Practical Condition Monitoring: Experiences with Large Power Transformers

This paper gives examples of the application of condition monitoring to large power transformers. In many reported cases of condition monitoring the analysis of data, conclusions drawn, and decisions made are fairly straightforward. We show such a ‘straightforward’ case relating to traditional dissolved gas analysis (DGA), but we also show cases where more analysis of the context of the main tank partial discharge (PD) measurements and bushing power factor measurements are needed to draw appropriate and actionable conclusions. Condition monitoring may provide significant benefits if data is evaluated in context, and if it is considered as part of, and embedded in, the operational and asset management processes of the organization in order to ensure positive outcomes.