Power transformers are static electric machines used to step-up or step-down voltage in electric power applications. The capital cost of a power transformer in the range of 100MVA can be $1M or more and by the time it is under operation, the price is increased. The average age of installed large power transformers (LPTs) in the United States is approximately 45 years, with 70 percent of LPTs being 30 years or older. The lead time...
The rapid shift toward renewable energy resources (RERs) has placed significant demands on traditional power systems. To address these challenges, modern energy infrastructure is evolving into smart grids, leveraging advanced technologies like Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) to enhance grid...
Dissolved gas analysis: addressing the challenges of collecting samples BY DONAL SKELLY, GE’s Digital Energy business Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is a technique for identifying and quantifying the gas formed in oil-filled electrical equipment because of either the natural aging of oil and paper...
Electric Substation apparatus, transformers and circuit breakers, are the workhorses of the electric transmission grid. Our focus in this article is on the issue of dielectric media leaks. Specifically, oil in large power transformers and oil or SF6 gas in power circuit breakers. Oil and gas leaks...
Power transformers seldom shutdown; however, if a shutdown occurs, the effects would be immediate and devastating to utility operations. According to “An Analysis of Transformer Failures” by William H. Bartley, P.E., on behalf of the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, the...
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...
