Original scientific paper

Power transformer Life Part 2: Ageing Mechanisms

Carlos Gamez ; TxMonitor

Abstract

This article continues to explore the concepts described in the previous article where a link between insulation life and overall transformer life was established.

Through the examination of the molecular structure of cellulose, the main constituent of most of the insulation system, it explains the various factors that might affect the integrity of this component, how they contribute to the normal ageing processes and how these processes are sometimes accelerated. After we have established a link between the life of a transformer and the life of its insulation system, in this article we take a closer look at what makes up the insulating materials, what are the factors that affect its life and why.

In my previous article, I drew up what I hope was a clear connection between what we call life in the context of a power transformer and the condition of its insulation system. We established that the life expectancy of a particular unit is intimately linked to the condition of the cellulosic material that makes up the bulk of its insulation system. The inquisitive reader would reasonably ask: “If the life of a transformer depends on the life of the insulation material, what then defnes the condition of these materials?”

In this article, the second of our series of three, I will try to answer that question and provide you with a holistic picture of all the factors that have an effect on the life of insulation and why.

Keywords

power transformer; life; asset management; condition assessment; life extension; paper; insulation; cellulose

Hrčak ID:

186723

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/186723

Publication date:

8.7.2014.

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