Transformer life prediction using data from units removed from service

• Main Author: Mohamad Ali, Ummu Umairah
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering; TK2000-2891 Dynamoelectric machinery and auxiliaries. Including generators, motors, transformers
• Online Access: http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/2152/1/24p%20UMMU%20UMAIRAH%20MOHAMAD%20ALI.pdf; http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/2152/2/UMMU%20UMAIRAH%20MOHAMAD%20ALI%20COPYRIGHT%20DECLARATION.pdf; http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/2152/3/UMMU%20UMAIRAH%20MOHAMAD%20ALI%20WATERMARK.pdf; http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/2152/

Power transformers are used in the transmission and distribution of electrical power. Installed at power stations, they could be used to raise the voltage from the generators, and transformers at local substations could reduce voltage to supply loads. Power transformers are very important in this day and age, where electricity has almost become a necessity of life. Hence, effort should be taken into studying them and learning all we can about maximizing their efficiency, cost effectiveness, and lifespan. Predicting the lifespan of a power transformer has been considered an important issue for energy companies for some time. Power transformers that reach the end of its life usually do so unexpectedly, causing power reliability problems, which cost a lot of money. Knowing the factors that play part in the degrading process of a power transformer could help power companies determine how long a power transformer have before breaking down, and allow them to perform any necessary action (i.e. replacement) before the power transformer starts giving problems. Applying IEEE transformer loading guide the life consumed during a transformer operation could be assessed by the ambient temperature and loading profile. This helps to understand the "health" condition of a operating transformer and assess the remaining life of the transformer. This project carried out study on thermal modelling of a transformer. Using statistical data of the weather and power system, the power transformer life will be estimated and analysed. This project focuses on the life assessment of the insulation for power transformers by using thermal modelling. Load and ambient temperature are the two important factors that influence the life of insulation in transformers.