21, rue d'Artois, F-75008 Paris

http://www.cigre.org

Session 2002

23-304

CIGR

POWERGRID Experience on Life Assessment of

EHV Current Transformers
R.K.Tyagi
Manager(OS)

N.S.Sodha
Dy.Geneal Manager(OS)

R.D.Kakkar
Executive Director(OS)

POWER GRID Corporation of India Limited, New Delhi

(India)

Synopsis
POWERGRID as Central Transmission Utility (CTU) in
India is operating about 40,000 ckt. kms of EHV
Transmission Lines and handling nearly 40% of Indias
total Power requirement which is being controlled
through 68 number EHV Substations spread throughout
the country. Presently about 3000 nos. EHV Current
Transformers of various makes & designs are under
operation. Current Transformers (CTs) are generally
considered a reliable piece of equipment and failure rate
is generally lower compared to other switchyard
equipments. Condition Monitoring checks on Current
Transformers, as followed in POWERGRID, include
measurement of Capacitance and Dissipation Factor,
Insulation Resistance, Thermovision Scanning and very
recently Dissolved Gas Analysis of insulating oil has also
been introduced.
This paper investigates the effective diagnostic techniques
for assessing the condition of insulation in aged Current
Transformers. A detailed Case Study on Life Assessment
tests carried out on CTs of three makes is presented in this
paper. Condition Monitoring tests adopted have revealed
the actual condition of CT insulation. CTs are now being
monitored properly for Oil/N2 gas leakages/pressures. In
few CTs where N2 gas had leaked, degradation of
Insulation was indicated by tests. Details of these tests

conducted with adopted diagnostic techniques and

benefits derived by POWERGRID are also discussed in
the paper.
INTRODUCTION
The age profile of EHV class CT in POWERGRID
network is in the range of 12-18 years. During last six
years, few CT failures attributable to primary insulation
failures were encountered. In all the cases, CT failures
occurred without any advance distress signal/alarm. All
CT failures were analyzed in detail and as a preventive
measure, a need was felt to adopt new techniques for
condition monitoring of CTs in service as preventive/
corrective measures.
Paper impregnated with oil is widely used for CT
windings. The oil/paper insulation degrades with time,
and this process depends on thermal, electrical and other
complex chemical reactions within the Equipment. The
ageing process of oil/paper insulating systems is very
complex and poses problems in their true and timely
identification. Due to ageing of insulation, dielectric
losses increase which are reflected as change in
dissipation factor (Tan delta). Other factors like
Capacitance value, moisture content (paper and oil) also
indicate the extent of ageing of the insulation. Sometimes
due to cavities/ voids in primary insulation, localized

*R.K.Tyagi, Manager(OS), Power Grid India Corporation of India Limited, India

Email:tyagir@powergridindia.com

Partial discharges cause carbonization, which may also

lead to pre-mature CT failures. The rate of Insulation
Ageing is directly proportional to the moisture content in
the paper/oil and presence of the oxygen markedly
increases this process by 2.5 to 10 times the normal
ageing rate.
LIFE ASSESMENT TECHNIQUES
A variety of electrical and chemical techniques are
available for testing insulation of CTs. Some of these are
applicable for assessing the condition of the insulation.
Techniques such as measurement of Insulation
Resistance, Dielectric Dissipation factor/ loss factor (Tan
Delta) and Capacitance Measurement are generally used
by Power Utilities since many years. After failure of few
CTs, tests like Dissolved Gas Analysis of oil,
Thermovision scanning etc. were also introduced in
POWERGRID which proved quite effective in identifying
developing faults at initial stages. Such Current
Transformers were removed from service thus
catastrophic failures could be avoided.
Analysis of degradation process of paper/ oil insulation is
generally based on the following criterion:
1.

2.

Increase of Tan delta with respect to original

value. An increase of 0.1% per year in the tan
delta value is considered normal.
Results of DGA are analyzed and rising trend of
key gases is monitored. Sudden increase in any
key gas indicates fault inside CT. Evaluation of
different gases in CTs is based on IEC-60599.

(d)

Effect of System Frequency

Normally for new CTs, Tan Delta values are in the range
of 0.2% to 0.3%. Ageing of CT under normal operating
conditions will cause gradual increase in Tan delta value.
Tan Delta values upto 0.7% are generally considered
within permissible limits during service. However beyond
0.7% value of Tan, CTs need to be kept under close
monitoring.
The major hurdles in effective implementation of above
guidelines have been carrying out testing/ measurements
at site under induced voltage conditions. Use of proper
testing Equipments which measure correctly under site
conditions within specified accuracy limits with
repeatability is essential as variations/ changes in the
range of 0.1% are to be monitored to observe proper
trends.
Interpretation of Tan Delta Test Results
An increase of Dissipation Factor (Tan Delta)
accompanied by a marked increase in Capacitance
indicates excessive moisture in the insulation. Increase of
dissipation factor alone may be caused by thermal
deterioration or contamination other than water.
On CTs provided with power factor or Capacitance Test
Tap, the effect of leakage current over the surface of
porcelain bushings may be eliminated from the
measurement by testing in UST (Ungrounded Specimen
Test) mode.
Rise in dissipation factor with temperature:

3.

Monitoring of moisture content in oil and paper.

Presence of higher moisture content in paper
may accelerate Insulation ageing.

Deterioration of insulation (due to moisture content/

aging) causes exponential rise in Tan Delta with increase
in temperature and is governed by the following equation:

4.

Increase of Capacitance indicates shorting of

insulation layers due to low intensity discharges,
presence of moisture due to sealing/ gasket
failure and ageing of insulation. Increase of
capacitance value more than 1% per year is
considered high and should be a matter of
concern.

TanT = Tan T0 e(T-T0)

Capacitance and Tan Delta Values

The effective implementation of tests like Capacitance
and Tan Delta measurement at site requires
compensations for the following factors:
(a)
(b)
(c)

Effect of Temperature
Effect of Ambient Humidity
Effect of Electrostatic Interference

Where,
To= Standard Temperature
T = any temperature other than standard temperature To
(normally 20C)
= Temperature Coefficient
Tan T0 = Tan Delta at Standard Temperature
TanT = Tan Delta at any temperature T
0.01< < 0.015. If value i.e. Tan Delta temperature
coefficient is between 0.015 to 0.03, it shall be
recognized as characteristics of defective or questionable
condition. And value of more than 0.03 is a sign of
dangerous or alarming condition.

Insulation Resistance Measurement

(i) Dielectric Absorption Current
On application of direct Voltage on any insulation,
not only charging current alone flows but an
additional current known as dielectric absorption
current also flows. This current is due to the presence
of polar molecules in the insulation system.
(ii) Conduction Current
The steady state value of the current is known as the
conduction current. If one waits until the dielectric
absorption current has decayed to zero. In solid
insulating materials, which have absorbed moisture,
for increase in voltage stress there will be a nonlinear large increase of the conduction current.
The ratio of Insulation Resistance Values taken after 60
seconds and 15 seconds is termed as Polarisation Index.
The value of Polarisation Index is also one of the
important factors in indicating the health of the Insulation
of the Current Transformers.

Exhibit-1
Failure of Primary Insulation of Live Tank Type CT

*- All the CT failures were analyzed in detail involving

respective manufacturers. The reasons were identified and
following preventive and corrective measures were taken
to reduce the failure rates:
1.

Change in the Technical Specifications like

Testing of CTs as per IEC-60044 (1) specially
Partial Discharge Measurement.

FAILURES OF CURRENT TRANSFORMERS IN

POWERGRID
As brought out earlier, about 26 nos. EHV class CTs have
failed in last 6 years in POWERGRID network. Even
newly commissioned CTs have failed. A team of Experts
from POWERGRID involving Manufacturers also,
critically analyzed all failures. However their sudden
failures caused alarm and detailed failure analysis was
carried out at manufacturers works in few cases. Based on
failure analysis test results, following reasons of failures
were identified:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Primary insulation puncture/failure (Exhibit-1 and 2).

Non-uniform Electrical Stress on primary insulation
mainly in case of Live Tank design CTs.
Wrong Testing Procedure for Dissipation factor
Measurement at manufacturers works that could not
identify defects at works during pre-dispatch testing.
Improper primary insulation paper wrapping during
manufacturing process.
N2 gas leakage from sealing gaskets and N2 filling
point leading to moisture entry inside CT.*

Exhibit-2
Failure of Primary Insulation of Dead Tank Type
CT.

2.
3.
4.

Monitoring of change of Capacitance and Tan

Delta values from 0.1 p.u. to 1.1p.u. of the rated
Voltage.
Monitoring of change of Capacitance and tan
Delta before and after 1 minute HV Test.
Monitoring N2 gas pressure for all CTs having
N2 Cushion at the top for taking care oil
expansion/contraction.

With implementation of above measures, failures rate has

come down tremendously and even some CT defects were
detected at Manufacturers works during testing and same
were rectified/re-processed. For CTs of other makes in
which failure rate was almost zero, a pilot project was
taken up which is discussed as Case Study as given below
to assess the condition of such make of CTs so that
preventive actions may taken well in advance.

temperature variations. Paper with Paraffinic oil

is used as insulating medium.
Live tank design fitted with Teflon bellow at the
top. Paper with Nepathenic oil is used as
insulating medium.

(2)

Diagnosis Methodology:
Following tests were conducted on these CTs under
shutdown:

CASE STUDY
Majority of EHV class CTs in POWERGRID network are
approaching the age profile of 12-18 years. As mentioned
above, there have been number of CT failures attributable
to primary insulation failure. In view of sudden failures of
CTs in recent past without any alarm, it was considered
necessary to assess the condition of CTs, which are in
service for a very long time so as to prepare for any
eventuality in future. Out of the operating healthy
population, 15 CTs of three makes were identified for
detailed diagnostic checks.

1.
2.
3.
4.

Capacitance and Tan Delta Measurement

Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) of CT Oil as per IEC60599.
Oil Parameters Testing as per IS-1866 (IEC-60422).
Insulation Resistance Measurement (Polarization
Index Test)

All CTs are 420kV class, rated current as 2000 Amperes,

BIL level of 1425kV and Switching Impulse Level of
1050kV. CTs selected were of two types:

For oil sampling, special adopters were developed and to

have uniformity, all Oil samples were tested only at
POWERGRIDs Centralized Insulating Oil Testing
Laboratory (CIOTL). For Measurement of Capacitance
and Tan Delta, CTs were removed from service (under
shutdown) and Tests were carried out after thoroughly
cleaning the Porcelain surfaces. Both side conductors i.e.
jumpers were removed from CT and Test Readings were
taken in UST(Ungrounded Specimen Test Mode) for most
of the CTs.

(1)

Results of 15 nos. tested CTs are given below in Table-1

Brief Technical Particulars of selected CTs considered

for Condition Assessment:

Dead tank type with N2 cushion at the top to

take care oil expansion and contraction due to

Table-1
CT
No.

Make

Tan
Delta
Value at
10kV
(%)
0.13

Capacitance
(pF)

DGA Test Results

963

Insulation
Resistance
(M
or
)
Polarization
Index
1.7

0.2

921

1.0

42

458

890

0.3

926

2.1

38

0.9

415

852

0.5

300

1.1

30

10

26

1146

0.5

264

1.2

24

43

1157

0.5

283

1.5

21

17

1108

0.29

878

1.6

11

122

415

8
9
10
11

C
C
C
C

0.28
0.31
0.28
0.22

876
883
932
922

1.2
1.2
2500M
2250M

3
4
4
4

5
5
187
8

0
0
2
1

2
1
10
5

0
0
0
0

36
36
93
45

167
247
822
570

Remarks

H2

CH4

C2H4

C2H6

C2H2

CO

CO2

45

518

787

BDV, ppm
very poor
(<35kV
and
>25ppm)

CT
No.

12
13
14
15

Make

C
C
C
C

Tan
Delta
Value at
10kV
(%)

Capacitance
(pF)

Insulation
Resistance
(M
or
)
Polarization
Index

DGA Test Results

H2

CH4

C2H4

C2H6

C2H2

CO

CO2

0.25
0.31
0.26
0.26

924
809
799
808

1800M
1.5
2.0
1.33

4
2
0
0

24
29
17
14

2
5
1
1

10
85
24
17

0
0
0
0

88
63
32
43

611
578
1199
414

Remarks

Table-2
CT
No.

1
2

Make

A
A

Tan
Delta
Value
at
10kV
(%)
0.33
0.2

Cap
acita
nce

Insulation
Resistance
or
Polarizatio
n Index

959
955

1.16
1.37

DGA Test Results

H2

CH4

C2H4

C2H6

C2
H2

CO

CO2

0
0

7
5

11
4

2
1

0.5
0.5

525
444

688
1679

Analysis of the Test Results:

Brief summary of the test results is placed below:
1.

2.

3.

4.

Remarks

DGA for most of the CTs were in order and

insulation degradation was due to normal ageing.
Except for CH4 value(187ppm) for CT(Sr.No.10)
and for C2H6 value(85ppm) for CT(Sr.No.13).
Oil parameters like BDV, moisture contents etc. were
also within limits except for three nos. CTs (at Sr.
Nos. 4 to 6) which violated norms. Oil was replaced
for all the thrre CTs (Sr.No.4 to 6) after which DGA,
BDV, Capacitance and Tan Delta values were found
to be within limits and CTs were successfully taken
into service.
Capacitance and Tan delta values are also within
acceptable limits except for CTs at Sr.No.1 to2 and 4
to 6 in which Test were taken in GST mode without
removing the Jumpers. Tests were repeated as
mentioned above at point no.2. For CTs at Sr.No. 1
and 2, all Tests were repeated and Test Results are
given in Table-2
IR test results also indicate normal values.

Benefits derived by POWERGRID

Pilot project was undertaken for those designs/ makes of
CTs where no failures were reported. The outcome of the
pilot project revealed normal Ageing of CTs even after
15-18 years of service. It was decided to replace oil for

three nos. CTs indicating poor values of BDV and

moisture content. After oil replacement, tests were
repeated and results improved and these CTs are
operating successfully. Two CTs were found violating
norms in respect of CH4 and C2H6 and have been kept
under close monitoring/ watch.
Based on the outcome of the pilot project, following
emerged:
1.
2.

3.

CTs operating under normal conditions and free

from oil/N2 gas leakage problems are mostly
healthy even after 18 years of service.
N2 gas monitoring is very important for all CTs
with N2 cushion at the top. N2 monitoring
procedure was standardized and implemented
throughout POWERGRID.
Suspected CTs having high values of dissolved
gases are kept under constant watch.

CONCLUSION:
Condition of 15 nos. EHV class CTs in service has been
assessed as discussed above. The CTs selected for Pilot
project were based on the age profile and the CTs which
are having almost zero failures. Condition assessment of
sample CTs has proved that CTs even after 12-18 years of
service are healthy and looked after properly. Introduction
of new condition assessment tests in POWERGRID have
brought down CT failures and better performance of CTs
is expected in future. Constant updation of diagnostic

testing techniques can reduce failures/ down time to

increase system availability & reliability.

[2]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors are thankful to the POWERGRID
management for permitting them to present the papers in
CIGRE-2002. The views expressed in this paper are of the
authors and not necessarily that of the POWERGRID
organization.
REFERENCES:
[1]

Mark F.Lachman, Doble engineering Company,

Application of Equivalent Circuit Parameters to
offline diagnostics of Power Transformer
(Preview).

[3]

[4]

G.CSEPES, I.HAMOS, J. SCHMIDT, A.

BOGNAR, A DC Expert System (RVM) for
checking the re-furbishment efficiency of high
voltage oil paper insulating system using
polarization spectrum analysis in range of Long
time Constants, CIGRE August,94(12-206).
Mark F. Lachman, Doble engineering Company,
Application of Equivalent Circuit Parameters to
offline diagnostics of Power Transformer
(Preview).

Enhanced Diagnosis of Power Transformers

using On and off line methods: results,
examples and future trends.
By S.Tenbohlen, U.Sundermann, H.Borsi, P.Werle &
H.Matthes,
Cigre
2000