Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA) is one of the most powerful diagnostic tools for assessing mechanical damage to a transformer
winding. Analysis of the results, which are in the form of frequency response traces can, however, be daunting to new users.
One approach is to attempt automated and these are to be used after routine or has gained acceptability with a much
analysis, and this paper presents an approach type testing. Two relevant to this discussion larger and rapidly expanding group (and
using crosscorrelation coefficients. This is a include turns ratio to detect if the winding including the recent-entr y suppliers of
power signal processing tool that can simplify has faulted, and leakage reactance to equipment). But this has created some
result interpretation in some cases and allow identify deformation. Over the years the problems for these new users and suppliers
limits to be created. measurement of leakage reactance relating to the interpretation of the results.
A common failure mode for power transformers (or short-circuit impedance) has proven The experience is that this is a transitional
is consequent to mechanical deformation valuable, particularly when used during with- phase and new users can acquire the skill
of the core or windings. Core damage is stand evaluation in high power laboratories. within a short time.
more likely as a result of transportation, while The impedance change allowed post fault
But for that first phase there is an interest
winding damage is more likely to be caused can be defined as being less than a 2%
in having an analytical method, ideally
by short circuit type forces. Consequently, change (see IEC60076-5). Provided the
producing a number, ideally as simple as
the requirements are for transformer to be test is done correctly this provides a clear
checked before and after a new delivery or that from leakage reactance.
definition for acceptability. However, for
re-location, and also after any major fault. in-service assessment it is considered by The nature of SFRA results
The latter might be after faults on a cable some that this method is insensitive. In the
connected to the low voltage winding, or The sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA)
1990s a group from the major utilities in
on a measurement transformer on the high test involves injecting a signal at one end
northern Europe evaluated an alternative of a winding and measuring the response
voltage, or a tap changer or bushing failure.
method involving the injection of a low at the other end. Responses with large
These close-up faults may be so severe as
voltage swept frequency sine wave into variations in attenuation over the measured
to initiate protection and then the need is to
each winding in turn. They met as a working frequency range are obtained as a result of
assess the damage to the transformer.
group of EuroDoble and at the end of the variations in the impedance of the complex
Alternatively, there could be lesser damage 1990s documented their experience in a L-C-R distributions of the windings. Since
in the form of deformation. This would reduce Doble test guide and several papers at capacitances and inductances depend on
the capability of the winding to withstand the annual Doble conferences [1], [2]. detailed winding geometry, any movement
any further faults i.e. the winding is bent but Today, groups within IEEE and Cigr are results in changes in the frequencies at which
not broken. Knowledge of such damage is,
working to introduce the method into IEEE resonances occur. It is the identification
therefore, part of a risk assessment process
and IEC standards, and several companies of changes in frequency response that
to be applied for critical units.
now produce instruments to replace is the essence of analysis and diagnosis
Within IEC and IEEE standards, various the laborator y equipment used earlier. of mechanical integrity. This is currently
diagnostic techniques are described, Over these recent years the technique achieved with the expert eye - but the aim
is to use some processing to yield numerical
evaluation of changes.
CCF
Good match 0,95 1,0
Close match 0,90 0,94
Poor match < 0,89
No or very poor match < 0,0
CCF
Good 0,95 1,0
Marginal 0,90 0,94
Investigate <0,90
Fig. 2: Cross correlation analysis of the H2-H0 winding
to benchmark results. Table 3: Phase A/C or sister unit
(same phase) limits.
Case studies
In this case we have factory and initial field Fig. 3: Cross correlation analysis of benchmark results H2 - H0 winding.
results available for a 675 MVA generator step-
up transformer built in 2002. The transformer
suffered from a fire in the connected
isophase bus and was further tested using
SFRA and other electrical diagnostic tests. This
case was presented as a paper at the 2005
Doble Client Conference.
Conclusion