Frequency response analysis for transformer tap changer damage detection

Abstract

Frequency response analysis (FRA) method has been proven to detect the transformer winding damage. However, there is no practical study which investigates the damages on transformer tap changer even though it has a high failure rate. Hence, this paper investigates normal and faulty transformer tap changer using FRA. The FRA measurements conducted using four different test configurations. Also, normal tap changer, pitting and coking tap changer contact were investigated. In addition to FRA measurement, winding resistance measurement has been conducted. The transformer turn ratio measurement also conducted to identify the taps positions. This study results significant to understand the effect of pitting and coking tap changer on the transformer frequency response. The results showed that pitting has a slight influence on the frequency response. However, coking shows a huge variation in low-frequency response. This effect observed during the winding resistance measurement.