H2scan TM Catalog 2025 - Flipbook - Page 38
Aging Infrastructure and Lengthy Timeframes
Create a Perfect Storm
Power transformers come in different sizes and types, including pad-mount, dry-type,
submersible, step-up and step-down units. The Code of Federal Regulations de昀椀nes
distribution transformers as those with an input voltage of 34.5 kV or less, an
output voltage of 600 V or less, and a capacity of 10–2,500 kVA. Regardless
of size, all are critical assets in electrical systems since transformers are
responsible for e昀케cient energy transfer across the power grid. However,
these transformers are subject to various stresses and aging mechanisms
that can degrade their insulation systems over time.
Since many of these transformers were installed, a signi昀椀cant amount of
time has passed. The Commerce Department issued a study in 2020 related
to power grid security and age. This report states that large transformers in the
U.S., responsible for the transmission of more than 90% of the electricity consumed in the U.S., have reached
an average age of 40 years — the anticipated end of the expected operational life for a transformer.1
Add to the average transformer age the di昀케culty and expense of procuring a new one that 昀椀ts the current
transformer footprint or rewinding of the existing unit, and the costs begin to grow exponentially. Add to the
average transformer age the di昀케culty and expense of procuring a new one. Lead times for large transformers
have shot up dramatically, with hopes of obtaining a transformer in approximately six months (in 2022) moving
closer to two years or more2. Prices have risen even more dramatically, increasing four- to nine-fold during the
past three years, according to National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) researchers. Not to mention that close
to 82% of these transformers are sourced from overseas, making it even more complex to simply swap an
aging transformer for a replacement unit.3
Effectively monitoring the health of the transformer systems is crucial to prevent catastrophic failures and supply
reliable operation to keep power 昀氀owing. One of the most effective methods for monitoring transformer health
is detecting dissolved gases produced as the insulation degrades. Hydrogen gas supplies a particularly effective
early warning system for identifying transformer health. Hydrogen detection solutions can help transformer
owners extend the life of these valuable assets and immediately identify any transformers in danger of failure.
Transformer Insulating Systems
Liquid-昀椀lled transformers contain two insulating systems: solid insulation and liquid insulation. The solid
insulation, typically kraft paper, provides mechanical strength, dielectric spacing and dielectric strength.
However, this paper is susceptible to aging due to heat, moisture, and oxygen and oil oxidation by-products.
The liquid insulation, usually mineral oil, serves several functions:
Provides dielectric strength
Facilitates heat transfer and
cooling
Protects the solid insulation
from moisture and oxygen
Acts as a diagnostic tool
through dissolved gas analysis (DGA)
90000258
pg.38
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