3.

OPERATING CONDITIONS

The transformer faults which can occur in service may be due

to a variety of possible causes including:

1) Lightning and switching surges producing flashover

(and or puncture) of internal insulation, including the
tap changer. Also significant surges can be transferred

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to lower voltage windings by inductive and capacitive

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coupling. At high frequencies its is by capacitive
coupling as shown in Figure 26.
2) Short circuits which distort the windings usually with
resultant failure due to sudden insulation breakdown
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between turns and sections. Note: an internal insulation
failure can develop into a short circuit. (see Figure 27).
3) Tap changer failure perhaps causing out of balance of
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the tapping windings and internal surges. The cause

may be due to the effects of arcing (see Figure 28)
4) Overload currents resulting in gradual degradation of
the conductor insulation due to overheating, leading to
accelerated insulation deterioration and premature
failure.
5) Bad joints in winding conductors, leads and earth
connections. Also in core clamping and earthing
systems. Little insulation involved.
6) Isolated metal (e.g. shields) with capacitive coupling
may causing sparking or high energy PDs.

ELEC9712: Transformers p. 36/79

 7) Circulating currents in metal tanks, clamps etc.,
producing high temperatures. Only for large MVA
power transformer units.
8) Insulation deterioration (solid and oil) caused by
moisture ingress, partial discharging, and/or long-term
ageing, possibly giving chemical by-products e.g.
acidity, gas and furans.

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9) Bushing failure due to moisture ingress from corroded
seals or oil draining from the bushing housing.

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Capacitor-graded bushings may have failure due to
discharging in and short circuiting between layers.
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The above failure modes will be discussed in relation to
possible detection methods, e.g.
ƒ Dissolved gas in oil analysis.
ƒ Partial discharge measurements (and location).
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ƒ Insulation resistance and DDF.

ƒ High precision liquid chromatography for furan analysis.
ƒ Oil quality measurements (Breakdown level and DDF).
ƒ Frequency response analysis

and protective devices, e.g

ƒ Buchholz relays.
ƒ Temperature monitoring.
ƒ Differential protection

ELEC9712: Transformers p. 37/79

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Figure 26: Surge transference through transformers.

ELEC9712: Transformers p. 38/79

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Figure 26: Surge transference through transformers.

ELEC9712: Transformers p. 39/79

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Figure 26: Surge transference through transformers.

ELEC9712: Transformers p. 40/79

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Figure 26: Surge transference through transformers.

ELEC9712: Transformers p. 41/79
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Figure 27: Short circuit forces on windings.

ELEC9712: Transformers p. 42/79