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Introduction We would like to take this opportunity to share with you some exciting news regarding our FRAMIT instrument. We strive to remain at the cutting edge of FRA technology and, as a result, the start of 2000 saw the release of our FRAMIT 2 software. Since this time many customers have shared their suggestions and ideas about potential improvements to the software. This feedback has become an important part of keeping the FRAMIT instrument at the forefront of FRA testing. We would like to introduce our latest product release being FRAMIT 3. Background It is clear that the performance of power transformers will determine, to a large extent, the quality of power supply. It is therefore very important to continuously monitor and assess the condition of transformers to ensure reliability and availability of power supply. The detection of a transformer winding condition that might lead to a fault and subsequent outage, and being able to take corrective action (e.g. re-clamping or insulation repair) prior to failure, can save a transformer rewind, estimated to cost in the region of $1-million for a large power transformer. The failure of a strategic transformer on the power supply network can be even more costly, considering consequential

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factors such as system destabilization, load shedding, outages and even complete system shutdown. Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) is becoming an increasingly popular technique used to externally monitor and assess the condition and mechanical integrity of transformer windings for shortcircuits, open-circuits, deformation, winding insulation breakdown and loss of clamping pressure. The FRA technique can help maintenance personnel identify suspect transformers, enabling them to take those transformers out of service before failure. Causes of Transformer Deformation Power transformers are usually very reliable, but when faults occur, the transformer can be affected catastrophically. Transformers fail in service each year. Most of these failures are caused by transformer winding faults and through faults generated by lightning and switching surges. As a transformer experiences a fault, it may suffer mechanical shock that gradually displaces and distorts the windings. In the process of winding movement, the insulation between the turns can be abraded, causing a short circuit and damage to the windings. Mechanical vibrations, initiated by short circuit forces, may cause the windings to loose their clamping pressure, eventually leading to collapse of the windings. The other cause of winding movement may be extensive vibration during transformer transportation. As the windings experience vibration, they may slacken and subsequently become unable to withstand mechanical forces exerted during faults. Ageing also contributes to winding looseness. In addition, harmonics generated under normal operating conditions may cause winding and core vibration. Short circuit faults are potentially very destructive because if the clamping pressure is not capable of restraining the forces involved, substantial permanent winding deformation or even collapse can occur almost instantaneously, often accompanied by shorted turns. A common cause of failure is a close-up phase to earth fault resulting from a lightning strike.

Page 3 of 4 It is expected that a transformer will experience and survive a number of short circuits during its service life, but sooner or later one such event will cause slight winding movement, and the ability of the transformer to survive short circuits in future will then be severely reduced. As the transformer ages, its components deteriorate and the likelihood of a failure increases. Transformer Winding Modeling For a clearer understanding of what actually happens when a transformers winding structure undergoes deformation, we need to analyze the equivalent circuit model of a transformers windings, as shown below. Specifically, we are examining the effects of the small parasitic capacitance and inductance of the windings of the transformer. At the first approximation a transformer winding can be represented by a ladder network with series inductance and capacitance as well as the parallel capacitance to ground. The transfer function of such a network calculated by FRA shows a number of poles at the resonance frequency of the local L and C circuits. A breakdown between the turns or coils of the transformer under test corresponds to a short circuit of one or more of these local LC networks. This will result in shifting the resonant pole to another frequency or the creation of a new pole. A partial discharge condition with the transformer will not significantly affect the resonant frequency of the affected pole, but the pole height will be reduced. Consequently, a change of the resonant pole frequency indicates a breakdown in the winding insulation, whereas a reduction in the pole height reveals partial discharge activity. FRAMIT Instrument South Africas national supply utility, ESKOM, though its research into FRA initiated the development of a specialized FRA measurement tool. Starlogic Instrument Development together with ESKOM developed a complete, self-contained instrument that performs Frequency Response Analysis of power transformers. The Starlogic instrument called FRAMIT is the result of accumulated knowledge from the research and application of this test technology over the past 8 years. FRAMIT has been internationally marketed with great success for over the past 6 years. The

instrument, which interfaces with a standard laptop computer, is housed in a rugged carry case in which the measurement electronics, connecting leads and manual are fitted to create a complete, portable instrument as shown above. The software runs under Microsoft Windows 95/98/ ME/2000/XP & NT and therefore inherits all of features of this operating system. Performing a FRAMIT Test The test-leads are connected across a specific phase winding of the transformer, as shown below. FRAMIT injects a voltage impulse of about 450 volts into this phase winding. A high-speed digital data acquisition unit samples the injected voltage signal, as well as the voltage signal appearing at the other end of the winding. These two recorded time domain signals are transferred to the computer. FRAMIT takes these two time domain signals and calculates the frequency spectrum. It does this by applying a Fast Fourier Transform Algorithm (FFT) to the time domain signals. This yields the frequency spectrum. The

frequency response is then determined by dividing the frequency spectrum of the output signal by the frequency spectrum of the input signal. This test is repeated for each phase winding of the transformer (6 tests for a 3phase transformer). This allows each winding of the transformer to be independently inspected and evaluated. The frequency response of all the tested phases together is called the fingerprint of the transformer. This fingerprint is unique to every transformer, and remains unchanged for as long as the transformers winding structure remains unchanged. This fingerprint represents the high frequency inductive and capacitive properties of the transformer under test. The transformer therefore has a specific fingerprint in a known healthy condition. The transformer therefore has a specific fingerprint in a known healthy condition. This healthy fingerprint is known as the reference fingerprint. An example of a reference fingerprint is shown above. By overlaying fingerprints

showing parasitic inductance, capacitance and resistance

Transformer Winding Modeling

Tank Wall
C L C R C

Winding
L C C

Core

Winding
C

CrossCross-section of a transformer

Page 4 of 4 of a transformer taken at different times one can very clearly determine if the transformers winding structure is physically unchanged, is slowly distorting over a period of time, or has undergone a severe distortion. Difference between the two fingerprints, indicates a physical change in the winding structure. By taking fingerprints at regular intervals one can detect deformation that may develop into catastrophic failure. This test process can be very easily integrated into any preventative maintenance program, with routine tests being performed. Implementation of FRA Test Technology The international use of FRA test technology is growing steadily. Many companies in the USA are successfully implementing FRA testing using the FRAMIT instrument. These companies have authorized that FRAMIT tests be performed on all their new transformers before they are purchased from the manufacturer, after they are transported to site, and once they have been commissioned. With future routine tests being performed on a regular basis, this decision is enhancing their transformer preventative maintenance programs. Before a transformer is loaded onto a truck for delivery to the customer, a FRA test is performed at the manufacturers premises. Once the transformer has been delivered, it is tested again. If the two fingerprints match well, it means that there has been no movement of the winding structure during transport and loading. If a transformer suffers a high through fault condition, it can be tested to determine the extent of the distortion of the winding structure. The test results will indicate what further action (if any) needs to be taken. This can save a lot of time, as well as transformers. Transformers can also be tested periodically, to determine the cumulative effects of high through current faults. Conclusion International FRA research has proven that it is possible to detect a variety of different internal transformer con-

ditions. As a preventative maintenance tool, FRAMIT is the ideal complement to the traditional tests of ratio, partial discharge and dissolved gas analysis. Combined with on-going international research into quantifying specific waveform patterns with corresponding winding faults the system is proving invaluable in providing base data on currently healthy transformers. In a world where energy is power, Starlogic FRAMIT is making a difference, taking electromechanical engineering into the future. Contact Details If you have any questions or

FRAMIT 3 1. Improved testing technique (tests each winding independently). 2. No calibration tests required. 3. New test-leads. 4. More repeatable test results. 5. Windows 95/98/ ME/2000/XP & NT compatible software.

would like to receive additional technical literature then please contact us; Richard Breytenbach at Starlogic Instrument Development on e-mail:starlogic@pixie.co.za, Visit our website at address; www.framitonline.com, or contact your local FRAMIT representative.

Reptame Equipment Inc. www.reptame.com (905) 936-6979