Impact of capacitive coupling circuit on online impulse frequency response of a power transformer

Detecting the early signs of mechanical failures of power transformer winding is necessary and is possible with online monitoring techniques. Online impulse frequency response analysis (IFRA) is a promising diagnostic method when a transformer is in service. This paper examines the unrevealed problem existing in the method, namely, the impact of bushing capacitive coupling circuit on online impulse frequency response. An equivalent electrical model of capacitive coupling circuit and transformer winding is established. The frequency response of the capacitive coupling circuit is obtained to study its influence on online impulse frequency response. The parameter variations of capacitive coupling circuit caused by coupling capacitance variation and bushing dielectric breakdown are simulated to investigate their influence on online impulse frequency response signatures. A few experiments are eventually performed to verify the theoretical analysis and simulation results. This paper contributes to the application of online IFRA.