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Condition monitoring of transformer oil using thermal analysis and other techniques

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Abstract

Any transformer oil undergoes continuous degradation because of all electric, thermal, mechanical, and climatic stresses it suffers while operating in the transformer. Therefore, the oil has to be checked on regular basis in order to decide whether it is necessary to regenerate or replace it, avoiding thus a sudden failure of the transformer. This article presents results of in-the-laboratory-performed experiments on transformer mineral oil samples. Those samples came from a power transformer that works in the Romanian power network. There were three monitoring stages conducted over four-and-a-half years. We used two measuring techniques: (i) measurement of the state parameters of transformer oil (breakdown voltage, loss factor, water contents, acidity index, interfacial tension, number of particles larger than 5 microns, and gas contents) in order to describe the oil condition during the monitoring period and to anticipate any severe fault. This enables the user to take preventive action before a severe fault might eventually occur; (ii) thermal analysis (TA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), in order to determine the stability of oil samples. By using TA and FTIR, and by evaluating each and every significant parameter, it has been proven that the tested oil is still adequate for further employment in the power transformer.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the S.C. Hidroelectrica S.A., Romania, as partner in the project 536/28.07.2009 covering expenses related to theoretical and applicative researches on the mineral oils used in the power transformers that work in the Romanian power network.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Craiova, 107 Decebal Boulevard, 200440, Craiova, Romania

    Sonia Degeratu & L. I. Alboteanu

  2. Faculty of Physics, University of Craiova, 13 AI Cuza Street, 200585, Craiova, Romania

    P. Rotaru

  3. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Craiova, 107 Calea Bucuresti Street, 200512, Craiova, Romania

    S. Rizescu

  4. University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2-4 Petru Rares Street, 200349, Craiova, Romania

    Suzana Danoiu & H. O. Manolea

  5. Faculty of Automation, Computers and Electronics, University of Craiova, 107 Decebal Boulevard, 200440, Craiova, Romania

    N. G. Bizdoaca

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  1. Sonia Degeratu
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  2. P. Rotaru
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  7. H. O. Manolea
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Correspondence to P. Rotaru.

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Degeratu, S., Rotaru, P., Rizescu, S. et al. Condition monitoring of transformer oil using thermal analysis and other techniques. J Therm Anal Calorim 119, 1679–1692 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-014-4276-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-014-4276-3

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