FREQUENCY RESPONSE ANALYSIS OF A POWER TRANSFORMER

Muhammad Azizi Abdul Rahman; Halimatun Hashim; P.S. Ghosh

Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional
Abstract
Monitoring the health of power transformer is important for the reliability of electrical power
supply. Conventional tests carried out on power transformers can only detect damage of
permanent nature. Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) is found to be a useful tool for
reliable detection of incipient mechanical fault in a transformer. There are various methods
of evaluating the frequency spectrum to confirm the presence of an incipient fault. This
paper aims to detect and identify the type of faults existing in the windings and core of
132/33kV, 90MVA power transformer based on FRA data using signal processing
techniques, taking into consideration the recommended frequency range specified by Doble
Engineering Company. Thus, it is found that the proposed technique is very efficient and
effective in analyzing and detecting accurately the type of mechanical fault existing in a
power transformer.
1.

reference
measurement.
The
reference
measurement can be from the same winding,
another phase of the same transformer, or from a
sister transformer. Any changes in resonant
frequencies may indicate the occurrence of
faults. Fault such as short-circuited turns,
mechanical damage to winding and core, and
loose turns are detectable through this method
[5,6].

INTRODUCTION

Frequency Response Analysis, normally known

as FRA, is a condition monitoring technique for
expensive power equipment. It measures the
frequency response of passive element (RLC) of
the apparatus; for example, in a power
transformer, it measures the impedance of the
winding over a wide range of frequencies. The
main purpose of this test is to diagnose any
incipient fault in a power transformer. Results
acquire from the apparatus are compared with a
reference data set. Differences may be used to
analyze the type and location of fault. FRA is a
novel and reliable technique that has a number of
very sensitive analyzing methods. It can detect
minor and major faults. The main advantage of
this method is its ability to find fault especially
mechanical damage to the windings that cannot
always be detected by other means. The
frequency behavior of RLC circuits can help
describe the internal components found in a
transformer.

Currently, the research on FRA has primarily

directed into two. The first is to find the
techniques or methods on how to obtain FRA
result. This involves the development of
software and hardware in order to get the
information. The second group of researchers is
working on analyzing techniques and
interpretation from the result obtained. It
involves proper mathematical and statistical
evaluation. These techniques would help to
analyze different types of fault with respect to
different types of transformers.
The present study aims to find appropriate
analyzing technique(s) to detect mechanical
faults
on
three-phase
90MVA
power
transformers with voltage level of 132/33kV.
Two processing techniques for the measurement
are used for the purpose of interpretation. They
are signature technique and comparison
techniques. Spectrums are categorized according
to Doble frequency analysis zones [7]. The two
techniques are applied on those frequencies.
Each transformer has its own signature.

Earlier work [1] was done on a three phase 2.5

MVA power transformer with voltage level of
33/11kV. Different kinds of minor and major
faults were created and the diagnosis for each
fault was done. Signal processing techniques
such as comparison and signature were used with
selective frequency range to detect the kind of
faults. Another work [2,3,4] was done that
concentrate more on the comparison method.
The measurement was taken and compared with

analysis from a power transformer. The test is

done on a transformer that has a healthy high
voltage winding.

However, a transformer that does not have

historical signature can use a sister transformer
as a reference. This study shows that the above
mentioned techniques are quite effective and
efficient in identifying the fault in transformer.
2.

MEASURING METHOD

The sweep frequency method is used in this

study. HP4395A is meanwhile used as network
analyzer for the purpose of generating the signal
and making the measurement. The frequency
range is from 5Hz to 10 MHz. The sweep
frequency data is collected in 5 subbands of 2
kHz, 20 kHz, 200 kHz, 2 MHz, and 10 MHz.
Each subband consists of 401 equally spaced
points with the total of 2005 points. Figure 1
shows block diagram of the test set-up, while
Figure 2 shows circuit diagram of the test set-up.

Figure 3: Signature of a healthy transformer

Numerical data obtained from FRA program is
manipulated through Matlab program by plotting
a graph either in logarithmic or linear format.
Data obtained from various measurements made
on the same or different transformers can be
plotted on the same axes according to the need.
The plotting is banded according to Doble
analysis zones that are low frequency for core
and magnetic circuit (frequency < 10 kHz), mid
frequency for winding geometry (10 kHz <
frequency < 600 kHz), and high frequency for
inter-connections and test system (frequency >
600 kHz).

ISOLATED
AC
SUPPLY

PC & GPIB
CARD

SWITCH
BOX

HP 4395A
RF R A
B

SWITCH
BOX

3.

Two analyzing techniques are used for the

purpose of graphical interpretation. The methods
are signature and comparison.

Figure 1: Block diagram

3.1
Figure 2: Circuit diagram
Zs

Zs

Signature Technique

This technique takes the measurement from all

the three phases of a transformer and creates a
single signal to represent the condition of the
transformer at the testing time.

Zt

ANALYZING TECHNIQUE

Zs

Key equations:

Avi =
S - injected signal
R - reference measurement
T - test measurement

Ri + Yi + Bi
3

where,

Zs - impedance of measurement cables

Zt - test impedance (transformer winding)

Ri red phase measurement at the respective

frequency.
Yi yellow phase measurement at the
respective frequency.
Bi blue phase measurement at the respective
frequency.
Avi average value of red, yellow and blue
phases at the respective frequency.

A few fault cases involving winding and tap

changer are selected. Data from healthy
transformers of different manufacturers are also
taken as references. The main purpose of this
study is to find how FRA diagnostic test can help
in monitoring the condition of healthy
transformers. Figure 3 shows the outcome of an

Si = [(Ri Avi )2 + (Yi Avi )2 + (Bi Avi )2 ]

that is either high voltage (HV) or low voltage

(LV) as the phase under study.

where,

Key equations:

Si single value created at the respective

frequency.

where,

A single response is created out of the response

signals from all the three phases to show the
similarity of windings at the testing time. Figure
4 shows signature spectrum of a healthy
transformer according to Doble analysis zones.

Ri phase measurement at the respective

frequency.
REFi reference measurement at the respective
frequency.
Di difference at the respective frequency.

Di = Ri - REFi

Figure 5 shows difference spectrum of a same

phase for the same transformer before and after
faults according to Doble analysis zones.

Figure 4: Signature spectrum of a healthy

transformer
This technique requires a transformer
characteristic. Measurement acquires from the
factory can be regarded as its birth certificate.
However, this technique does not require
historical measurement to interpret the condition
of a transformer since comparison can also be
done with transformer of the same type known as
sister unit.
3.2

Figure 5: Comparison spectrum for before and

after fault of a transformer
This technique needs reference data. It will be
very useful if historical data is available so that
the differences can be analyzed. However,
comparison technique could analyze the
signature phase by phase, which is not possible
in signature technique.

Comparison Technique

This technique compares a reading from one

phase of a transformer to a reference set of data.
The differences between the two readings
represent the condition of the transformer
winding as compared to the reference. The
reference spectrum can be obtained from the
healthy phase of either the same transformer or
the sister transformer. It is to be highlighted here
also that the signature of the healthy reference
phase must be obtained from the same winding

4.0

CASE STUDIES

4.1

Case Study 1 Fault on HV winding

This study has been carried out on a 132/33kV,

90MVA power transformer, which has
experienced a short circuit failure. Both
techniques, signature and comparison are used in
this case study. We have tested both the HV and
LV windings and it is found that the HV winding

Comparison spectrum for A phase is shown in

Figure 8. The changes to the FRA measurement
subband especially for the frequency range up to
2kHz. The second subband shows that there is
almost no change in the winding geometry.

signature has indicated some significant changes.

So the analysis here has been discussed based on
the HV winding. Figures 6 and 7 show the
signature spectrum on the HV winding before
and after the fault. Significant difference of the
amplitude can be seen particularly in the first
subband. However, there is not much difference
in the second and third subbands. It is evident
from the spectrum that the problem is most
likely at the core and magnetic circuit of the
winding. Based on [1], major fault such as
winding fault can be identified by the low
frequency spectrum in the range of 2kHz. The
changes are obviously seen in phase A, but not in
phase B and C. Further investigation indicates
that there is HV mid winding earth fault occurs
in phase A of the transformer.

Figure 8: Comparison spectrum for before and

after fault
4.2

Case Study 2 Sister transformers

from two different manufacturers

A study has been carried out on two 132/33kV,

90 MVA healthy power transformers. These two
transformers are of different manufacturers and
installed at two different substations.
In
addition, their production dates are also found to
be different by few years.

Figure 6: Signature spectrum for the transformer

before fault

Figure 7: Signature spectrum for the transformer

after fault

Figure 9: Signature spectrum for transformer by

manufacturer A

slightly different due to the factors explained in

the signature technique.
This case study aims to prove that if standard
signature of a certain transformer is not
available, then signature of the same rating
transformer, but from different manufacturer can
be used as reference, which is known as sister
unit.
4.3

Case Study 3 Fault on tap changer

This case study has been carried out on a

132/33kV, 90MVA power transformer that has
failed during operation. Signature technique is
preferred in this analysis since there is no
historical data available. Figure 12 shows the
signature spectrum on the HV winding of the
transformer after the fault.

Figure 10: Signature spectrum for transformer by

manufacturer B
Figures 9 and 10 show the signature spectrum on
the HV winding of the transformers. The first
subbands have almost identical spectrum. It can
be observed that the transformers are healthy and
there is no indication of cores and magnetic
circuit problem. The second and third subbands
are slightly different. These differences can be
attributed as the results of settling of their
windings after manufacturing and installation at
site and interconnections of the winding.

Figure 12: Signature spectrum of the transformer

with tap changer problem
The result is compared with those of Figures 9
and 10 of healthy transformers from Case Study
2. Difference in amplitude can be observed at the
early stage of the first subband. The problem has
occurred most probably at the core and magnetic
circuit of the winding. However, the spectrum
indicates that the fault is not likely to have
occurred on the transformer main winding as in
Case Study 1. The pattern of the signature in
Figure 12 is not similar to the pattern in Figure 7,
which is meant for the main winding fault.
Further investigation on the transformer revealed
that the tap changer was found to be opencircuited. After doing the repair work, the
transformer has been put back into operation
again.

Figure 11: Comparison spectrum for transformer

A and B
Comparison spectrum from the same phase of
both the sister transformers is shown in Figure
11. The first subband shows there is almost no
difference between the two transformers.
However, the second and third subbands are

Power Transformer, Electricity Today,

vol.13, no.6, pp.14-19, 2001.

This case study aims to show the reliability of

signature technique when historical data is not
available by using sister transformers as
references to detect and identify the fault.
5.

[4]

S. A. Ryder, Method For Comparing

Frequency
Response
Analysis
Measurements, in Proc. 2002 IEEE Int.
Symp. Electrical Insulation, Boston,
MA, 2002, pp.187-190.

[5]

S.M Islam, Detection of Shorted Turns

and Winding Movements in Large
Power Transformers Using Frequency
Response Analysis, IEEE Power
Society, Winter Meeting, Singapore,
2000, vol.3, pp.2233-2238.

[6]

J. Bak-Jensen, B. Bak-Jensen, and S. D.

Mikkelsen, Detection of Faults and
Aging Phenomena in Transformers by
Transfer Functions, IEEE Transactions
on Power Delivery, vol.10, no.1,
January 1999.

[7]

http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/
transformers/info/FRA/FRA_Tutorial_
Charles_Sweester.ppt

CONCLUSION

Every transformer winding has a unique

signature that is sensitive to changes in the
parameters of the winding, namely resistance,
inductance,
and
capacitance.
Frequency
spectrum of a transformer is very sensitive to any
deformation or displacement of the winding.
Frequency response analysis is a very effective
tool for diagnosing transformer condition. It is
particularly useful in detecting any fault that is
due to mechanical damage to the winding. The
technique is also very reliable for detecting any
short circuit to the winding.
Results from a measurement can be analyzed
through several techniques via graphical
presentation. However, reference is needed for
better interpretation. The reference can either be
from historical data of the same transformer or
from sister transformers. In many cases,
historical data for transformers already in
operation is difficult to get owing to shutdown
requirement. Sister transformers are used in
those cases as the reference measurement. The
interpretation of the results is meanwhile a great
help in determining further action to be taken
especially for suspected transformers. FRA can
be a very effective tool for condition monitoring.
It can avoid catastrophic failure in transformers
and also help maintenance engineer to estimate
time and cost for repairing the transformer after
the fault before undertaking maintenance.
6.0

REFERENCES

[1]

S. Birlasekaran, F. Fetherston, Off/OnLine FRA Condition Monitoring

Technique For Power Transformer,
IEEE Power Engineering Review,
pp.54-56, August 1999.

[2]

S. A. Ryder, Diagnosing Transformer

Faults Using Frequency Response
Analysis, IEEE Electrical Insulation
Magazine, vol.19, no.2, pp.16-22,
March/April 2003.

[3]

S. A. Ryder, Frequency Response

Analysis For Diagnostic Testing of