Power Transformers

Dielectric Fluids

Dielectric Voltage Testing – Standard Methods

There are two standard methods from ASTM International: D877, Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage of Insulating Liquids Using Disk Electrodes, and D1816, Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage of Insulating Oils of Petroleum Origin Using VDE Electrodes. VDE stands...

Electrical Transformers

Using Transformer Monitoring Via the IoT to Combat Electricity Theft

According to the annual Emerging Markets Smart Grid: Outlook 2015 study by the Northeast Group, LLC, the world loses US$89.3 billion annually to electricity theft, with the top 50 emerging market countries losing $58.7 billion annually compared with $30.6bn in the rest of the...

Utility Transformers

Advancements in Dissolved Gas Analysis: CO/CO2 Ratio

For DGA interpretation, faults identified using hydrocarbon gases are considered more serious if they appear to affect paper insulation. That is made explicit in CIGRE technical brochure 771[1]. Production of hydrocarbon gases from the oil by electrical or thermal stress does not significantly...

Transformer Testing & Maintenance

Advancements in Dissolved Gas Analysis: NEI & Gassing Events

One of the most important steps when looking at DGA data is to decide whether the data support the existence of a fault that is actively breaking down the insulation before you try to use a triangle, pentagon, or gas ratio method to identify a fault type. Otherwise, you are diagnosing random...

Transformer Monitoring

Transmission Construction Industry Leader Retires and Sells at Absolute Auction!

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...

Transformer Software & Technologies

Optimal Transformer Efficiency Using Weighted Average

In order to improve the efficiency of electrical distribution in commercial buildings, the US Department of Energy (DOE) introduced regulations with more stringent minimums on transformer efficiencies in January 2016. This was covered under the Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR Part 431.192 and...

Home Transformation Power Transformers

Leakers, What a Mess!

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 both have their share of risks to the environment.
Financial control is playing a big part in the management of the assets in today’s electric utilities. The repair...