Transformer Winding Insulation Research Articles

Effect of SF6 circuit breaker parameters on switching overvoltages evaluated based on nominal modes of converter transformers

In this work, we set out to investigate the influence of operating currents of SF6 circuit breakers on the magnitude of overvoltages during switching of converter transformers. The experience of electrical equipment operation is analyzed with a focus on the problems associated with the natural aging of insulation, overloads, and switching overvoltages. The methods of equipment diagnostics were used. According to statistical data, at present, about 37% of short circuits between phases and 42% of single-phase earth faults in electrical networks of industrial enterprises occur due to switching overvoltages. The conducted tests showed that the overvoltages emerging during switching by SF6 circuit breakers of converter transformers, which are used in aluminum smelters, may reach a three-fold rated voltage of the network. This threatens the insulation of transformer windings, cable line, and the switch itself. It was established that an increase in operating currents of an LF2 circuit breaker, not exceeding 27.8% of the rated current of the switch, leads to an increase in overvoltages during switching of converter transformers. At a further increase in the operating currents of the circuit breaker by more than 27.8% of the rated current of the circuit breaker, a sharp decrease in the value of switching overvoltages is observed. Therefore, the operating currents of SF6 circuit breakers were established to affect the level of switching overvoltages of converter transformers. The underlying mechanism of this phenomenon was determined, which should be taken into account when improving the reliability of power supply of converter transformers and, consequently, the reliability of aluminum production. The feasibly of resistive-capacitive dampers as the most effective means for limiting overvoltages during switching of converter transformers was confirmed.

Study on the Effect of Multi-Gap Arrester Truncation on the Overvoltage of Lightning Intrusion Wave

Lightning protection near the fan is the key point of lightning protection in wind farm, which affects the safe and effective delivery of wind power resources. At present, the three-phase multi-gap arrester installed on a base tower behind the collector can cooperate with the zinc oxide arrester to reduce the system failure caused by the arrester failure. However, the chopped wave generated by the multi-gap arrester when it acts is transmitted to the fan box transformer along the line, which may threaten the insulation of the transformer winding. Based on the above problems, this paper builds a simulation model on ATP to analyze the impact of wave clipping of multi-gap arrester on the insulation of fan transformer windings, considers the conventional installation mode and the limit installation mode of multi-gap arrester, and calculates that the wave clipping overvoltage generated by multi-gap arrester after being struck by lightning in two cases is the impact on the insulation of fan transformer. Through the simulation analysis, it is found that the higher the amplitude of the lightning current, the larger the amplitude of the overvoltage generated by the truncated wave, the steeper the wave head, and the greater the threat to the insulation of the fan box. The damage degree of round lightning is less than that of counter lightning. When a multi-gap arrester is installed in a collector tower, the 100[Formula: see text]kA lightning current may destroy the insulation of the fan box transformer winding and require additional protective measures. It is recommended that the multi-gap arrester be installed from the next pole tower of the collector tower in the wind farm.

Experimental investigation and evaluation of drying methods for solid insulation in transformers: A comparative analysis

Drying of transformer winding insulation has a direct impact on the dependability and durability of the transformer. The extraction of moisture from paper insulation is a crucial need in the manufacturing process of transformers. Insulation efficiency in transformers can be reduced over time due to the detrimental effects of temperature, moisture, and air, often known as aging. Heat, oxygen, and residual moisture increase the deterioration of cellulose in transformer solid insulation. This might potentially result in premature failure of the transformer. The factory's insulation drying process should ensure that the residual moisture content of bulk solid insulation remains below 0.5 %. The primary aim is to maintain a high degree of polymerization, often ranging from 1000 to 800. This article investigates the factors contributing to the degradation of cellulose insulation and analyzes various techniques that are used in manufacturing plants in Kazakhstan. In addition, this study experimentally investigates the impact of vacuum on the process of moisture evaporation and partial discharge (PD) in analysis with other methods of drying transformers.

Evaluation method for insulation degradation of power transformer windings based on incomplete internet of things sensing data

AbstractThis paper proposes a novel evaluation method to address the challenge of evaluating insulation degradation in power transformer windings based on incomplete online Internet of Things (IoT) sensing data. The method leverages the Wasserstein Slim Generative Adversarial Imputation Network with Gradient Penalty algorithm to fill the irregularly missing power transformer IoT perception data, including voltage, current, temperature, and partial discharge. Subsequently, electrical, thermal, and mechanical performance degradation damage indicators for transformer winding insulation are constructed using the filled and complete IoT perception data. By applying the tensor fusion algorithm, the characteristics of these degradation damage indicators are fused, leading to the development of a comprehensive degradation evaluation index for the winding insulation. The evaluation of the winding insulation degradation state is achieved through the minimum quantization error method. The proposed method is validated using the real‐world transformer IoT perception data, and the experimental results demonstrate its ability to accurately assess the degree of winding insulation degradation, regardless of the presence of random or continuous irregularities in IoT sensing data.

Dynamic moisture diffusion in transformer winding insulation

Wind power production is intermittent due to varying wind conditions. This leads to frequent temperature changes in the wind farm transformers, which in turn affects the lifetime of the transformer winding insulation. To extend the lifetime through prediction of effects from dynamic loading, new models for degradation of insulation systems are needed. This article is laying the foundations of a model for dynamic moisture migration in the winding insulation of wind farm transformers. Relevant equations and approximations are presented and an experimental setup for laboratory testing of transformer insulation ageing related moisture migration under dynamic loading is described. The demonstration experiment clearly shows moisture migration through paper layers in a simple physical winding insulation model. As the ageing of cellulose is very moisture-dependent, the migration should clearly be included in models of ageing under dynamic load.

An Insulation Monitoring Method for Transformer Windings Based on Electroluminescence Effect

Currently, the insulation monitoring method for transformer windings mainly monitors voltage, current, leakage inductance, leakage magnetic field, temperature, and dissolved gas in oil. However, these methods often have the disadvantages of low sensitivity, inability to locate, and slow response time. This paper presents a novel insulation monitoring method for transformer windings based on electroluminescence. In this method, electroluminescent coatings are sprayed on the sides of the blocks between pancake windings. The electric field intensity between the windings is measured according to the coating’ luminance, then the winding insulation state is monitored, and faults can be located. To verify this method, we make a transformer winding model based on the principle of capacitive voltage division. Interturn and interlayer insulation faults are simulated by changing capacitors. The results show that the method has an error of less than 3% in measuring the electric field between transformer pancake windings and is feasible for transformer winding insulation monitoring. In addition, this method also can be used for the detection of transformer winding deformation.

Method for assessing unevenness of cellulose insulation layers aging of power transformers winding

Introduction. Improving the methods of estimating the insulation aging of the oil-immersed power transformer windings is an urgent task for transformer condition monitoring systems. The scientific novelty of the work is to take into account the uneven distribution of temperature and humidity along the vertical axis of the winding in modeling the aging of insulation and to develop methods for determining the conditions under which the aging rate of insulation in the intermediate layer will exceed aging rate in the hottest layer. The purpose of the work is to evaluate the wear unevenness of cellulose insulation based on modeling the distribution of temperature and humidity along the vertical axis of the power transformer winding. Methods. The transformer winding is mentally divided into horizontal layers of equal height, the reduction of service life is calculated in parallel for all horizontal layers. Layer with the maximum degree of aging for the entire period of operation and storage of the transformer is recognized as determining the reduction in the service life of the insulation of the transformer as a whole. A model of the interaction of winding layers is developed, with determination of temperatures, humidity, relative rate of aging of each layer due to temperature and humidity as a function of traditional design parameters such as load, cooling temperature, heat capacity and thermal resistance of transformer. The index of exceeding the aging rate by the layered method in comparison with this rate for the hottest layer is offered. The method of genetic algorithms determines the conditions for obtaining the maximum value of this index. Results. A computer model has been developed to predict the aging of the cellulose insulation of transformer windings. According to the proposed method, a layer with significantly shorter insulation aging time (in the example, time reduced by 39.18 %) than for the upper layer was determined, which confirms the feasibility of layer-by-layer monitoring and modeling of insulation aging processes of power oil-immersed transformer windings.

Power transformer faults diagnosis using undestructive methods (Roger and IEC) and artificial neural network for dissolved gas analysis applied on the functional transformer in the Algerian north-eastern: a comparative study

Introduction. Nowadays, power transformer aging and failures are viewed with great attention in power transmission industry. Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is classified among the biggest widely used methods used within the context of asset management policy to detect the incipient faults in their earlier stage in power transformers. Up to now, several procedures have been employed for the lecture of DGA results. Among these useful means, we find Key Gases, Rogers Ratios, IEC Ratios, the historical technique less used today Doernenburg Ratios, the two types of Duval Pentagons methods, several versions of the Duval Triangles method and Logarithmic Nomograph. Problem. DGA data extracted from different units in service served to verify the ability and reliability of these methods in assessing the state of health of the power transformer. Aim. An improving the quality of diagnostics of electrical power transformer by artificial neural network tools based on two conventional methods in the case of a functional power transformer at Setif province in East North of Algeria. Methodology. Design an inelegant tool for power transformer diagnosis using neural networks based on traditional methods IEC and Rogers, which allows to early detection faults, to increase the reliability, of the entire electrical energy system from transport to consumers and improve a continuity and quality of service. Results. The solution of the problem was carried out by using feed-forward back-propagation neural networks implemented in MATLAB-Simulink environment. Four real power transformers working under different environment and climate conditions such as: desert, humid, cold were taken into account. The practical results of the diagnosis of these power transformers by the DGA are presented. Practical value. The structure and specific features of power transformer winding insulation ageing and defect state diagnosis by the application of the artificial neural network (ANN) has been briefly given. MATLAB programs were then developed to automate the evaluation of each method. This paper presents another tool to review the results obtained by the delta X software widely used by the electricity company in Algeria.

Power transformer faults diagnosis using undestructive methods (Roger and IEC) and artificial neural network for dissolved gas analysis applied on the functional transformer in the Algerian north-eastern: a comparative study

Introduction. Nowadays, power transformer aging and failures are viewed with great attention in power transmission industry. Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is classified among the biggest widely used methods used within the context of asset management policy to detect the incipient faults in their earlier stage in power transformers. Up to now, several procedures have been employed for the lecture of DGA results. Among these useful means, we find Key Gases, Rogers Ratios, IEC Ratios, the historical technique less used today Doernenburg Ratios, the two types of Duval Pentagons methods, several versions of the Duval Triangles method and Logarithmic Nomograph. Problem. DGA data extracted from different units in service served to verify the ability and reliability of these methods in assessing the state of health of the power transformer. Aim. An improving the quality of diagnostics of electrical power transformer by artificial neural network tools based on two conventional methods in the case of a functional power transformer at Sétif province in East North of Algeria. Methodology. Design an inelegant tool for power transformer diagnosis using neural networks based on traditional methods IEC and Rogers, which allows to early detection faults, to increase the reliability, of the entire electrical energy system from transport to consumers and improve a continuity and quality of service. Results. The solution of the problem was carried out by using feed-forward back-propagation neural networks implemented in MATLAB-Simulink environment. Four real power transformers working under different environment and climate conditions such as: desert, humid, cold were taken into account. The practical results of the diagnosis of these power transformers by the DGA are presented. Practical value. The structure and specific features of power transformer winding insulation ageing and defect state diagnosis by the application of the artificial neural network (ANN) has been briefly given. MATLAB programs were then developed to automate the evaluation of each method. This paper presents another tool to review the results obtained by the delta X software widely used by the electricity company in Algeria.

Health Analysis of Transformer Winding Insulation Through Thermal Monitoring and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) Power Spectrum

This paper presents a health analysis technique for transformer winding insulation through thermal monitoring and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) power spectrum. A novel thermal model for the Kraft paper insulation of transformer is proposed by using the transformer’s top-oil and winding hot-spot temperature models. The relationship between the temperature rise of oil inside the transformer tank and the winding insulation degradation are considered by utilizing the data-sets and daily load cycles of a 10/13 MVA, 132/11 kV, 50 Hz, ONAF grid power transformer. The model based on IEEE Guide for loading mineral-oil-immersed transformers is developed in Simulink. The hotspot temperature rise from the thermal model is used as a reference to analyze the winding insulation degradation in the form of high frequency partial discharges (PDs) upon the output parameters of the transformer. Using data analysis techniques, a correlation is presented between the load cycles and the hot-spot temperature through which the health status of the transformer winding insulation is estimated. Moreover, the high frequency transients were detected using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) spectrum analyzer tool in MATLAB. The preliminary study shows that high frequency PDs are detected for the overheated and deteriorated state of the winding insulation. The results show that the proposed technique is feasible for the health analysis of power transformers and successfully predicted the deterioration of the transformer winding insulation.

К развитию теории резонансных процессов в обмотках силовых трансформаторов. Ч. 1. Частотные характеристики схемы с двумя П-звеньями

The windings of power transformers are complex oscillatory circuits. Their natural oscillation frequencies range from a few to hundreds of kHz, and under unfavorable conditions they can coincide with the frequencies of transient voltage oscillations in electrical networks caused by switching operations and short circuit faults in cable lines. The development of electrical networks and the technical solutions that have come in wide use in recent years give rise to a situation in which the cases of damage to the insulation of power transformer windings resulting from resonant overvoltages are increasingly more frequently encountered during operation. An attempt is made in the article to develop the theory of resonant processes in the windings of power transformers. The frequency responses of voltages and currents in a simplified equivalent circuit of the power transformer winding are considered. Analytical expressions are obtained for the admittances of individual parts of equivalent circuits and the voltages at intermediate nodes, as well as expressions for the natural frequencies of the equivalent circuits considered. It is shown that the resonant growth of voltage in the transformer windings results from the voltage resonance caused by the presence of the winding’s own inductance and capacitance with respect to ground. By analyzing the frequency dependences of the admittances of equivalent circuit individual parts, the conditions and frequency ranges in which voltage resonance may occur are shown.

Определение коэффициентов затухания по измеренным частотным характеристикам обмоток силовых трансформаторов. Ч. 1. Теоретическое рассмотрение

To model high-frequency processes and determine the stresses on the internal insulation of transformer windings, reliable high-frequency models of power transformers are required. The accuracy of modeling high-frequency resonance processes in the windings depends on how correctly the model reproduces the natural frequencies and damping of free oscillations in the windings. To construct and verify high-frequency models of power transformers, it is necessary to have experimentally obtained data on the values of damping factors. There is a known method for determining the winding damping factors based on measurements of the voltage transfer functions at the internal points of the windings and their subsequent processing using the vector fitting technique, but its application is not always possible in practice. The article presents the results of theoretical studies performed for a simplified transformer winding equivalent circuit. It is shown that the damping factors can be estimated from the width of the resonance peaks of the frequency responses of the voltage modulus and reactive component at the midpoint of the equivalent circuit, and from the input admittance resistive component and current in the neutral of the considered resonance circuit.

Assessment of Power Transformer Paper Ageing Using Wavelet Texture Analysis of Microscopy Images

This paper presents a wavelet texture analysis of microscopy images acquired from artificially-aged samples of power transformer winding insulation paper. Oil-impregnated Kraft paper samples are prepared for experimental tests where they are thermally stressed in an oven at temperatures above what would normally occur in operation. This accelerated ageing test arrangement is used to produce a set of paper samples with varying levels of insulation deterioration. From the paper samples, microscopy images of the paper surface are obtained using a standard optical microscope. These microscopic images are analyzed using a texture analysis method that utilizes a two-dimensional wavelet transform to extract detailed information from the wavelet decomposition coefficient matrices. These features are analyzed to assess how the texture of paper changes in response to thermal deterioration and ageing. The results suggest that the texture features are correlated to the commonly-used degree of polymerization test. Additionally, statistical classification is performed on the wavelet texture features using both supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods. The results demonstrate that differentiation between oil-impregnated paper samples with different levels of thermal degradation using wavelet texture analysis is effective.

Measurements and performance evaluations of natural ester and mineral oil-immersed identical transformers

The use of natural esters as an insulating liquid has become popular since the early 2000s. Studies in the literature emphasize the superiority of natural esters as compared to mineral oils. In these studies, the prominent properties of natural esters are presented as being environmentally friendly, safe, and delaying the aging of cellulosic insulation material. Although there is no doubt in terms of their characteristics, such as being environmentally and safe, exaggerated comments are made about the delay of aging of the paper material used in the insulation of transformer windings. This is because comparative experimental applications on mineral oil and natural esters are carried out under artificial and equal conditions provided in the laboratory environment. Whereas, performing these experiments on identical transformers will give more realistic results. In this study, two identical transformers were designed and equipped with precision fiber optic temperature sensors. Temperature differences that vary depending on the load between high voltage and low voltage windings were measured with a high degree of accuracy for both identical transformers. Besides these measurements, physical and chemical changes were analyzed on samples taken from insulation liquids. It was observed that the physical and chemical properties of the insulation liquids directly affect the operating performance of the transformers. Thanks to the differences in viscosity of insulating liquids, the heat dissipation due to losses in the windings were different for both transformers. Both heat distribution and temperature differences in the windings varied depending on the loading factors. Considering all these factors together, comprehensively evaluations were made on the aging rate of cellulosic insulation and the service life of the transformers.

Effect of Moisture on the Thermal Conductivity of Cellulose and Aramid Paper Impregnated with Various Dielectric Liquids

This paper presents the effect of the impact of moisture in paper insulation used as insulation of transformer windings on its thermal conductivity. Various types of paper (cellulose and aramid) and impregnated (mineral oil, synthetic ester, and natural ester) were tested. The impact of paper and impregnated types on the changes in thermal conductivity of paper insulation caused by an increase in moisture were analyzed. A linear equation, describing the changes in thermal conductivity due to moisture, for various types of paper and impregnated, was developed. The results of measuring the thermal conductivity of paper insulation depending on the temperature are presented. The aim of the study is to develop an experimental database to better understand the heat transport inside transformers to assess aging and optimize their performance.

Review of accumulative failure of winding insulation subjected to repetitive impulse voltages

The premature failure phenomenon that occurs in solid insulation under the application of repetitive impulse voltages is known as the accumulative effect of impulse voltages on a solid dielectric. The accumulative failure of winding insulation is considered to be a core problem resulting from this phenomenon. The main problems include the accumulative failure of motor winding insulation under pulse-width modulation impulses and the accumulative failure of transformer winding insulation under the application of overvoltages, and these problems represent new challenges in the safe and stable operation of power grids. With regards to the above problems, this study reviews the results of recent research on the accumulative failure characteristics and mechanisms of winding insulation when subjected to repetitive impulse voltages. The challenges faced are discussed at the end of this study.

On-Line Detection of Voltage Transformer Insulation Defects Using the Low-Frequency Oscillation Amplitude and Duration of a Zero Sequence Voltage

The insulation degradation of a voltage transformer winding is not easy to find, but it may ultimately cause the transformer to explode, leading to accidents such as phase-to-phase short circuits. At present, power transformers, lightning arresters, and other equipment have on-line methods to detect the insulation state. However, there is no mature method for the on-line monitoring of voltage transformer winding insulation. In this study, a small current disturbance method based on a zero-sequence loop is proposed. The characteristic parameters of the low-frequency oscillation of zero-sequence voltage after a disturbance are used to evaluate the insulation state of the winding and detect faults. Theoretical modeling, simulation tests, and field tests show that when the insulation resistance of the voltage transformer winding is in the range 0–40 kΩ, a low frequency oscillation of about 10 Hz can be detected on the zero-sequence voltage, and its amplitude and duration are proportional to the degree of damage to the insulation. This can hence be used as a criterion for the on-line detection of voltage transformer winding insulation defects.

Использование передаточных функций для оценки воздействий на изоляцию обмоток трансформаторов при резонансных перенапряжениях

In recent years, damage sto the winding insulation of transformers operating jointly with cable linesor extended bus work due to resonance overvoltages have been point edoutin increasingly frequent cases. For checking the transformer ability to with stand the impacts of high-frequency transient oscillatory overvoltages during the iroperation, it is necessary to determine the electrical stresses applied to the winding main and longitudinal insulation under the conditions of resonance overvoltages. This problem can be solved by measuring the voltage transfer functions of the winding inner parts in a wide frequency band. The article considers some practical issuesre lating to the use of transfer functions for estimating the impacts applied to the transformer winding insulation.

Analysis of Transformer Winding High Frequency Characteristics

As the terminal equipment in power system, power transformer is directly related to the safety and stability of power grid. The faults of transformer may bring great harms to the entire power grid and result in huge loss. The insulation defect of transformer winding is the main cause of the transformer fault. Therefore, the study of transformer winding insulation defect detection method has important engineering significance. This paper studies the wave process of transformer winding with Duhamel integral in this paper, and calculates the high frequency zero state response under the condition that the transformer winding has good insulation when the standard lightning wave invades the transformer. With the application of analytical continuation Fourier series, this paper also analyzes and calculates the measurable end current of transformer winding with insulation defects under the invasion of standard lightning wave. The above currents are compared and analyzed. The work of this paper is helpful to the fault diagnosis of transformer winding insulation defects.

Capacitive voltage sensor array for detecting transient voltage distribution in transformer windings

Experimental investigation of transient characteristics is an important way to design transformer winding insulation structures. Of the previous measuring methods, there has been the problem of direct electrical connection with the winding, which may influence the transient characteristics. This paper presents a new non-invasive method for measuring the transient voltage distribution in transformer windings based on our previous study. The measuring method is based on the capacitive sensor with the stray capacitance between sensing electrode and transformer discs as the high-voltage arm and the film capacitance as low-voltage arm. An RC integrator and impedance adapter have been designed into the measurement circuit to enhance the sensor worked in the integrating mode and broaden its bandwidth respectively. The final measurement circuit can satisfy the need for measuring various kinds of waveforms, with 0.64 Hz lower cut-off frequency and 76 MHz higher cut-off frequency, respectively. The sensor array has been set up to measure the transient voltage distribution in a transformer winding. In this case, a mathematical conversion is put forward to decouple the influence of the adjacent discs on the corresponding disc to get the voltage distribution of different discs of the transformer winding.