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Introduction to Sweep

Frequency Response Analysis

Robert Foster
Megger Applications Engineer
February 16, 2018

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Moderator

n Jamie Smith
• Digital Marketing Specialist

2
Q&A
n Send us your questions and comments during the
presentation

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Today’s Presenter & Panelists

Presenter:
n Robert Foster
• Megger Applications Engineer

Panelists:
n Dr. Diego Robalino
• Megger Principal Engineer

n Volney Naranjo
• Megger Senior Applications Engineer
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Transformer Diagnostics
§ Diagnostics is about collecting reliable information to make
the correct decision
§ Making the correct decisions saves money

SFRA
Oil analysis

Winding
DFR Resistance

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Transformer mechanics basics
n A transformer is rated to withstand certain mechanical
forces.
n However, these forces can easily be exceeded
• during transportation
• short circuits close to the transformer
n Transformers mechanical strength weakens as the
transformer ages
• Less capability to withstand mechanical stress
• Greater risk for mechanical problems
• Greater risk for insulation problems

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Detecting Faults with SFRA
n Core movements
n Faulty core grounds
n Winding deformations
n Winding displacements
n Partial winding collapse
n Hoop buckling
n Broken clamping structures
n Shorted turns and open windings
n Etc

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SFRA testing basics
n Off-line test
n Transformer is a complex RLC filter circuit
n Changes in this circuit can be detected and
plotted as a response curve when test
signals at different frequencies are applied
over a winding
n Changes can be compared over time,
between test objects or within test objects
n The method is unique in its ability to detect
core problems, mechanical winding
problems and other electrical faults in one
test

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What is Sweep Frequency Response?
Unknown System

Input Output

Input = Generated Signal from test set at various frequencies


Output = Generated by the unique characteristics inside the system
Output / Input = Response!

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SFRA = Fingerprinting

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Test results – always comparisons
n Different problems can be seen in
different parts of the curve
n Software analysis makes it easy to
detect deviations
n Low frequencies
• Core problems and shorted/open
windings
n Medium frequencies
• Winding deformations
Taps and
n High frequencies connections
• Tap connections and other
Winding deformations
winding connection problems

Core + windings

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Connections

Applied Measured signal


signal = 10 V = response V

Shielded (ground)
Co-ax cables

Data
Ground
Ground Ground

Transformer

Single Winding

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0 dB Magnitude = No difference between Measured and Applied signal

Lower Difference

Voltage Ratio Magnitude (measured / applied)


Higher Difference

Applied 10 V AC Voltage cycle speed

Lower Frequency Higher Frequency


What are typical tests performed?
(On most transformers)

1. End-to-End OPEN Circuit


2. End-to-End SHORT Circuit
3. Capacitive Inter-Winding (CIW)
4. Inductive Inter-Winding (IIW)

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Test types –
End-to-end (open)

n Test signal is applied to one end of a


winding and the transmitted signal is
measured at the other end
n Magnetizing impedance of the
transformer is the main parameter
characterizing the low-frequency
response (below first resonance) in this
configuration
n Commonly used because of its
simplicity and the possibility to examine
each winding separately

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End-to-end (open) - Example
n Low frequencies - Inductive
• May vary between measurements pending magnetization
• Typical “double-dip” response on outer windings and “single dip” on center winding
• B-phase should be below A and C-phase (Y)

Inductive Capacitive

Resonance
Peak & Valley

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Test types –
End-to-end short-circuit
n The test is similar to the end-to-end
measurement, but with a winding on the
same phase being short-circuited
n The influence of the core is removed
below 10-20 kHz because the low-
frequency response is characterized by
the short-circuit impedance/leakage
reactance instead of the magnetizing
inductance
n Response at higher frequencies is similar
to end-to-end (open) measurements

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End-to-end (short) - Example
n Low frequencies
• All phases should be very similar in low frequencies. > 0.25 dB difference may indicate leakage
reactance/winding resistance/connection/tap-changer problems

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Test types –
Capacitive inter-winding (CIW)
n Test signal is applied to one end of a winding and the response
is measured at one end of another winding on the same phase
(not connected to the first one)
n The response using this configuration is dominated at low
frequencies by the inter-winding capacitance

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Test types –
Inductive inter-winding (IIW)
n The signal is applied to a terminal on the HV side,
and the response is measured on the corresponding
terminal on the LV side, with the other end of both
windings being grounded
n The low-frequency range of this test is determined by
the winding turns ratio

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Inter-winding measurements - Example
n CIW (red-gray-blue) is capacitive at low frequencies
n IIW (red) reflects turn ratio at low frequencies (7.5 MVA, 115/34.5 Dyn)
n Similar response at high frequencies

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What is the importance of the different tests?

Type of Test Transformer Characteristic @ 60 Hz


1.) OPEN Circuit Self Admittance

VR
Looks at Winding AND
OPEN Core characteristics Similar to Excitation Test
VM

2.) SHORT Circuit Self Admittance


VR
Similar to Leakage Reactance
SHORT Looks at Winding
VM

3.) CAPACITVE Inter-Winding


VR VM Looks at Capacitance
between Windings Similar to Capacitance

4.) INDUCTIVE Inter-Winding


VR VM
Looks at Inductance of
BOTH Windings
Similar to TTR

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OPEN Circuit Self Admittance (OC)
HV LV

Applied Signal
#1 AΦ aΦ

Measured Signal
OPEN
Applied Signal
(floating)
#2 BΦ bΦ
LV
Measured Signal terminals
Applied Signal

#3 CΦ cΦ

Measured Signal

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SHORT Circuit Self Admittance
HV LV

Applied Signal
#4 AΦ aΦ

Measured Signal
SHORT LV
Applied Signal
terminals
#5 BΦ bΦ

Measured Signal
Applied Signal

#6 CΦ cΦ

Measured Signal

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OPEN Circuit Self Admittance (OC) {IEEE}
End-to-end Open {Cigre}

HV LV

Applied Signal
#7 AΦ aΦ

Measured Signal
OPEN
Applied Signal
(floating)
#8 HV BΦ bΦ

terminals Measured Signal


Applied Signal

#9 CΦ cΦ

Measured Signal

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CAPACITIVE Inter-Winding
HV LV

Applied Signal Measured Signal


#10 AΦ aΦ

Applied Signal Measured Signal


#11 BΦ bΦ

Applied Signal Measured Signal

#12 CΦ cΦ

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INDUCTIVE Inter-Winding
HV LV

Applied Signal Measured Signal


#13 AΦ aΦ

Applied Signal Measured Signal


#14 BΦ bΦ

Applied Signal Measured Signal

#15 CΦ cΦ

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End Result
(3 Phase, 2 winding Delta to Wye transformer w/acc neutral)

HV Open HV Short LV Open Capacitive IW Inductive IW

#1 #4 #7 #10 #13

#2 #5 #8 #11 #14

#3 #6 #9 #12 #15

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End Result
(3 Phase, 2 winding Delta to Wye transformer w/acc neutral)

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Recommendation Tests (3 phase, 2 winding xfmr)
Note: number of sweeps may change based on transformer 3 phase, 3 winding
xfmr = 36 sweeps

n Acceptance (known good condition)


• Run all (15) sweeps
– (6) Open Circuit
– (3) Short Circuit
– (3) Capacitive Interwinding
– (3) Inductive Interwinding
n Preventative Maintenance cycles
• Run (9) sweeps
– (6) Open Circuit
– (3) Short Circuit
n Post Fault, transportation, or suspected problem
• Run all (15) sweeps

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Reference measurements
n When transformer is new
• Capture reference data at commissioning of new transformers
n When transformer is in known good condition
• Capture reference data at a scheduled routine test (no issues
found)
n Save for future reference
n Start Your Reference Measurements ASAP!

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SFRA measurements – When?
n Manufacturing test
n Commissioning test
n Transport test
n Incident test - after incidents where you
suspect electromechanical changes
• After transport
• Short-circuit faults
n Catastrophic events
• Earth quakes
• Hurricanes, tornadoes
n Trigger based test – transformer alarms
• Vibration
• DGA
• High temperature

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Comparative tests
Transformer A Design based

Time based

Transformer A Transformer B

Type based
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Results Analysis Methods
1. Time Based (same transformer)
§ MOST RELIABLE TEST!
§ Deviations between curves indicate problems

2. Type Based (transformer of same design run [twins or sisters])


§ Requires knowledge about design
§ Small deviations are not necessarily indicating a problem

3. Design based (same transformer winding legs and bushings of identical design)
§ Requires knowledge about design
§ Small deviations are not necessarily indicating a problem

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Measurement philosophy

New measurement = Reference measurement


Back in Service

New measurement ≠ Reference measurement


Further Diagnostics Required

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#1 Time Based Comparisons
§ Same transformer
§ Compare individual winding to itself
§ HV A phase same xfmr (@ time 1)
§ HV A phase same xfmr (@ time 2)

Same conditions during both tests:


§ Any additional component WILL INFLUENCE measurement
§ Test bushings during test must be installed during test #2
§ Bus bar and additional connections should be removed
§ Test conditions must be exactly the same everytime for comparison

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Time Based Comparison
3 Phase, 2 winding transformer - Comparing same phase, same xfmr

Acceptance Test After Fault Test


= Fingerprint

Overlay Acceptance & After Fault

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#2 Type Based Comparisons
§ Similar transformer
§ Compare individual winding to very similar winding
§ HV A phase similar xfmr (@ time 1)
§ HV A phase similar xfmr (@ time 2)

Parameters for identifying twin-units:


§ Same Manufacturer
§ Same Factory of production (sequential serial numbers, year of mfg)
§ Original customer/technical specifications
§ No refurbishments or repair

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#3 Design Based Comparisons
§ Same transformer
§ Compare individual winding to very similar winding
§ HV A phase same xfmr (@ time 1)
§ HV C phase same xfmr (@ time 1)

Parameters for design comparison:


§ Multi-limb design: symmetric electrical circuits
§ 3 leg core form, A and C phase will be similar construction
§ Mechanical defects: generate non-symmetric displacements
§ Same Core and Bushing types

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Design Based Comparison – Open Circuit Test
§ Low frequencies
• May vary between measurements pending magnetization
• Typical “double-dip” response
• B-phase should be below A and C-phase (Y) – Symmetry of 3 leg core excitation

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Design Based Comparison – Short Circuit Test
§ Low frequencies
• All phases should be very similar. > 0.25 dB difference may indicate leakage reactance/winding
resistance/connection/tap-changer problems

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Typical SFRA – Magnitude Response Graph
3 Phase, 2 winding transformer – ALL 3 Phases

LV [open] a,b,c

HV [short] A,B,C

HV [open] A,B,C

9 tests = 3 sets of 3 phase winding sweeps

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Typical response from a healthy transformer

HV [short] identical
between phases

LV [open] as
expected for a ΔY tx

Very low deviation


between phases for
all tests – no winding
HV [open] as expected for defects
a ΔY tx
”Double dip” and mid phase
response lower

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Transformer with serious issues...

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

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Analysis Methods – A Comparison

100%
Fingerprint - 3Φ Phase to Phase
#1 Time based comparison on same transformer
CONFIDENCE LEVEL

Less % Twin Transformer 3Φ -


#2 Type based Phase to Phase comparison

AΦ to BΦ to CΦ of same
#3 Design based transformer

Low % Transformer tap positions from


#3 Design based single phase auto transformer

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Comparing 2 curves – What’s important?

n Factors that affect the importance of correlation between curves:


• Winding Configuration
– Delta or Wye
• Type of test:
– OPEN
– SHORT
– CAPACITVE
– INDUCTIVE
n Any of these can indicate a potential problematic mechanical change:
• Resonance Shifts
• Additional Resonance
• Loss of Resonance
• Overall Magnitude Difference
See Cigre paper 342, or IEEE C57.149 for expected SFRA graphs in each situation

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SFRA Summary - REMEMBER

n Comparison - The basis of SFRA measurements

n Repeatability – Important!
• High quality, high accuracy instrument needed
• Same Applied Voltage in all SFRA measurements
• Good connections on the measurement terminals
• Shortest braid grounding - shields of coaxial cables to flange
of bushing
• Good documentation, photographs of connections help

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Tips for field testing

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Test Instrument Setup Tips
Applied Measured signal
signal = 10 V = response V

Shielded (ground)
Co-ax cables

Data
Ground
Ground Ground

Transformer

Single Winding

FRAX
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Tip #1 Instrument Verification

Field verification unit with


known frequency response
is recommended in CIGRE
and other standards to
verify instrument and cables
before starting the test

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Tip# 2 Fast testing

Less points where it takes


time to test and where high
frequency resolution is not needed

More points where


higher frequency
resolution is useful

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Tip #3 Lead placement

n Test template will indicate where to place leads


Applied lead Measured lead

3 phase, 2
winding
transformer test
template

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Tip #4 Tap Changer Position
n Changing the position of the tap changer
will change the result
• To obtain repeatable results, use the same
tap position for each comparison test. It is
recommended to use in service tap for
DETC and extreme raise position for LTC

n If nominal tap is to be used for LTC, it is


recommended to note down the previous
tap position before nominal.

n Tap changer position must be documented


in notes

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Tip # 5 Proper connections
n Bad connection can affect the curve at higher frequencies

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Good connection
n After proper connections were made

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Tip # 5 Proper connections-Grounding

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Tip # 5 Proper connections-Grounding

FRAX
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Tip # 5 Proper connections-Grounding

Preferred grounding practice Poor grounding practice

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Tip #6 Demagnetization
n Effect of core magnetization
• Some differences are still to be expected and must be accepted,
however, try to minimize the effect by:
– Performing SFRA measurements prior to winding resistance measurements
– Demagnetizing the core prior to SFRA measurements

After winding
resistance test

After
demagnetization

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Tip # 7 Decision support

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Summary
n SFRA provides a variety of information about the transformer

n Repeatability is of the utmost importance


• Use same connections, voltages, grounding, and tap positions

n Comparison is best method of evaluation


• Establish fingerprint as early as possible
• Time based (Best)
• Design based (if no other alternative)

n Refer to CIGRE brochures (342) and IEEE Guide (PC57.149-


2012) for examples to interpret

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FRAX101 – Frequency Response Analyzer
n Light weight
n Rugged for field use
n Battery operated
n Complies with all standards
n Export and import of data
n Highest dynamic range and
accuracy in the industry
n Simple software

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FRAX150 – Frequency Response Analyzer
n Built in PC with touch screen
n Rugged for field use
n Complies with all standards
n Export and import of data
n Highest dynamic range and
accuracy in the industry
n Simple software

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FRAX Accessories
n Field Demo Box FDB
• Training tool
• Can simulate variety of n Field Test Box FTB
faults
• Comes standard with FRAX
• Verify instrument is working
at all frequency ranges

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MEGGER TLM Bulletins
n Moisture in Power Transformers
n Dynamic Measurements of On-Load Tap Changers (OLTC)
n Individual Temperature Correction (ITC)
n Measuring Transformer Winding Resistance
n Transformer Core Demagnetization
n Power Factor/ Dissipation Factor and Capacitance
n Electrical Testing Efficiency through Test Lead Management
n Oil Tan Delta
n Excitation Current

https://us.megger.com/promotion/transformer/transformer-life-management-(tlm)-bulletin-series

NEXT…
n SFRA

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SFRA TLM bulletin outline

n Introduction
n Mechanical Aspects of a Transformer
n What types of problems does SFRA detect?
n SFRA – the test
n How does SFRA work to detect a problem?
n The Fundamentals of Response Behavior
n Complex RLC circuit – the Transformer
n Features of the Response (why does it look the way it does)
n Standards
n Performing the test
n The three R’s
n Analysis
n Examples
n When to use SFRA
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Survey & Contact Info

n Contact Information
• Presenter
– Robert Foster
– Robert.Foster@megger.com

• USA and Mexico Sales


– sales@megger.com
– +1 800 723 2861
• Canada Sales
– caenquiries@megger.com Please help us improve by filling out
the survey after the webinar ends
– +1 800 297 9688
"Corona discharge 1" by Nitromethane - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons -
67 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Corona_discharge_1.JPG#/media/File:Corona_discharge_1.JPG
Join us for our next Webinar

n Visit us.megger.com/webinars to register for upcoming


webinars and to view videos of previous webinars
n Title: Fault Location on Oil Filled Cables
n Date: March 16, 2018 from 10 am – 11:30 am CST
n Presented by Robert Probst, Megger Cable Applications
Engineer
n Register Here:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/849036320746842
3171

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Questions?
Power on
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of your business. That is why we are dedicated to creating, designing and
manufacturing safe, reliable, easy-to-use portable test equipment backed by
world-leading support and expertise.

We can assist your acceptance, commissioning and maintenance testing for


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dependability and advancement of the electrical supply industry.

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