Acoustic method in diagnostics of transformer insulating

The enormous expansion of technologies of the acquisition of electrical energy, which we witness at the present time, is based not only on the process of its generation. If electrical energy is to be used effectively, the generation of electrical energy has to be closely incorporated into the quality and functionality of the transmission and distribution system. The increase of demands on the reliability and quality of the operation of technical equipment generally and the power equipment especially is connected with this. High demands on the design and factory price of most of this equipment led to the development of various branches of diagnostics, which in a way makes it possible to deal with the problems of reliability and economy of the operation. At present there are growing demands on online monitoring of the operating condition of the most important component of the power unit, namely by such equipment as for example the nuclear power plant. The transformer as one of the key components of the transmission and distribution of the electrical power system is one of the most responsive components, and also one of the elements of the transmission network which is most in danger of failing. As every electrical machine it is subject to wear and ageing due to the operation conditions and processes. Every machine has a number of more or less independent systems vital for the operation, one of which usually takes priority in terms of the operating importance and vulnerability. As knowledge from the engineering practice indicates, 80 % of all failures of transformers are insulation failures. Insulating systems occupy a dominant position in terms of service life, safety in operation and reliability. For this reason it seems suitable to choose the insulating problems as a basis of implemented analysis of the operating capability of transformers.