Presentation 5.
 Transformers Site Diagnosis
Robert Slinger / Johnny Sanchez Gomez, ABB TRES, UK
Introduction
The Power Transformer is the most expensive
plant/equipment in any electrical network. During
its whole life (transportation, installation or under
service operation), it is exposed to transient and
steady state stresses that can affect its condition
as well as its service life.
Therefore, a condition assessment should be
carried out on a frequent basis. This is crucial for
its successful operation and, as a consequence,
for the reliability of the power system as a whole.
ABB proves the proper condition of the equipment,
giving accurate and reliable test results. Most of
these tests are measured with the powerful
solutions provided by OMICRON, and are
diagnosed and evaluated by ABB’s experts, who
have access to more than a century of knowledge
in transformer manufacturing [2].
Transformer Diagnosis
During installation or periodic maintenance, ABB’s
Test Engineers have proven the versatility of each
of OMICRON’s solutions according to the
requirements. This equipment, along with our
expertise to analyze the results, allows for a risk
management approach (see Fig. 1).
Essentially, this paper must consider three aspects
when determining the technical risk of the failure of
a transformer [2]:
 Mechanical aspects: This involves the risk of
short circuit failure, which is based on
assessment of the short circuit strength of the
windings and clamping structure, and the
incidence including magnitude of short circuit
through fault events.
 Thermal aspects: This involves the winding
thermal condition and is based on the
condition of the paper insulation. Aged, brittle
insulation is more likely to fail under the
mechanical stress conditions. Also, metal
parts at high temperature could pose a risk to
the transformer.
 Electric aspects: This involves the risk of
dielectric failure and is based on the
assessment of the dielectric withstand
capability of the transformer insulation system
(oil, paper, etc.) and the electrical stress
imposed by the power system and naturally
occurring events.
© OMICRON 2015 – Diagnostic Measurements on Power Transformers Conference & Workshop
Fig. 1 ABB Risk management approach to identify
transformers at risk
A definitive analysis of the subject of diagnostic
tests on power transformers must take into account
that the majority of diagnostic indicators are
sensitive to all three fundamental stresses acting
on the transformer. Therefore, the general
interpretations of the outputs are the diagnostic
indicators, localization of faults can be problematic
for a reliable evaluation of the risk of failure. The
experience and interpretation capabilities of
transformer experts are crucial for a successful
diagnosis.
Some of the required tests for a condition
assessment carried out by ABB are:
 Frequency Response Analysis
 Excitation Current
 Leakage Inductance Measurement
 Power Factor and Capacitance
 Dielectric Frequency Response
 Turns Ratio
 Bushings PF & Cap
 Dynamic Tap Changer Tests
 Windings Resistance
OMICRON Highlights at ABB
Demagnetization
One of the main problems that can influence the
measurement of transformers is the residual
magnetism, which can affect the results from FRA
or Exciting Current Measurements. By
demagnetising with the CPC 100 + CP SB1, ABB
can ensure reliable results for both these
measurements, coupled with a short
demagnetisation time. Further to this, removing the
residual magnetism from the transformer helps to
illuminate un-desirable protection operations due
to high inrush currents, or even internal damage
due to the mechanical forces.
 Presentation 5.2

FDS/DFR
The presence of moisture in a transformer
deteriorates the insulation by decreasing both the
electrical and mechanical strength. In general, the
mechanical life of non-upgraded Kraft paper
insulation is reduced by the presence of moisture.
OMICRON’s Dielectric Response Analyzer,
DIRANA, has been a powerful tool that has
reduced costs to ABB, and subsequently the
customer, during processes such as drying and
installation.
ABB has used this tool during the past several
Fig. 3 CT testing with OMICRON CT Analyzer
years for analysis of transformers both in its
factories and in the field. The experience gained
from the tests and analyses has shown the Literature
potential of the DFR test for identifying not only
moisture problems, but also other defects in the [1] Guide for Diagnostic Field Testing of Electric
transformer insulation structure [2]. Power Apparatus—Part1: Oil Filled Power
Transformers, Regulators, and Reactors,
IEEE Std.62-1995, Aug. 1995.
[2] ABB TrafoServ Handbook LOW_Aug06
[3] Y. Du, M. Zahn, B.C. Lesieutre, A. V.
Mamishev and S. Lindgren, ”Moisture
Equilibrium in Transformer Paper-Oil
Systems”, IEEE Electrical Insulation
Magazine, Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 11-20,
January/February 1999.

About the Authors

Robert Slinger born in
Lancaster, England in 1979,
progressed as a time served
Fig. 2 ABB Analysis tool for DFR measurements of
Industrial Electrician achieving
transformers
HNC in Electrical & Electronic
Engineering at Teeside
There are several conditions in a transformer that University. Robert developed
can lead to high or unusual measurement results. into Distribution and
Here are some of the causes that have been Transmission commissioning
diagnosed by ABB experts (see Fig. 2). gaining Senior Authorisations; he now works as
 Moisture in the cellulose insulation Operations Manager at ABB transformer service
 High oil conductivity due to ageing or following three years as field test Engineer.
overheating of the oil
 Chemical contamination of cellulose Johnny Sanchez Gomez born
insulation in Pereira, Colombia in 1983.
 Carbon tracking in cellulose He received the electrical
 High resistance in the magnetic core steel engineering degree from
circuit Universidad Tecnologica de
Pereira in 2009. Since 2011 he
Current Transformer Tests has worked within ABB in
Colombia and the UK as field
CT testing has evolved since the OMICRON service specialist for the
CT Analyzer was created, and now tests which transformers divisions.
would normally take a couple of days are carried
out within just a couple of hours (see Fig. 3). With
the CT Analyzer, ABB has substantially reduced
the commissioning time of CT testing with
increased accuracy.

© OMICRON 2015 – Diagnostic Measurements on Power Transformers Conference & Workshop