Utilising Online Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) for enhanced end-of-life management of ageing power transformers

Ensuring the health of power transformers is paramount, as sudden breakdowns are not only costly but also time-consuming to repair.

Ensuring the health of power transformers is paramount, as sudden breakdowns are not only costly but also time-consuming to repair. Vigilant monitoring becomes a crucial investment, offering a preemptive strike against potential issues. Early detection of problems, whether related to overloading, insulation deterioration, or electrical disturbances, translates to significant savings in both time and money. Proactive maintenance allows for strategic planning, preventing unexpected disruptions in power supply. From planned overloads to inadequate maintenance, keeping a watchful eye on transformers serves as a safeguard, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted flow of power. In essence, timely checks act as a financial and operational safety net, averting unforeseen troubles.

Solution

The Transformer Monitoring System Dissolved Gas Analyser TM8 is a sophisticated device designed for comprehensive monitoring and analysis of dissolved gases within transformer oil. As a critical component of transformer health assessment, this analyser plays a pivotal role in predictive maintenance strategies, enabling early detection of potential faults or issues within power transformers.

Key Features and Functions

Gas Detection Technology: The TM8 employs state-of-the-art sensors or probes immersed in the transformer oil to detect and quantify various gases dissolved within. These gases are indicative of different types of electrical and thermal faults that can occur within the transformer.

Gas Types and Fault Indicators: It analyses a range of gases such as methane, ethane, ethylene, acetylene, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and others. Each gas and their respective ratios can provide vital information regarding different types of faults occurring in the transformer, such as overheating, partial discharge, arcing, insulation degradation, or ageing issues.

Continuous Monitoring and Trend Analysis: The TM8 continuously monitors gas levels within the oil over time. By analysing trends and deviations in gas concentrations or ratios, it assists in identifying potential emerging issues or degradation within the transformer’s insulation and windings.

Alarm Systems and Notifications: The system is equipped with configurable alarm thresholds. When gas levels surpass predefined limits or exhibit irregular ratios, it triggers alerts, notifying operators or maintenance personnel. These notifications prompt further investigation or action to prevent potential transformer failures.

Diagnostic Tools and Reporting: Advanced diagnostic tools and software embedded in the TM8 facilitate data interpretation. It generates detailed reports, trends, and actionable recommendations for maintenance teams, aiding in the identification of specific transformer issues and planning targeted maintenance interventions.

Integration and Connectivity: The TM8 likely supports integration with broader transformer monitoring platforms and systems. It may utilise multiple communication protocols for seamless connectivity, allowing centralised monitoring, data analysis, and remote access capabilities.

In conclusion, effective monitoring of power transformers is crucial to prevent unexpected breakdowns, ensuring reliability and minimising costs. Utilising online Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) through advanced systems like the Transformer Monitoring System Dissolved Gas Analyser TM8 allows for early detection of potential faults, providing continuous monitoring, alarms, and detailed reporting. This proactive approach enhances the overall management of aging transformers, ensuring a smooth and reliable power supply.