Understanding online frequency response signatures for transformer winding deformation: Axial displacement simulation

Abstract

The power transformer is considered as the most critical and expensive device in substation, however, the irreversible transformer winding mechanical deformation can eventually develop into catastrophic failure if no further steps are taken in a proper way, which would cause the outage of transformer and the significant economic losses. Online frequency response analysis (FRA) has been proven to be a promising tool for condition monitoring and diagnosing of winding deformation. Online FRA relies on graphic comparison of signatures, but up to now, there is no standard and practical interpretation code for signatures classification and quantification. This paper particularly studies the characteristic of online FRA signatures under the winding axial displacement mode, in which the 3D finite element electromagnetic analysis and online transformer equivalent high frequency electrical model are established as auxiliary tools to precisely emulate winding axial displacement. Results of this simulation will provide guidance on understanding online frequency response signatures.