dry transformer 110 kV

High voltage transformers- a responsible thing. There are often discussions about the simplicity of their design, testing of some universal schemes. In practice, this is far from the case. At Wenzhou Qiaonasen Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd. we regularly encounter situations where initial assumptions about reliability and efficiency are revised. Today I want to share my thoughts, based on many years of experience, about what you should pay attention to when working withtransformers 110 kV. I won’t go into excessive theory; rather, I’ll talk about real cases, what “hurts” and how it can be mitigated.

Main problems when operating 110 kV transformers

The first problem you encounter is, of course, protection. Not just the availability of protective equipment, but their correct configuration and regular testing. Insufficient sensitivity of the protection relay or an incorrectly calibrated current sensor - and the consequences can be very serious. This is especially true for old parkstransformers, where the protection systems have not been updated for a long time. Often it is necessary to carry out diagnostics and reconfiguration, which is a labor-intensive process requiring specialized equipment and qualified personnel. For example, we recently worked with a transformer fleet where the protection system was simply “killed” - all the relays were set to maximum sensitivity, which led to false alarms and constant downtime.

The second problem, and it is closely related to the first, is cooling.Transformer 110 kVreleases a colossal amount of heat. An efficient cooling system is the key to long and reliable operation. Problems can arise both with the oil circulation system and with the operation of air cooling. For example, we had a case where deposits formed in the oil circulation system, which led to a deterioration in heat transfer and overheating of the transformer. We had to completely flush the system and replace the filters. Ignoring these problems leads to premature wear of the insulation and, as a result, to expensive repairs or even failure of the transformer. It is important to understand that the cooling system is not just a set of pipes and pumps, it is a complex engineering system that requires regular maintenance and diagnostics.

Another important detail is the insulation state. Even minor damage to the insulation can lead to serious consequences. In particular, this concerns humidity in the transformer. Leakage of moisture into the oil leads to a decrease in the dielectric strength of the insulation and accelerates its destruction. We often use ultrasound diagnostic methods to identify hidden insulation defects. This allows you to identify problems at an early stage and prevent their development.

Problems with the monitoring and diagnostic system

Automatic control and diagnostic systems are certainly a promising area of developmenthigh voltage transformers. But it is important to understand that these systems are not a panacea. It is necessary to regularly calibrate sensors and check the performance of data processing algorithms. There are often situations when control systems produce incorrect data, which leads to erroneous decisions about the need to repair or replace equipment.

We must not forget about the human factor. Even the most advanced diagnostic system cannot replace a qualified specialist. It is important that transformer maintenance personnel have sufficient knowledge and experience to interpret the data received from the control system and make informed decisions.

Case Study: Transformer Overheating

At the beginning of last year we received a call to a site wheretransformer 110 kVsuddenly started to overheat. Initial diagnostics showed that the cooling system was overloaded. After a detailed analysis, it turned out that one of the pumps in the oil circulation system had failed, which led to a decrease in performance and deterioration in heat transfer. Repairing the pump took several days, but it restored normal operation of the cooling system and prevented further overheating of the transformer. This case shows how important it is to promptly identify and correct faults in the cooling system. Sometimes even a minor breakdown can lead to serious consequences.

We use specialized software to analyze data from temperature, pressure and oil level sensors. This allows you to quickly identify anomalies and take measures to prevent overheating. For example, we have set up a system to automatically shut down the transformer if the permissible temperature is exceeded. This prevents serious damage to equipment and ensures personnel safety.

Recommendations for preventing overheating

To prevent overheatingtransformer 110 kVIt is recommended to carry out regular diagnostics of the cooling system, monitor the condition of the oil and troubleshoot problems in a timely manner. It is also important to follow operating rules and avoid overloading the equipment. We must not forget about the need to clean the cooling system of contaminants. For example, we regularly use ultrasonic cleaners to remove deposits from pumps and pipes.

And, of course, preparation for seasonal changes is important. During the hot season, the cooling system experiences increased load, so it is necessary to ensure its functionality and efficiency. During the cold season, it is important to monitor the condition of the oil and prevent it from freezing. These simple measures will help ensure reliable and safe operation of the transformer.

Conclusion

Working withhigh voltage transformers 110 kVrequires experience, knowledge and constant attention. The importance of proper protection, efficient cooling and reliable insulation cannot be underestimated. Regular maintenance, timely diagnostics and qualified personnel are the key to long and uninterrupted operation of the equipment. Wenzhou Qiaonasen Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd. is committed to providing comprehensive operation and maintenance solutionstransformers, relying on many years of experience and advanced technology.

If you have any questions abouthigh voltage transformersor you need maintenance and repair services, please contact us. We are always ready to help.