Use of Sweep Frequency Response Analysis to

Determine Serviceability of Power Transformers

John Stead
Altalink Management L.P.

Background

Sweep Frequency Response Analysis (SFRA) is an electrical test used to measure and
monitor the mechanical integrity of a transformer. The test is used to identify any
mechanical movement within a transformer and as in most electrical tests a benchmark is
required in order to monitor slight changes in the geometric configuration of the
transformer. The SFRA test identifies the relationship between the core and the network
of resistance, inductance and capacitance and that geometric configuration. Core
movement, winding deformation, short circuits, open circuits, and unintentional core
grounds are some of the failure modes, which can be identified.

This paper will discuss and illustrate the use of SFRA during the acceptance of a new
transformer, which had suffered unacceptable impact levels during shipment and the
testing of four seventeen year old single phase transformers located in a critical location
within AltaLink’s service territory.

Testing of 4 Single Phase 500\245 KV 400MVA Transformers

The Langdon substation is an interconnection point to B.C. Hydro, which provides export
and import capabilities of up to 1000 Megawatts. The majority of generation in Alberta is
in the northern half of the province with the majority of the population in the southern
half. This situation magnifies the importance of the tie with B.C., which is located in the
south. The spare single phase transformer, which had suffered impact damage during its
trip from the factory in Eastern Canada 17 years before, had never been energized. Prior
to the existence of the SFRA test we had no means to positively identify any possible
problem within the spare unit. Using the 3 energized units as benchmarks we were able to
compare all four units. The following is an insert of the test results provided by Chuck
Sweetser of Doble Engineering after SFRA tests were performed.
Location: Langdon Substation
Apparatus Type: 1φ Auto-transformer with tertiary
Manufacturer: Canadian General Electric
Serial Numbers: {289424, 289425, 289426, 289427}

Note: Transformer SN: 289427 is the spare unit for the bank.

Results

Sweep Frequency Response Analysis (SFRA) testing was conducted on each of the four
units, and 3 scans were obtained for each unit. A total of 12 scans were collected. These
scans can be split into 3 categories. They are as follows:

1. Series Winding(4) [H1-X1]

2. Common Winding(4) [X1-H0X0]
3. Tertiary Winding(4) [Y1-Y2]

Each category generates 4 scans, 1 per unit, which will be compared against each other.
Since the units are identical, we expect the results to compare closely if not perfectly.
Some considerations will be given for variation at the lower frequencies, i.e., below 5
kHz. The core characteristics are the primary influence at these low frequencies.
Differences in residual magnetism and temperature can cause slight variations in the
SFRA results in this region. Also, the test leads, depending on their position and layout,
can influence the results at frequencies greater than 1 MHz. However, as shown from the
results, the test leads did not effect the results.

Analysis

The SFRA test results indicate consistent mechanical geometry for all 4 units; obvious
core movement or winding deformation is not present. Overall, the results correlate well
for similar transformers of this age. It should also be noted that the results validate the
mechanically geometry of the spare unit which was in question.

The only variance worth noting occurs on the series winding of transformer 2,
SN:289425. At roughly 5 kHz the trace is shifted slightly left as compared to the other
transformers. However, the entire low frequency range is shifted in a similar fashion.
This difference is most likely caused by core characteristics, such as residual magnetism.
Testing of a Three Phase 245/145 KV 300MVA Transformer

Background

AltaLink purchased two Sweep Frequency Response Analyzers in the fall of 2002 and
upgraded our transformer specifications to include a sweep frequency response test to be
performed at the factory during acceptance testing. The above unit was delivered in the
spring of 2003 and was the first unit purchased under our new specifications.

The unit shipped from Mexico via rail was equipped with an impact recorder, which
indicated there were 6 instances during the trip exceeding our limits. The recorder had
also run out of paper 7 hours before it arrived at site. During the internal inspection a
bolt, washers, and a support bracket were discovered on the floor of the unit. See picture
below:

The bracket appeared to come from near the tank wall and not above or near the core and
coil assembly area; however it was definitely a concerning discovery given the events
identified on the impact recorder.
Since the tests performed at the factory were with the unit oil filled it was decided to
perform the routine acceptance and filling tasks then perform the Sweep Frequency
Response test in order to compare to the factory tests. All other routine acceptance tests
were within limits. In the series of pictures below are the comparisons of the H1-X1
readings only in order to simplify the traces.

Figure # 1 (white trace factory red trace field test)

As you can see there was a concern based on the comparison of the traces. Since we had
very little experience with this technology we consulted Chuck Sweetser of Doble.
Through the process of elimination and some investigative work we concluded that the
shift may have been caused form the magnetization of the core during the winding
resistances tests performed during routine acceptance. Following is the trace of the H1-
X1 winding after de-magnetization.
Figure # 2 (white trace factory, red trace 1st field test, green trace after de-
magnetization)

As you can see from the final test the green trace has now overlapped the white trace,
which indicates we were able to replicate the benchmark traces established at the factory.
This was significant given the ramifications of determining the serviceability of the unit
and the legal implications between the factory, the railway and the sub-contractor used to
move the unit from the railhead to site. I believe in this case the factory was also
appreciative of the fact we had hard evidence showing the impacts and the loose bolt and
bracket had no effect on the mechanical condition of the core and coils.

Summary
Each of these examples indicates that the SFRA test is a valuable tool in assessing the
serviceability of serviced aged or new transformers. We are now benchmarking all of our
units with a primary voltage of 240 KV or more and critical units with a primary voltage
above 144 KV. Due to increasing pressure on the availability of equipment we feel the
application of the SFRA test when troubleshooting units, which have tripped off line due
to faults will be a more definitive test. This will result in a quicker response for the re-
energization of interrupted customers or in the action of replacing the unit when required.

References:
Sweep Frequency Response Analysis Transformer Applications (A Technical Paper from
Doble Engineering)
Authors: Charles Sweetser, Tony McGrail