Transformer Fault Diagnosis with the Duval Triangle and Heuristic Techniques

Abstract

Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is an effective tool for detecting incipient faults in power transformers. The ANSI/IEEE C57.104 standards, the most popular guides for the interpretation of gases generated in oil-immersed transformers, and the IEC-Duval triangle method are integrated to develop the proposed power transformer fault diagnosis method. The key dissolved gases, including H2, CH4, C2H2, C2H4, C2H6, and total combustible gases (TCG), suggested by ASTM D3612s instruction for DGA is investigated. The tested data of the transformer oil were taken from the substations of Taiwan Power Company. Diagnosis results with the text form called IEC-Duval triangle method show the validation and accuracy to detect the incipient fault in the power transformer.