Substation Reliability Tip #03

Valuable Insights with Condition Monitoring

Accurate insights and data can maximize operational uptime.

The ability to have early warning signals about potential issues can save transformer owners time and money. Implementing remote observation on transformers can deliver real-time alerts, reduce maintenance expenses, and lower the risk of failure.

One of the best ways to implement remote observation on a transformer is with online condition monitoring or online DGA monitoring. The insulating liquid contains key information about the health of a transformer. As the transformer experiences thermal and electrical stresses over time, and as the paper insulation breaks down, gases are generated that dissolve back into the insulating liquid. Detecting which gases are present and the rate of increase of these gases over time indicates the nature and severity of an issue.

Knowing the dissolved gases present within transformer oil makes it possible to detect faults early and perform further testing. Access to this kind of data could be the linchpin of successful transformer lifecycle management. With real-time, accurate, and measurable data, better decisions can be made to improve reliability and performance and delay or decrease future capital expenditures.