By Corné Dames

"Optical fibre sensors are used as an online overheating protection tool. Combining this with acoustic emission partial discharge monitoring will ensure the transformer is reliable and problems can be identified almost at the onset"

 

Constant monitoring of transformers is vital for ensuring a reliable electrical reticulation network, so any device that can assist in the protection and monitoring of the transformer system is extremely valuable. Monitoring dry-type transformers can pose quite a challenge as there is no oil to test to determine the condition of the unit. An out-of-the-box approach is needed to ensure safe operation, reliability, and lifetime optimization.

Optical fibre sensors are used as an online overheating protection tool, triggering an alarm as soon as local overheating appears. Combining this with acoustic emission partial discharge monitoring will ensure the transformer is reliable and problems can be identified almost at the onset. Once this happens, an offline analysis of the transfer functions of the transformer coils is done to identify inter-turn short circuits, or similar destructions, that might be the cause of the local overheating.

This system is efficient, cost effective, and easy to install on almost all categories of dry-type transformers.

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This article was originally published in the June 2019 issue of the The Dry-Type revolution magazine.

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