Comparison of the Degree of Polymerization Model of the Transformer and Lifetime

Transformer is one of the essential components of electrical power systems. Condition of electrical equipment have been studied to increase system reliability, availability, safety, and to reduce the total cost of assets. In order to extend the service life and to anticipate unintended outages, asset management is needed to assess the condition of equipment. This article aims to provide a comparative review of transformer aging based on degree of polymerization. Insulation deterioration indicates lifetime expectancy of transformers. Oil analysis is one of the diagnoses that can be performed without de-energizing of the transformer. A fault in the transformer can be identified by the production of fault gases. Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is used to identify the condition of transformer based on the gases dissolved in the insulating liquid of transformer. The degree of polymerization (DP) of insulation paper represents the insulation degradation. It can be used as an indication index to measure the insulation age of a transformer. Furan compounds are compounds that are formed when solid insulation is degraded. Furans and the degree of polymerization have a high correlation. A transformer’s lifetime is estimated based on furans compound. The simulation using MATLAB shows that there are disparities between 2-furaldehyde (2FAL) increase and a change in lifetime. The study case shows that the end of lifetime depends on the insulation lifetime based on the concentration of2FAL. It allows time for maintenance planning.