Ongoing project collecting measurement

results on various transformers

Old distribution transformers

New power transformers in factory
New power transformers in the field
Typical power transformers in various
conditions
 Moisture assessment of transformers with
different low frequency limits
10,0
Moisture level, %

T1, 3C
T2, 7C
T3, 15C
1,0
T4, 15C
T5, 21C
T6, 23C
T7, 25C

Low frequency limit, mHz

0,1
0,1 1 10
Distribution transformer
T = 23C, f = 0.1-10mHz
Distribution transformer
T = 23C, f = 0.1mHz-10kHz
 Distribution transformer
T = 23C, f0 = 0.1-10mHz
7
Auto
geometry
6

4
X (auto)
Y (auto)
3 Moisture
Oil, pS

Stop freq, mHz

0
0,1 1 10
 Power transformer
T = 25C, f = 0.1mHz-1 kHz
 Power transformer
T = 25C, f = 0.1mHz-1kHz
Power transformer, T = 25C, f0 =
0.1-10mHz
2
Auto
1,8 geometry

1,6

1,4

1,2

X (auto)
1
Y (auto)
0,8 Moisture, %
Oil cond, pS
0,6

0,4

0,2

0 Min freq, mHz

0,1 1 10
 DR measurement frequency range
Conclusions so far...

Auto geometry estimation mode in MODS works

good
Limited value of measuring below 1-2 mHz at
normal temperatures (only a few results
collected so far from measurements at < 15C)
If geometry is (approximately) known, it may be
possible to reduce measurement time
Measurements at higher temperature can shorten
the measurement time
 Summary and conclusions

Dielectric response measurement is an excellent

tool for insulation diagnostics

Moisture assessment using DFR measurements
and transformer insulation modeling is a
generally accepted standard diagnostic method

Transformer outage time is expensive and it is
necessary to minimize measurement time. DFR
measurements down to 1-2 mHz seem to be
sufficient for accurate moisture assessment at
normal temperatures

DFR is capable of identifying non-moisture issues
like contamination/sludge and/or conductive
layers