the power system as a whole.
ABB proves the proper condition of the equipment,
giving accurate and reliable test results. Most of
these tests are measured with the powerful
solutions provided by OMICRON, and are
diagnosed and evaluated by ABBs experts, who
have access to more than a century of knowledge
in transformer manufacturing [2].

Transformer Diagnosis
During installation or periodic maintenance, ABBs
Test Engineers have proven the versatility of each
of OMICRONs solutions according to the
requirements. This equipment, along with our
expertise to analyze the results, allows for a risk
management approach (see Fig. 1).
Essentially, this paper must consider three aspects
when determining the technical risk of the failure of
a transformer [2]:
Mechanical aspects: This involves the risk of
short circuit failure, which is based on
assessment of the short circuit strength of the
windings and clamping structure, and the
incidence including magnitude of short circuit
through fault events.
Thermal aspects: This involves the winding
thermal condition and is based on the
condition of the paper insulation. Aged, brittle
insulation is more likely to fail under the
mechanical stress conditions. Also, metal
parts at high temperature could pose a risk to
the transformer.
Electric aspects: This involves the risk of
dielectric failure and is based on the
assessment of the dielectric withstand
capability of the transformer insulation system
(oil, paper, etc.) and the electrical stress
imposed by the power system and naturally
occurring events.

Fig. 1 ABB Risk management approach to identify

transformers at risk

A definitive analysis of the subject of diagnostic

tests on power transformers must take into account
that the majority of diagnostic indicators are
sensitive to all three fundamental stresses acting
on the transformer. Therefore, the general
interpretations of the outputs are the diagnostic
indicators, localization of faults can be problematic
for a reliable evaluation of the risk of failure. The
experience and interpretation capabilities of
transformer experts are crucial for a successful
diagnosis.
Some of the required tests for a condition
assessment carried out by ABB are:

Frequency Response Analysis

Excitation Current
Leakage Inductance Measurement
Power Factor and Capacitance
Dielectric Frequency Response
Turns Ratio
Bushings PF & Cap
Dynamic Tap Changer Tests
Windings Resistance

OMICRON Highlights at ABB

Demagnetization
One of the main problems that can influence the
measurement of transformers is the residual
magnetism, which can affect the results from FRA
or
Exciting
Current
Measurements.
By
demagnetising with the CPC 100 + CP SB1, ABB
can ensure reliable results for both these
measurements,
coupled
with
a
short
demagnetisation time. Further to this, removing the
residual magnetism from the transformer helps to
illuminate un-desirable protection operations due
to high inrush currents, or even internal damage
due to the mechanical forces.

OMICRON 2015 Diagnostic Measurements on Power Transformers Conference & Workshop

Presentation 5.2

FDS/DFR
The presence of moisture in a transformer
deteriorates the insulation by decreasing both the
electrical and mechanical strength. In general, the
mechanical life of non-upgraded Kraft paper
insulation is reduced by the presence of moisture.
OMICRONs Dielectric Response Analyzer,
DIRANA, has been a powerful tool that has
reduced costs to ABB, and subsequently the
customer, during processes such as drying and
installation.
ABB has used this tool during the past several
years for analysis of transformers both in its
factories and in the field. The experience gained
from the tests and analyses has shown the
potential of the DFR test for identifying not only
moisture problems, but also other defects in the
transformer insulation structure [2].

Fig. 3 CT testing with OMICRON CT Analyzer

Literature
[1]

Guide for Diagnostic Field Testing of Electric

Power ApparatusPart1: Oil Filled Power
Transformers, Regulators, and Reactors,
IEEE Std.62-1995, Aug. 1995.

[2]

ABB TrafoServ Handbook LOW_Aug06

[3]

Y. Du, M. Zahn, B.C. Lesieutre, A. V.

Mamishev and S. Lindgren, Moisture
Equilibrium
in
Transformer
Paper-Oil
Systems,
IEEE
Electrical
Insulation
Magazine, Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 11-20,
January/February 1999.

About the Authors

Fig. 2 ABB Analysis tool for DFR measurements of

transformers

There are several conditions in a transformer that

can lead to high or unusual measurement results.
Here are some of the causes that have been
diagnosed by ABB experts (see Fig. 2).
Moisture in the cellulose insulation
High oil conductivity due to ageing or
overheating of the oil
Chemical contamination of cellulose
insulation
Carbon tracking in cellulose
High resistance in the magnetic core steel
circuit

Current Transformer Tests

CT testing has evolved since the OMICRON
CT Analyzer was created, and now tests which
would normally take a couple of days are carried
out within just a couple of hours (see Fig. 3). With
the CT Analyzer, ABB has substantially reduced
the commissioning time of CT testing with
increased accuracy.

Robert
Slinger
born
in
Lancaster, England in 1979,
progressed as a time served
Industrial Electrician achieving
HNC in Electrical & Electronic
Engineering
at
Teeside
University. Robert developed
into
Distribution
and
Transmission
commissioning
gaining Senior Authorisations; he now works as
Operations Manager at ABB transformer service
following three years as field test Engineer.
Johnny Sanchez Gomez born
in Pereira, Colombia in 1983.
He received the electrical
engineering
degree
from
Universidad Tecnologica de
Pereira in 2009. Since 2011 he
has worked within ABB in
Colombia and the UK as field
service specialist for the
transformers divisions.

OMICRON 2015 Diagnostic Measurements on Power Transformers Conference & Workshop