Multi-Point Vibration Monitoring of Power Transformer Based on Optical Fiber Sensing System

Vibration signal analysis is an effective method to diagnose mechanical condition of transformers online. A multi-point vibration sensing system phase-sensitive optical time domain reflectometer (φ-OTDR) is proposed for transformer tank vibration monitoring. Compared with piezoelectric accelerometers commonly used in the field, the proposed system has high electromagnetic interference immunity and complexing ability. In this paper, the vibration sensing principle based on φ-OTDR is first introduced. Then, an optical fiber sensor for transformer tank vibration is proposed. Next, the vibration sensing performance of the system is calibrated experimentally. Finally, vibration monitoring tests are carried out online on a 500 kV transformer, verifying the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the proposed system for transformer vibration monitoring.