Trend Analysis : Performance Monitoring of Transformers.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Laboratory for Electromagnetic and Electronic Systems, has completed a four-year research program to develop advanced technologies for improved reliable monitoring to detect hazardous internal conditions in large power transformers while in service. This project has been coordinated by the MIT Electric Utility Program and sponsored by a group of eight electric utility companies and ESEERCO. This report documents the technical activities during the four year program which formally began July 1, 1984. The motivation for the work has been that successful monitoring will lead to increased power system reliability and important economic benefits. A significant reduction in failure rate of large transformers and the potential improvement in their operation and maintenance are goals of the work. The program has resulted in the development of a working pilot monitoring system, operating on a small transformer at MIT. This system incorporates many findings and research developments on (1) improved sensing devices and sensing systems, (2) new analytical structures which evaluate the status of the transformer relative to normal behavior, and (3) new computer operating system hardware and codes which provide complete control and flexible reporting of the monitoring process.