Debunking the myths surrounding aluminum usage
BY SCOTT MAY, VIJAI NARAYANAN, ANDREW LAWLESS, Siemens
Much has been written about the use of aluminum versus copper for transformer conductors within the electrical industry. Aluminum conductors have been used successfully in the electrical industry for more than 100 years; unfortunately, misconceptions about their applications still exist. In Europe, aluminum has been used as the standard material for cast-resin transformer windings for many decades.
However, following the...
Electric utilities maximize utilization of their assets, while maintaining reliability. Power transformers are typically reliable, but have been known to fail suddenly and/or prematurely. Transformer failures are both costly and can leave customers dissatisfied, harming the reputation of a utility....
A coalition of large energy consumers and ratepayer advocates has filed a complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), urging the agency to prohibit transmission owners from independently planning "local" transmission projects exceeding 100 kilovolts (kV). The coalition argues...
As a philosophy and English major who has spent the last 20+ years working in the utility industry,I often come across topics that challenge me because I don’t have a science or engineering background. This article is an exploration of the basics around online DGA monitors, to better...
In general, the purpose of periodic screening with DGA for power transformers is risk assessment. Is any transformer likely to fail in service? If so, how severe is the problem? Previous articles in this series have described ways to improve DGA interpretation. In this article we provide a glimpse...
The Growing Need for Safer and Greener Transformer Oils Transformer oil plays a vital role in the operation and longevity of power transformers, providing insulation, cooling, and arc suppression. Traditionally, mineral oil has been the industry standard due to its effective dielectric properties...
The Growing Concern of Transformer Fire Risks An Electrical Substation Transformer is a critical component of modern substations, playing a vital role in the transmission and distribution of electricity. However, due to the high-voltage operations, flammable insulation materials, and exposure...
The Growing Transformer Supply Crisis The global transformer supply chain is facing unprecedented challenges, with utilities worldwide struggling to procure essential equipment due to material shortages, manufacturing delays, and logistical constraints. Transformers are the backbone of electrical...
Power transformers are critical assets in electrical transmission and distribution networks. Their failure can lead to widespread outages, costly downtime, and potential safety hazards. As transformers age and operate under varying electrical and environmental stresses, degradation becomes...
S.E., Inc. has been providing the very best in Transmission Powerline Construction for over (40) years throughout the Western United States. Brothers Mark, Steve, David, and Craig Sorenson have decided to retire and pursue other interests. Everything in the auction is owned by S.E., Inc. and will...
Monitoring the health of bushings is vital for ensuring the reliability of transformers, especially in high-stakes environments like power grids and industrial facilities. Bushings, critical components of transformers, are prone to various failure modes that can lead to operational inefficiencies...
