Transformers Magazine, Vol. 9 No. 1, 2022.
Original scientific paper
Possibility of electric arc detection in power transformers by directly embedded photoconductive elements in the transformer tank
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Asghar Akbari
Reza Sargazi
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Werle
Moritz Kuhnke
Abstract
In this article, an application of potential light-sensitive semiconductive elements, including photoresistors and photodiodes as electric arc detection sensors in the transformer tank, is comprehensively investigated. Conventionally, a Buchholz relay (BHR) is implemented for arc fault detection in power transformers. Unfortunately, in some cases, the tripping of the transformer
is not fast enough in order to prevent a tank rupture and catastrophic collateral damages. Therefore, an application of light-sensitive elements as optical sensors is investigated for detecting an arc inside a transformer tank faster under various operational conditions. This contribution focuses on the performance of sensors, which are inserted in the transformer tank. Apart from consideration of different factors such as stochastic nature of light in the arc, thermal cycling, the distance effect on the light sensitivity and possibility of light reflection by the tank, challenges and limitations of arc sensing with light sensors in the mentioned approach are comprehensively discussed. The deficiencies and limitations of the arc sensors are revealed through the experimental investigations conducted.
Keywords
transformer tank, arc, light detection, optical sensors, photoconductive elements, ageing
Hrčak ID:
270811
URI
Publication date:
11.1.2022.
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