1

Abstract Sophisticated monitoring technologies have

emerged to provide technical and analytical support to the
condition assessment and diagnosis of high voltage electrical
apparatus. As these technologies are being improved, on-line
monitoring systems have a special role to prevent failure of
major components of the electrical system. The behavior of
evolving gases and their critical values have been published in
the relevant international standards (IEEE C57.104-1991 and
IEC 60599-1999). In this paper, authors address the analysis
of the dissolved in oil gases in an oil-immersed 69kV
1200/600:5 current transformer (CT) that was put under
thermal accelerated ageing stress. An on-line monitoring
system is adapted to the CT and the data is evaluated under
standard diagnostic techniques. A correlation between a
dynamic gas evolution in the oil and the estimation of Loss-of-
life of the CT has been attempted. Results of a constant load
up to 3 times the rated value of the CT indicate a weak
correlation between DGA and the life of the CT.

Index Terms Fault diagnosis, Current transformers, Oil
insulation, Insulation life.

I. INTRODUCTION
N ever increasing demand for electrical power and the
continuous de-regulation process have exposed the
electrical industry to new operational environment.
Efficient operation of a smart electrical grid may require
operating parts of the system at short term overload
conditions. Series components of the electrical system, such
as a CT, can get stressed by temporary overload conditions.
The application of load above nameplate rating involves
some degree of risk, especially when the device is neither
being monitored nor controlled to prevent a possible
damage [1].
The electrical system operates in somewhat seasonal
cycles. Nevertheless, loading of the electrical devices is not
always a controllable factor.
The work presented in this paper involves on-line
monitoring of dissolved-in-oil gases while loading a CT at
2 p.u., 2.5 p.u., and at 3.0 p.u. ; simultaneously, the life of
the CT was estimated following established guidelines [1].
For the purpose of this research the data gathered from the
on-line system connected to the experimental CT was
stored after every four-hour interval.
Dissolved gas concentration in oil varies when an active
fault condition exists. The interpretation of Dissolved Gas
Analysis (DGA) for transformers is provided in IEC
Standard 60599-1999 and IEEE Std. C57.104-1991. As of
now, DGA is one of the most important tools available to
the maintenance engineer concerned about the condition
and life expectancy of transformers [2].
Thermal overloading is the tool used during this research
project to accelerate the aging process of the solid
insulation and not to recreate an unexpected operation
scenario. Different environments and different loading and
thermal profiles affect the life of the CT. The results
obtained here are specific for the units tested and could be
used for reference on CTs of similar constructions.
The purview of this study is based on a possible
correlation between concentration of dissolved gases in oil
and the end-of-life criteria defined by international
standards and quantitatively determined by the degree of
polymerization (DP) of the solid insulation. Evolution of
gases under thermal overloading conditions (accelerated
aging process), estimation of the rate of change as a
function of time, calculation of typical values and
comparison of maximum recorded values against pre-
failure concentrations is described in the subsequent
sections.
II. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
A. Equipment

The loading set-up has been previously described in [3]
along with a connection diagram to illustrate the loading
system operation. The thermal overloading process was
monitored through the temperature sensors located in the
CT insulation system, optical sensors and thermocouples,
provided accurate temperature readings.
In addition to the loading system, on-line monitoring
devices were attached to the experimental CT. One of these
devices is the On-line Transformer DGA Monitoring
System which performs continuous analysis of the eight
different gas concentrations dissolved in the liquid
insulation of the 1200/600:5 oil-immersed 69kV CT of the
measurement type with Rating Factor of 1.5. Gas
concentrations were updated every four hours. The
accuracy of the DGA monitoring system was certified by
the manufacturer to be 5% for most of the gases and 10%
for Nitrogen.
The dielectric oil was extracted from the bottom of the
A
Dissolved Gas Analysis of a Thermally
Overloaded Oil-Immersed Current Transformer
Diego M. Robalino, Member, IEEE, Satish M. Mahajan, Senior Member, IEEE
2
transformer to the monitor where an internal gas extraction
system removes dissolved gases from the circulating oil.
The circulating oil then returns to the transformer through
an adapted connection on the top of the transformer. A
simplified process diagram is illustrated in Fig. 1.



Fig. 1. DGA monitoring system attached to 69kV Oil-Immersed Current
Transformer - Simplified Process Diagram

The system described above captures the gas
concentration during the thermal overloading process.

B. Gas Evolution

The process of gas evolution during normal operation of
a transformer has been discussed by different authors.
Dielectric oil is a complex composition of hydrocarbon
molecules refined from crude oil. This mixture, under the
influence of thermal and/or electrical stress, discharges gas
molecules such as Acetylene, Hydrogen, Methane, Ethane
and Ethylene. The solid insulation (Kraft paper) is
composed of cellulosic molecules. From the solid
insulation, Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide will
evolve at low energy and low temperature levels.
The fault indicator gases are summarized in TABLE I as
presented in [4].

TABLE I FAULT INDICATOR GASES
Fault Gas Key Indicator Secondary Indicator
Hydrogen (H2) Corona Arcing, overheated oil
Methane (CH4) Corona, Arcing and
Overheated oil
Ethane (C2H6) Corona, Overheated Oil
Ethylene (C2H4) Overheated oil Corona, Arcing
Acetylene (C2H2) Arcing Severely overheated oil
Carbon Monoxide
(CO)
Overheated
Cellulose
Arcing if the fault involves
cellulose
Carbon Dioxide
(CO2)
Overheated Cellulose,
Arcing if the fault involves
cellulose
Oxygen (O2) System leaks, over-pressure
Nitrogen (N2) System leaks, over-pressure

DGA interpretation is complex and critical for proper
operation of the unit under observation. The continuous
analysis provides important advice regarding possible
approach to critical values or an unexpected rate of change,
suggesting additional testing by other techniques or
repeated chromatography.
III. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The experiment was carried out on actual current
transformer and not on a simulated / adapted model. For
this research work, the Hot Spot Temperature (HST) was
not estimated but recorded using state-of-the-art
technology. The formulae provided in [1] were applied to
determine the loss-of-life of the unit due to thermal
overloading. The results are presented in the form of
loading cycles at overrated loading levels where ageing
acceleration is unavoidable.
Due to the variety of systems and environments where
CTs are installed, loading p.u. values are provided herein as
well as temperature readings. Based on this information,
operators may reach same thermal effect under lower load
level but higher ambient temperature.
During the performance of this experimental work, the
temperature in the laboratory was controlled and kept at
23C 2C. HST was recorded equal to 42C 1C under
rated loading conditions: (1 p.u.).

A. Long Term Overloading Process at 2 p.u. Load

For this particular analysis, the process of loading the
unit started at 2 p.u. load level or measured 10A continuous
on the secondary side. The unit was kept at that level for
over 300 hours during which temperature, DGA and
moisture were monitored on-line. HST measured during the
process was 89C 2C when thermal equilibrium was
reached. Based on these temperature values, it can be
determined that the aging acceleration factor F
AA
is less
than 1 and the applied load is not stressing enough the
insulation system as to make F
AA
greater than 1 i.e. HST >
95C.

1) Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide: Oxygen (O
2
) reduced its
concentration due to the temperature increase in the unit. A
linear function may well describe the gas concentration. On
the other hand, Carbon Dioxide (CO
2
) increases its
concentration during the process. The behavior of O
2
and
CO
2
under overloading conditions at 2.0 p.u. is shown in
Fig. 2.
The rate of change of O
2
and CO
2
as a function of time
are expressed in (1) and (2) correspondingly.

0
2
() = -.9 +
0
2
(
0
) (1)

C0
2
() = .
2
- .8 +
C0
2
(
0
) (2)
3
Where:

X
() - is the concentration of X-gas at time t., and;

X
(
0
) - is the initial concentration of X-gas at time t
0
.


Fig. 2. Behavior of Oxygen and CO2 under 2.0 p.u. Load

2) Carbon Monoxide and TDCG: Carbon Monoxide
(CO) presented a continuous increase as shown in Fig. 3.


Fig. 3. Behavior of CO and TDCG under 2.0 p.u. Load

The concentration of CO is very low as compared against
O
2
and CO
2
. CO was the main contributor of TDCG (Total
Dissolved Combustible Gas). Therefore, CO and TDCG
draw very similar curves under 2 p.u. load with the
exception of sporadic readings including other gases with
almost negligible concentration.
The rate of change of CO and TDCG as a function of
time is expressed in (3).

C0
() = .
2
-.9 +
C0
(
0
) (3)

3) Moisture: It is important to mention that the tested CT
was never in service before. The remaining moisture inside
the unit after the manufacturing process was reduced
initially due to the thermal stress applied to the unit. The
thermal stress extracted the moisture out of the solid
insulation and this moisture migrated to the liquid
insulation. The moisture content (MC) variation (in ppm) is
presented in Fig. 4


Fig. 4. Behavior of Moisture under 2.0 p.u. Load

4) Other Gases: Other hydrocarbon gases were detected
by the on-line monitor. Their presence in some cases was
seldom, in other cases it originated after certain time.
Hydrogen and Ethane appeared during the process. The
data is presented in Fig. 5.


Fig. 5. Behavior of Other Gases under 2.0 p.u. Load

B. Long Term Overloading Process at 2.5 p.u Load

After overloading the unit at 2 p.u. of rated load, the
experimental work continued increasing the load up to
250% (I
p
=3,000 A) for over 168 hours. Significant variation
was observed as a result of the thermal stress applied. HST
measured during the process was 96C 2C when thermal
equilibrium was reached. Based on this temperature value,
it can be determined that F
AA
> 1 as HST > 95C.

1) Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide: The thermal stress
accelerated the concentration decrease of Oxygen and
increase of CO
2
. Obtained readings are presented in Fig. 6.
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
0 100 200 300
C
o
n
c
e
n
t
r
a
t
i
o
n

[
p
p
m
]
Loading Time [h]
Overrated Load 2 p.u.
O
2
CO
2
0
70
140
210
280
350
0 100 200 300
C
o
n
c
e
n
t
r
a
t
i
o
n

(
p
p
m
)
Loading Time (h)
Overrated Load 2 p.u.
TDCG
CO
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
0 100 200 300
C
o
n
c
e
n
t
r
a
t
i
o
n

(
p
p
m
)
Loading Time (h)
Overrated Load 2 p.u.
MC
0
10
20
30
40
50
0 100 200 300
C
o
n
c
e
n
t
r
a
t
i
o
n

(
p
p
m
)
Loading Time (h)
Overrated Load 2 p.u.
Ethane
H
2
4

Fig. 6. Behavior of Oxygen and CO2 at 2.5 p.u. Load

The rate of change of O
2
and CO
2
as a function of time is
expressed in (4) and (5) respectively.

0
2
() = -. +
0
2
(
0
) (4)

C0
2
() = 8. +
C0
2
(
0
) (5)
2) Carbon Monoxide and TDCG: At this level of stress
and because other combustible gases increase their
concentration, the characteristics of CO and TDCG are
different. It is also clear that the thermal stress triggered a
faster gas evolution as presented in Fig. 7.


Fig. 7. Carbon Monoxide and TDCG behavior at 2.5 p.u. Load

The rate of change of CO and TDCG as a function of
time for a 2.5 p.u. load level is expressed in (6) and (7)
respectively.

C0
() = . +
C0
(
0
)
(6)

1Cu
() = .8 +
1Cu
(
0
)
(7)

3) Moisture: The moisture concentration remains mostly
constant. This indicates that there is no external
contamination or filtration and that a higher energy level
will be required to extract additional moisture from the
solid insulation. At this stage, moisture has been evenly
distributed along the insulation system and its rate of
change as a function of time is negligible. The data
obtained from the humidity sensor is presented in Fig. 8.


Fig. 8. Moisture behavior at 2.5 p.u. Load

4) Other Gases: Two gases were previously identified
during the process. Hydrogens presence remained almost
constant with a minimum increase. Ethane has a more
variable presence and Methane appeared during the process.
Ethylene and Acetylene were not present during this
process. The concentration of these gases during the
process is shown in Fig. 9.


Fig. 9. Concentration of Other Gases at 2.5 p.u. Load

C. Long Term Overloading Process at 3.0 p.u. Load

After reaching thermal equilibrium, HST was recorded
equal to 149C 2C. Based on this temperature value, F
AA

was calculated 192.
The loading process was continuously monitored for 180
hours (real time), as a result, the life of the unit was reduced
by 34,560 hours insulation life as calculated using the
Arrhenius equation in [1].
0
3,000
6,000
9,000
12,000
15,000
18,000
0 50 100 150 200
C
o
n
c
e
n
t
r
a
t
i
o
n

(
p
p
m
)
Loading Time (h)
Overrated Load 2.5 p.u.
O
2
CO
2
0
200
400
600
800
0 50 100 150 200
C
o
n
c
e
n
t
r
a
t
i
o
n

(
p
p
m
)
Loading Time (h)
Overrated Load 2.5 p.u.
TDCG
CO
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
0 50 100 150 200
C
o
n
c
e
n
t
r
a
t
i
o
n

(
p
p
m
)
Loading Time (h)
Overrated load 2.5 p.u.
MC
0
15
30
45
60
75
90
0 50 100 150 200
C
o
n
c
e
n
t
r
a
t
i
o
n

(
p
p
m
)
Loading Time (h)
Overrated Load 2.5 p.u.
H
2
Ethane
Methane
5
1) Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide: Oxygen is being
consumed rapidly. This indicates a fast increase in CO and
CO
2
. The concentration values are presented in Fig. 10.


Fig. 10. Oxygen and CO2 behavior at 3.0 Load

The rate of change of O
2
and CO
2
as a function of time
under 3.0 p.u. overloading conditions is expressed in (8)
and (9) respectively.

0
2
() = .
2
+ .8 +
0
2
(
0
) (8)

C0
2
() = -.
2
+9. +
C0
2
(
0
) (9)
2) Carbon Monoxide and TDCG: As it was previously
observed, this high level of stress originated a rapid
increase in the value of CO and, as a consequence of it, of
TDCG as well. The criticality of the values is to be
analyzed in Section IV.


Fig. 11. CO and TDCG behavior at 3.0 p.u. Load

The rate of change of CO and TDCG as a function of
time under thermal overloading condition of 3.0 p.u. is
expressed in (10) and (11) respectively.

C0
() = . +
C0
(
0
) (10)

1Cu
() = -.
2
+.8 +
1Cu
(
0
) (11)
3) Moisture: The high temperature of the process and,
thus, the greater energy level of this overloading condition
caused an increase in the moisture concentration which
became stable at ~ 17 ppm keeping the thermal stress
continuous. Moisture migration from the solid insulation is
obvious. The data obtained from the humidity sensor
installed in the unit is presented in Fig. 12.


Fig. 12. Moisture behavior at 3.0 Load

4) Other Gases: At this stage of the thermal overloading
process, only Acetylene was not recorded. The
concentration of other gases with marginal concentration
during the process is shown in Fig. 13.


Fig. 13. Other gases behavior at 3.0 p.u. Load

The rate of change of Methane (CH
4
), Hydrogen (H
2
),
Ethane (C
2
H
6
) and Ethylene (C
2
H
4
) as a function of time
under thermal overloading conditions of 3.0 p.u. is
expressed in (12) to (15) respectively.

CH
4
() = . +
CH
4
(
0
) (12)

H
2
() = .8 +
H
2
(
0
) (13)

C
2
H
6
() = . +
C
2
H
6
(
0
) (14)

C
2
H
4
() = . +
C
2
H
4
(
0
) (15)
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
0 50 100 150
C
o
n
c
e
n
t
r
a
t
i
o
n

(
p
p
m
)
Loading Time (h)
Overrated Loading 3.0 p.u.
O
2
CO
2
0
400
800
1,200
1,600
0 50 100 150
C
o
n
c
e
n
t
r
a
t
i
o
n

(
p
p
m
)
Loading Time (h)
Overrated Loading 3.0 p.u.
TDCG
CO
0
5
10
15
20
0 50 100 150
C
o
n
c
e
n
t
r
a
t
i
o
n

(
p
p
m
)
Loading Time (h)
Overrated Loading 3.0 p.u.
MC
0
20
40
60
80
0 50 100 150
C
o
n
c
e
n
t
r
a
t
i
o
n

(
p
p
m
)
Loading Time (h)
Overrated Loading 3.0 p.u.
Methane
H
2
Ethane
Ethylene
6
D. Current Transformer Diagnosis based on DGA Data

Technical diagnosis needs to be performed based on
existing standards. A description of the existing standards
and the evaluation based on such standards is presented
herein.

1) CIGRE SC15: Five key ratios, described in (16) to
(20), are given for transformer condition diagnostic. Out of
these five ratios, those related to any Acetylene
concentrations are disregarded as none of the loading stages
encountered this gas during the process.

K
1
=
Acetylene (
2
E
2
)
Ethane (
2
E
6
)
(16)
K
2
=
Byuiogen (E
2
)
Nethane (E
4
)
(17)
K
3
=
Ethylene (
2
E
4
)
Ethane (
2
E
6
)
(18)
K
4
=
Caibon Bioxiue (
2
)
Caibon Nonoxiue ()
(19)
K
5
=
Acetylene (
2
E
2
)
Byuiogen (E
2
)
(20)

At 2.0 p.u. load the only key ratio to be analyzed is K
4

because the only significant gas concentrations were
recorded from CO
2
and CO. Extrapolating CO
2
and CO
concentrations using (2) and (3) respectively, K
4
was
calculated using (19) at all times to be within normal limits
(3<K
4
<10) as per the standard.
At 2.5 p.u. load, again, the only key ratio to be analyzed
is K
4
because Methanes presence was sporadic and
Ethylene was not present during the process. Applicable
concentrations for analysis were obtained for CO
2
and CO.
Extrapolating CO
2
and CO concentrations using (5) and (6)
respectively, K
4
was calculated using (19) at all times to be
within normal limits (3<K
4
<10) as per the standard.
At 3.0 p.u. load, the analysis becomes more complex.
Three key ratios were calculated K
2
, K
3
and K
4
. K
2

calculated values are all less than 1.4 confirming that the
stress is purely thermal and not electrical. K
3
is calculated
and the values obtained are all within the range 1.7<K
3
<2,
which indicates thermal fault in oil. K
4
is calculated and all
values are greater than 10 which is an indicative of
overheating of cellulose.

2) Roger Ratios (IEEE PC57.104 D11d): IEEE considers
three ratios for the condition analysis using DGA data. The
Ratios are:

1
=
Nethane (E
4
)
Byuiogen (E
2
)
(21)

2
=
Acetylene (
2
E
2
)
Ethylene (
2
E
4
)
(22)

3
=
Ethylene (
2
E
4
)
Ethane (
2
E
6
)
(23)
The standard contemplates the ratio CO
2
/CO with an
interpretation similar to the one given in CIGRE SC15 K
4
.
The outcome of this ratio was discussed and there is no
need to be repeated. R
2
is not applicable in this analysis
because Acetylene never appeared during the loading
process.
At 2.0 p.u. load, Rogers Ratios cannot be used for
analysis. Only sporadic values of Hydrogen and Ethane
were registered.
At 2.5 p.u. load, the presence of Methane was sporadic
and Ethylene was not present during the process. Therefore,
R
1
and R
3
cannot be used for the analysis.
At 3.0 p.u. load, R
1
(which is the inverse value of K
2
) and
R
3
(which is the same value of K
3
) can be computed using
equations (17) and (18) respectively.
For R
1
, most of the calculated values fall within the range
1 7 . 0
1
R suggesting a discharge of high energy. Some
values obtained within the range 5 . 2 0 . 1
1
R suggest a
thermal fault as well. The calculated values of R
3
are
located within the range 2 7 . 1
3
R suggesting discharge
of low energy and thermal fault less than 700C.

3) The Duval Triangle (IEC 60599-1999): The Duval
Triangle method of interpretation [5][7][9] suggested
during the life of the current transformer a thermal fault as
it can be observed in Fig. 14 .


Fig. 14. Graphical interpretation of Gases Behavior in experimental CT
during its entire life under Thermal Stress
7
The numerical values for interpretation of DGA
concentration based on Duvals method are reproduced in
TABLE II as presented in [2] and [6].

TABLE II FAULT DIAGNOSIS

Ratios of Gases
Codes of gas ratios
4 2
2 2
H C
H C

2
4
H
CH

6 2
4 2
H C
H C

< 0.1 0 1 0
0.1 1 1 0 0
1 3 1 2 1
> 3 2 2 2
Case Fault Type
0 No Fault 0 0 0
1
Low Energy Partial
Discharges
0 1 0
2
High Energy Partial
Discharges
1 1 0
3 Discharge of Low Energy 12 0 12
4 Discharge of High Energy 1 0 2
5 Thermal fault T < 150C 0 0 1
6 Thermal fault 150C<T<
300C
0 2 0
7 Thermal fault 300C<T<
700C
0 2 1
8 Thermal fault T > 700C 0 0 2

4) TDCG Method (IEEE): The Total Dissolved
Combustible Gas concentration (TDCG) is another tool
used to prevent failure of the unit during operation. Actions
based on TDCG values are summarized in [10] and used
here for the interpretation of the thermal overloading stress
applied to the experimental CT.
At 2.0 p.u. load the maximum TDCG recorded value was
close to 350 ppm , suggesting normal operation conditions.
At 2.5 load the maximum TDCG recorded value was
close to 600 ppm, suggesting normal operation conditions.
At 3.0 load the maximum TDCG recorded value was
close to 1600 ppm which suggests checking load
dependence and noticing manufacturer or insurer.

5) Calculation of Typical Values: Following the
guidelines given in [9], typical dissolved gas concentrations
were estimated for the complete life cycle of the
experimental CT. The obtained values are congruent with
those presented in [12] based on IEC-60599 (Annex A1)
and summarized in TABLE III.

TABLE III TYPICAL GAS CONCENTRATION VALUES CT1
DISSOLVED GAS
TYPICAL VALUES
FOR INSTRUMENT
TRANSFORMERS [12]
TYPICAL
CALCULATED
CONCENTRATION
(PPM)
Hydrogen 6-300 14.6
Methane
11-120
65.3
Ethane 7-130 21.8
Ethylene
3-40
7.3
Acetylene 1-5 0
Carbon Monoxide 250-1,100 1,166
Carbon Dioxide
800-4,000
25,161.2
Any transformer in-service will always have some degree
of fault gases dissolved in the liquid insulation. The
possibility of a fault condition comes into picture when the
concentration of one or more of these gases over goes the
safety recommended values. Dissolved key gas
concentration limits (ppm) as presented in [9], [10] and [14]
are compared to the maximum values registered during the
accelerated ageing process in TABLE IV.
TABLE IV MAXIMUM DISSOLVED GAS CONCENTRATIONS IN THE
EXPERIMENTAL CT AND STANDARD LIMITS
Gas
C
o
n
d
i
t
i
o
n

1

C
o
n
d
i
t
i
o
n

2

C
o
n
d
i
t
i
o
n

3

C
o
n
d
i
t
i
o
n

4

B
u
r
e
a
u

o
f

R
e
c
l
a
m
a
t
i
o
n

[
1
4
]

P
r
e
-
F
a
i
l
u
r
e

C
o
n
c
e
n
t
r
a
t
i
o
n

[
9
]

M
a
x
.

R
e
c
o
r
d
e
d

V
a
l
u
e
s

H2 100
101 -
700
701
1,800
>1,800 500 725 64.2
CH4 120
121-
400
401-
1,000
>1,000 125 400 91.9
C2H2 35 36-50 51-80 >80 7 450 12.4
C2H4 50 51-100 101-200 >200 175 800 12.1
C2H6 65 66-100 101-150 >150 75 900 46.7
CO 350
351-
570
571-
1,400
>1,400 750 2,100 1,372.6
CO2 2500
2,500-
4,000
4,001
10,000
>10,000 10,000 50,000 31,621
TDCG 720
721-
1,920
1,921-
4,630
>4,630 - 5,380 1,543.4

Calculated typical concentration of CO
2
is the only value
exceeding the numbers presented in [12]. CO and CO
2

maximum values exceed the safety suggested concentration
limits.

E. Ageing of the Current Transformer

Transformer life is intimately related to the degradation
of the insulation, caused primarily by thermal stress of the
insulating paper [11]. Taking the words of T. J. Lewis in
[13], ageing is chemical kinetics.
The work presented in [15], summarizes the authors
observations, indicating a fair correlation between DGA
and Furan Analysis with the Degree of Polymerization. The
outcomes of their experimental studies prompted the
authors to believe that a correlation between the variation of
CO and CO
2
with DP could be a starting point for a more
rigorous formulation of the equipment life.
By removing the stress factor, unstable concentrations
are recorded and; therefore, a specific correlation between
DGA and ageing of the CT was not obtained. As mentioned
in [11], one of the limitations of DGA to estimate ageing of
the monitored units is the fact that the gases in the oil can
be dynamically either evolving or absorbing.
IV. CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, on-line gathered DGA data resulting
from thermal overloading of an Oil-Immersed CT is
presented.
The rate of change of gases evolving at different
overloading conditions as a function of time has been

introduced for the specific type of CT described in Section
I. When the operation of the system is close to the rating
factor, life of the CT unit remains below the levels of
accelerated ageing i.e. F
AA
<1. This determines a robust
construction of the units and compliance with design
specifications.
The CIGRE SC15 method to evaluate the condition of a
power transformer is applicable to evaluate the condition of
the experimental CT. Key ratios are congruent with the
overloading stress applied. Other standards provide only
partial compatibility with the observed conditions.
Thermal stress is a life reducing factor which, as
observed in this experimental work, will not
derive into failure of the unit. A combined stress is more
likely to be the reason for dielectric breakdown
Immersed CTs.
The DGA values and equations to estimate the
change of the dissolved-in-oil gases provided in this
document can be used only as a reference considering the
insulation temperature to be known and similar to
values presented in the previous sections.
Future research on instrument transformers should
involve different designs and ratings so that the full
potential of DGA for the purpose of estimation of life may
be exploited.

REFERENCES
[1] IEEE Guide for Loading Mineral-Oil-Immersed Transformers, IEEE
Std. C57.91-1995.
[2] M. J. Heathcote. The J&P Transformer Book 13
th
2007. ISBN 978-0-7506-8164-3.
[3] D. M. Robalino, S. M. Mahajan, Effects of Thermal Accelerated
Ageing on a Medium-Voltage Current Transformer. Presented at the
IEEE International Symposium on Electrical Insulation, Vancouver,
BC, Canada, 2008.
[4] I-U-Khan, Z. Wang, et al. Dissolved gas Analysis of Alternative
Fluids for Power Transformers, DEIS September/October 2007
Vol. 23, No.5. p.5-14.
[5] Guide to the Interpretation of Dissolved and Free Gasses Analysis,
IEC Std. 60599, IEC Publ. 60599, Mar. 1999.
[6] W. H. Tang et al,A Probabilistic Classifier for Transformer
Dissolved Gas Analysis with a Particle Swarm Optimizer.
Transactions on Power Delivery, Vol 23, No. 2, April 2008.
[7] M. Duval, Dissolved Gas Analysis and the Duval Triangle.
New Zeland / LORD Consulting 2006 Conference Paper.
[8] X. Zhang, E. Gockenbach. Asset-Management of Transformers
Based on Condition Monitoring and Standard Diagnosis.
Electrical Insulation Magazine. July/August 2008
26-39.
[9] M. Duval, Calculation of DGA Limit Values and Sampling Intervals
in Transformers in Service. IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine.
September/October 2008 Vol.24, No.5. p. 7-13.
[10] Paul Gill, Electrical Power Equipment Maintenance and Testing
Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1998. ISBN 0-8247-9907-0
[11] C. T. Dervos, C. D. Paraskevas et al, Dielectric Characterization of
Power Transformer Oils as a Diagnostic Life Prediction Method
IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine. January/February 2005
Vol.21, No. 1. p. 11-19.
[12] M. Duval, A. DePablo, Interpretation of Gas-In-Oil Analysis Using
New IEC Publication 60599 and IEC TC 10 Databases
Electrical Insulation Magazine. March/April 2001
31-41.
[13] T. J. Lewis, Ageing A Perspective, IEEE Electrical Insulation
Magazine. July/August 2001 Vol.17, No.4. p. 6-16.
introduced for the specific type of CT described in Section
close to the rating
unit remains below the levels of
determines a robust
construction of the units and compliance with design
CIGRE SC15 method to evaluate the condition of a
power transformer is applicable to evaluate the condition of
Key ratios are congruent with the
overloading stress applied. Other standards provide only
partial compatibility with the observed conditions.
Thermal stress is a life reducing factor which, as
not automatically
A combined stress is more
likely to be the reason for dielectric breakdown in Oil-
to estimate the rate of
provided in this
considering the
to be known and similar to the
Future research on instrument transformers should
involve different designs and ratings so that the full
A for the purpose of estimation of life may
Immersed Transformers, IEEE
th
Ed. ELSEVIER.
of Thermal Accelerated
. Presented at the
IEEE International Symposium on Electrical Insulation, Vancouver,
Dissolved gas Analysis of Alternative
DEIS September/October 2007
Guide to the Interpretation of Dissolved and Free Gasses Analysis,
obabilistic Classifier for Transformer
Dissolved Gas Analysis with a Particle Swarm Optimizer. IEEE
Transactions on Power Delivery, Vol 23, No. 2, April 2008.
Dissolved Gas Analysis and the Duval Triangle. AVO
Conference Paper.
Management of Transformers
Based on Condition Monitoring and Standard Diagnosis. IEEE
Vol.24, No. 4. p.
s and Sampling Intervals
IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine.
Electrical Power Equipment Maintenance and Testing.
Dielectric Characterization of
Power Transformer Oils as a Diagnostic Life Prediction Method,
IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine. January/February 2005
Oil Analysis Using
New IEC Publication 60599 and IEC TC 10 Databases, IEEE
Vol.17, No.2. p.
IEEE Electrical Insulation
16.
[14] M. Wang, et al, Review of Condition Assessment of Power
Transformers in Service, IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine.
November/December 2002 Vol.18, No.6. p. 12
[15] M. K. Pradhan, T. S. Ramu, On the Estimation of Elapsed life of
Oil-Immersed Power Transformers
Delivery, Vol. 20, No. 3, July 2005.
V. BIOGRAPHIES

Diego M. Robalino
Kriviy Rig Technological University
Electrical Engineering
Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from
Tennessee Technological University in 2009.
worked for the oil and gas industry in
and electromechanical
generation, facilities electrification,
Since 2010 he is working with Megger as part of
the North American
research interests include Condition Assessment of High
Equipment, Power Systems Optimization and Multidisciplinary
Engineering Management.

Satish M. Mahajan
received the B.E
University of Poona in 1978. He obtained the
M.S.E.E. degree from the state University of
New York at Buffalo in 1983 and the Ph.D.
degree (electrical) from the University of South
Carolina at Columbia
has been on the faculty of the Electrical and
Computer Engineering Department of Tennessee
Technological University (TTU). His research
interests are related to the physical phenomena
of high-voltage and Optoelectronic devices. Curr
in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at
8
Review of Condition Assessment of Power
IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine.
Vol.18, No.6. p. 12-25.
On the Estimation of Elapsed life of
Immersed Power Transformers, IEEE Transactions on Power

IOGRAPHIES
Robalino (M04) graduated from the
Kriviy Rig Technological University in
Electrical Engineering in 1996. He obtained the
Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from
Tennessee Technological University in 2009. He
worked for the oil and gas industry in electrical
and electromechanical projects related to power
generation, facilities electrification, and others.
he is working with Megger as part of
the North American Sub-Stations Group. His
research interests include Condition Assessment of High Voltage
, Power Systems Optimization and Multidisciplinary
Satish M. Mahajan (S86-M87-SM09)
received the B.E. (electrical) degree from
University of Poona in 1978. He obtained the
M.S.E.E. degree from the state University of
New York at Buffalo in 1983 and the Ph.D.
degree (electrical) from the University of South
at Columbia in 1987. Since 1987 he
has been on the faculty of the Electrical and
Computer Engineering Department of Tennessee
Technological University (TTU). His research
interests are related to the physical phenomena
voltage and Optoelectronic devices. Currently he is the Professor
in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at TTU.