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Frequency response analysis of power transformers

Information from Megger Power transformers are specified to withstand the mechanical forces arising from both shipping and subsequent in-service events. Mechanical forces may exceed specified limits, and/or the insulation support structure is weakened due to aging. There is a need to effectively identify such damage. A visual inspection is time consuming, difficult, and does not always produce definitive results. During a field inspection, t h e oi l has to be dr a in ed. O f t en, a complete tear down is required to identify the problem. An alternative method is to implement diagnostic techniques capable of detecting damage. Frequency response analysis (FRA) is one such tool for diagnosis of transformer electromechanical integrity. There are several occasions where there is a need to verify the integrity of transformers. Examples are:
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Quality check during manufacturing Before and after short-circuit tests at the factory After transport or re-location of a transformer After a nearby short-circuit fault that resulted in high currents (= high forces) in the transformer After catastrophic events like earthquakes, lightning strikes, etc. As a diagnostics tool when prompted by gas analysis, vibration monitoring or other indicators of potential problems Before and after maintenance
Fig. 1: FRA or SFRA is used to measure and analyse characteristic response curves of a transformer.

Frequency response analysis (FRA) measurements FRA (frequency response analysis) or SFRA (swept frequency response analysis) is used to measure and analyse characteristic response curves of a transformer (usually in the frequency range 20 Hz 2 MHz). See Fig. 1 Analysis FRA is a comparative method for assessing the condition of power transformers. To evaluate the FRA results, actual data are compared with reference data either by direct visual inspection of the curves or by using processed FRA data. There are three approaches for comparing measured curves to reference data:
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Fig. 2: Core problems will give deviation into low frequency range.

Compare new measurements to fingerprint measurements on the same unit (time based comparison) Comparing measurements between identical (twin/sister) transformers (type based comparison)

Comparing measurements made on symmetrical windings/limbs/phases on the same transformer (design based comparison)

When there is a reason to suspect mechanical damage (transport, extensive mechanical forces due to e.g. short circuit currents), the user can identify mechanical movements by comparing the reference energize - April 2009 - Page 32

curve with a curve obtained after the event. If the cur ves are identical, no internal displacements have occurred and the transformer can safely be put back to service. Individual measurements of every winding should be made which allows for identification of the location of the problem. For best results and most reliable

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S w e e p f re q u e n c y re s p o n s e a n a l y s i s (SFRA) The analysis of FRA measurements is performed in the frequency domain, i.e. the response curves are plotted as function of frequency. The measurements can be made either in frequency domain or in time domain. Frequency domain measurements are called sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA) in order to distinguish them from time domain measurements. The FRAX101 uses the SFRA method and applies a signal with an amplitude of 10 V peak-to-peak at all measured frequencies. A typical sweep from 20 Hz to 2 MHz takes about 60 seconds with default measurement settings. FRAX SFRA units have the capability to optimize sweep settings to shorten measurement time while still keeping sufficient resolution over the frequency range of interest. In time domain, a pulse or several pulses are applied and the response is measured as function of time. These methods are usually called impulse or FFT (fast fourier transform) methods. The measurement data need to be transferred (usually using FFT) to frequency domain to be analyzed.

Fig. 3: SFRA HV [open] measurements on a 40 MVA transformer.

analysis, a characteristic reference curve (fingerprint) of every winding should be captured when the transformer is known to be in good condition. This profile is an investment as a future reference when the transformer has to be evaluated (timebased comparison).

If no reference measurement has been made of the actual transformer, you can use measurements from a sister transformer of the same design (typebased comparison) and/or use knowledge about symmetries between windings in a transformer (design-based comparison).

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As a consequence of FFT transformation, the resolution at lower frequencies is low and limits the user s ability to notice changes in the transformers magnetic properties.Time domain methods are also known to have lower repeatability. Most FRA measurements done today use SFRA and this is the method recommended in international standards. SFRA standards and recommendations There are several international standards and recommendations for SFRA testing of power transformers:
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Frequency response analysis on winding deformation of power transformers, DL/T 911-2004, The electric power industry standard of Peoples Republic of China Mechanical-condition assessment of transformer windings using frequency response analysis (FRA), Cigr report 342, 2008 IEEE PC57.149/D4 Draft trial-use guide for the application and interpretation of frequency response analysis for oil immersed transformers, 2007 (Draft) Internal standards by transformer manufacturers
Fig. 4: Response above 10 kHz is identical but deviation at low frequency indicates a magnetically core.

The standards give detailed recommendati ons o n mea s u r emen t procedures and analysis (DL/T 911-2004). Key issues to consider for good quality SFRA testing are:
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There are standards for SFRA measurements follow them! Select test equipment that fulfills all standards Test the transformer as described in the standards

To ensure high measurement quality and repeatability the following is important;

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Use a high quality, high accuracy instrument with inputs and output impedance matched to the coaxial cables (50 ) Use the same applied test voltage in all SFRA measurements Make sure to get good connections and connect the shields of coaxial cables to flange of bushing using shortest braid technique Make sure the transformer and test setup is consistent from one measurement to another (tap settings, external connections etc). Document the setup in detail.

Fig. 5: Deviation due to disconnection of core grounding.

Interpretation of results A core problem, or an open or a short winding, will in general give deviation (i.e. the measured and the baseline curve will be different) in the low frequency range. Changes can indicate shorted turns, open circuit, residual magnetism, or core movement. In the example, in Fig. 2 the low frequency deviation is caused by a shorted turn in the low-voltage winding

Fig. 6: Measurements on symmetrical phases show no deviation.

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A winding problem, except shorted turns or open winding that also will show up at lower frequencies, will give differences at mid-frequencies. Typical faults can be bulk movement of windings relative to each other or winding deformations. High frequency differences typically indicate internal connection issues. Measurement examples Time-based comparisons A single phase 105 MVA, generator step-up (GSU) transformer was measured after a short-circuit fault. Reference measurements for the same transformer were available and a direct comparison could be made for the high and low voltage windings. As seen in the diagram in Fig. 3, the responses are identical thus confirming that the short-circuit forces in this example did no damage to the transformer. A one phase three winding step-up transformer (403kV / 16 kV / 16 kV, 103 MVA / 51,5 MVA / 51,5 MVA) was measured before and after repair. The transformer oil was drained, it was moved 10 m, the high voltage bushing was replaced and other maintenance actions were taken and finally the transformer was moved back and filled with oil. The measurements shown Fig. 4 are the measurement of the high voltage winding (bushing A1 and bushing A2) with both low voltage windings open before the maintenance action (blue) and after the maintenance action (red). As can be seen the measurements are identical at all frequencies above approximately 10 kHz, a very good result. At low frequencies, which are related to the core, there is a difference. This type of shift illustrates a typical difference between normal and magnetized core. This is not a fault; in this case a winding resistance measurement (WRM) using high DC current has caused residual magnetization in the core. (Note: SFRA standards recommend that WRM is performed after SFRA testing.) Shows in Fig. 5 measurements on a sister unit to the transformer in the previous example. The green curve shows the normal or baseline measurement and the red curve show a measurement after scheduled maintenance where the core grounding was disconnected by mistake. A noticeable difference is seen starting at around 300 Hz and continuing to just above 100 kHz. This looks very different to the magnetized core issue in the previous example and indicates a problem. Design-based comparison Fig. 6 shows SFRA measurements taken on the HV side [open] on a 40 MVA transformer. The unit was taken out of service but estimated to be in good condition and to be used as a spare. No comparison data from previous tests were available. SFRA analysis using DL/T 911-2004 standard, comparing measurements on symmetrical phases on HV and LV, was per formed. No deviation/ distortion was detected, indicating that the electromechanical properties are identical. For this transformer, the conclusion is that there are no difference/changes between phases, thus indicating that the mechanical condition is normal and the SFRA measurements can be used as reference/ baseline for future measurements. Contact Marius Pitzer, Megger, Tel 011 452-6287, marius.pitzer@megger.com v energize - April 2009 - Page 35