FRA Testing Introduction

Ross Smirthwaite

June 2010
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Introduction to SFRA June 2010

FRA Testing Introduction

What is FRA?

Sensitive diagnostic test for detecting transformer movement and winding deformation

Essentially measuring voltage ratio or impedance over a wide range of frequencies

A comparative test

FRA Principle

FRA relies on the fact that

Transformer can be modelled as a network of capacitance,

resistance, self- and mutual inductances

When a fault occurs, the values of these parameters are

altered

FRA response will also change accordingly

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Introduction to SFRA June 2010

FRA Testing Introduction

Comparison No Deviations? Yes
Normal differences

FRA Interpretation

Transformer healthy

Analysis of deviations
Abnormal differences

Transformer faulty
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Introduction to SFRA June 2010

FRA Testing Introduction

Purpose of FRA

The detection of movement or damage such as:

Movement / Damage of the active parts following a through fault or other high current event.

Movement / Damage of the active parts following a tap changer fault.

Movement / Damage of the active parts during transport.

Movement / Damage of the active parts following a seismic event.

Movement / Damage of the active parts that are undetectable unless the unit is dismantled.

Introduction to SFRA June 2010

FRA Testing Introduction

There are two main types of FRA

iFRA Impulse Frequency Response Analysis

This uses an impulse voltage source, it is quick but has

inherent repeatability problems and is therefore not the preferred method for general use.

SFRA Swept Frequency Response Analysis

Uses a swept frequency voltage source, although slightly

slower than iFRA is very repeatable and the results are easily comparable between any test equipment used. Resulting in this being the preferred method used.

Introduction to SFRA June 2010

FRA Testing Introduction

Basic Method of obtaining an SFRA curve

1.

A low voltage signal is injected into a test object with respect to earth (the source lead).

2.

This voltage (Vin) is measured at the input terminal with respect to earth (the reference lead) and is used as the reference signal .

3.

A second voltage (Vout) is measured at a output terminal with reference to the earth (the response signal).

The ratio between the response signal (Vout) and the reference voltage (Vin), represented as Gain (DBs) plotted against frequency is the required SFRA curve.

Introduction to SFRA June 2010

FRA Testing Introduction

Measurement Connections

End-to-End

Admittance

Transfer Voltage Ratio

End-to-end FRA measurement widely used

This can also be sub divided into open circuit and short circuit tests
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Introduction to SFRA June 2010

Introduction to SFRA June 2010

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