Power Transformers

Transformer Testing & Maintenance

Exploring Online Dissolved Gas Analysis Monitoring for Transformer Insulating Fluids

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...

Transformer Software & Technologies

Smart Transformers

Maximizing continuous and reliable power output, extending the life of a power transformer, and reducing maintenance costs are just a few of the benefits motivating electric utilities to move toward buying a “smart transformer”, electrical equipment integrated with Smart Grid-enabling software...

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 Protection

TRANSFORMER INRUSH

ABSTRACTHere we discuss the phenomenon of transformer inrush; what it is and its significance to transformer protection design. INTRODUCTIONA couple of years ago in this Transformer Special Edition, we wrote an article that covered the most used transformer protection schemes. As was pointed out...

Transformer Monitoring

Advancements in Dissolved Gas Analysis: Risk Assessment

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...

Dielectric Fluids

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...

Home Transformation Power Transformers

Power Utility Replaces Aging Transformers with Customized, Drop-in Units

As aging transformers at generation facilities near end-of-life cycles, a number of potentially dangerous events can come into play when it comes to aging transformers – in addition to untimely power outages and costly repairs.

Because many transformers are exposed to dust and high operating temperatures, over time they incur such problems as clogged air inlets, clogged cooling ducts, and deterioration of winding insulation, all of which can degrade capacity. If a transformer is operating...