Matz Ohlen

Director Transformer
Test Systems
Megger
Sweden
Frequency response analysis of power
transformers
Measuring and analyzing data as function of
frequency, variable frequency diagnostics
Impedance vs frequency FRA/SFRA (Sweep
Frequency Response Analysis)
Magnitude/phase vs frequency
Typical frequency range 20 Hz 2 MHz
Insulation characteristics vs frequency DFR/FDS
(Dielectric Frequency Response/Frequency Domain
Spectroscopy)
Capacitance and dissipation factor vs frequency
Typical frequency range a few mHz to 1 kHz
 Transformer Diagnostics
Diagnostics is about collecting reliable
information to make the correct decision
Making the correct decisions improves reliability
and saves money

SFRA
TTR

FDS Winding
Resistance
 SFRA testing basics
Off-line test
The transformer is seen as a
complex impedance circuit
[Open] (magnetization
impedance) and [Short] (short-
circuit impedance) responses are
measured over a wide frequency
range and the results are presented
as magnitude response curves
(filter response)
Changes in the impedance can be
detected and compared over time,
between test objects or within test
objects
The method is unique in its ability to
detect a variety of winding faults,
core issues and other electrical
faults in one test
SFRA measurement circuitry
 SFRA analysis tools
Visual/graphical analysis
Starting dB values for
[Open] (excitation impedance/current)
[Short] (short-circuit impedance)
The expected shape of star and delta configurations
Comparison of fingerprints from;
The same transformer
A sister transformer
Symmetric phases within the same transformer
New/missing resonance frequencies
Correlation analysis
DL/T 911 2004 standard
Customer/transformer specific
 Typical response from a healthy
transformer

HV [short] identical
between phases

LV [open] as
expected for a Y tx

Very low deviation

between phases for
all tests no winding
defects
HV [open] as expected for
a Y tx. Double dip and
one response lower
Transformer with serious issues...

Large deviations Large deviations

between phases for between phases at mid
LV [open] at low and high frequencies
frequencies indicates winding faults
indicates changes in
the magnetic
circuit/core defects
SFRA standards and recommendations

DL/T 911-2004, Frequency Response Analysis on Winding

Deformation of Power Transformers, The Electric Power
Industry Standard of Peoples Republic of China, 2004
Cigre brochure 342 (2008), Mechanical Condition
Assessment of Transformer Windings Using Frequency
Response (FRA)
IEEE PC57.149/D7 (2009), Draft Trial-Use Guide for the
Application and Interpretation of Frequency Response
Analysis for Oil Immersed Transformers (Draft)
IEC 60076-18 Ed1.0 (2010), Power Transformers Pert 18.
Measurement of Frequency Response (Draft)
Internal standards by transformer manufacturers, e.g. ABB
FRA Standard
 SFRA standards Key points

Standard Dynamic range Accuracy Signal cable grounding

Wire, shortest length to

EPIS PRC DL/T 911 -100 to +20 dB 1 dB @ -80 dB transformer core
grounding

-100 to +20 dB
CIGRE brochure 342 1 dB @ -100 dB Shortest braid principle
(measurement range)

"Sufficient dynamic
IEEE PC57.149/D7 (draft)
IEC 60076-18 (Draft)
ABB FRA Technical Standard
range to Grounded at both ends,
"Calibrated to an
accommodate all documented and
acceptable standard"
transformer test repeatable procedure
objects"
0.3 dB @ -40 dB
-100 to +10 dB
1 dB @ -80 dB Shortest braid principle
min 6 dB S/N
Smoothing not allowed
Better than
1 dB @ -100 dB Shortest braid principle
-100 to +40 dB