THE USE OF OPTIC FIBRES FOR TEMPERATURE MONITORING IN POWER

TRANSFORMERS

M. P. Saravolac

Introduction
A knowledge of the hot-spot temperature in a power transformer is a key element for its
design and utilisation. It enables manufacturers to refine their design, improve the quality and
competitiveness, and users to utilize the full overload capacities of transformers and hence
meet requirements of their customers without excessively reducing life expectancy of
equipment. Fibre optic technology offers an opportunity for direct hot-spot measurement
without any demmental effects to the dielectric integrity of the transformers. Measuring
instruments are available as well as infomation on successful tests. Field experience is still
limited [ 1],[2]. This contribution will briefly address some specific aspects of installation of
Fibre Optic temperature measuring systems in power transformers and summarise some
experience gained during the successful installation and testing of such a system in Peebles
Power Transformers factory in Edinburgh.

Direct measurement of hot-swt temperature usiw F/Osystems

The methods for calculating theoretical hot-spot temperature proposed in the standards and
loading guides are not completely satisfactory, especially with regards to transient
overloading. Standard methods used to monitor the hot-spots during the heat run tests utilise
the simulation system (wn - 'Thermal image") which adds an equivalent hot spot winding
gradient to the measured top oil temperature by heating a coil surrounding the bellows of the
instrument with a current corresponding to the load. During transient overloading, such an
indirect hot-spot temperature measurement can be in error. Direct measuring techniques for
hot-spot temperature measurement in operating conditions, such as Fibre Optic, record actual
hot-spot temperatures and allow load capacity to be utilised, especially under emergency
overload conditions. Regarding the use of F/O technology, there are various measuring
techniques which utilise different physical principles. The following two principles are the
most commonly used for point temperature measurement:
Changes in decay time of phosphor fluorescence as a function of temperature
(Luxtron).
Changes in light spectra in gallium arsenide crystal sensor as a function of temperature
(ABB).
Different measuring technique for measurement of temperature dismbution along the
conductor (continuously distributed sensors) utilises the Raman Scattering effect [3]. The
Luxtron FluoropticTM point sensor system was se~ectedfor the PPT application. This system
fulfilled all requirements related to the special conditions at the measuring point such as;
strong electromagnetic fields, limited space, compatibilitywith hot oil and kerosene. The most
important element of this measuring system is the probe. It consists of an optical fibre with
a temperature sensitive phosphor tip at the end. After excitation with blue-violet light the
phosphor fluoresces with red light. The intensity of this light decays exponentially with time.
Since the rate of decay is temperature dependant (the time ccmstant of decay is inversely
proportional to the sensor temperature), the decay time is measured and correlated to the hp
temperature. The optic fibres are doubly jacketed with two layers of Teflon with a wrap of
Kevlar fibre between the jackets which results in increased mechanical strength. Small slits

Rolls-Royce Indusmal Power Group, Peebles Power Transformers

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 are cut in the jackets in order to provide better impregnation with insulating oil.

Installation of F/O probes in transformer

The probes were installed in a three phase three limb core auto transformer with a rating of
240 MVA and a voltage ratio 400 kV/132kV +15% -5% (neutral end taps)/l3 kV. The
winding arrangement was: TemaryDap/Common/Series from the core. The tertiary winding
was not in the pumped oil circuit. It was of paramount importance to determine exact
locations of maximum temperatures in the windings in order to measure the real hot-spots.
Measuring positions were defined on the basis of calculation of loss and temperature
dismbution within the windings. The sensors were located in the central phase in the
following positions:
top of tap winding (Tl,T2)
top of common winding (Cl,C2)
top of series winding (Sl,S2)
common oil exhaust at top of phase stack (01,02).
The sensors were fitted adjacent to the hottest conductors (inserted between the two
conductors at very similar temperatures) by using special laminated radial spacers which
provided adequate mechanical protection with minimum thermal gradients between sensor and
conductor. Each measuring point was fitted with two sensors in order to provide a backup
considering the mechanical fragility of optic fibres. All fibres were collected and run together
in a mechanical protecting tube of identical dielecmc propemes to those of the winding
insulation. The fibres were tested at various stages of manufacture in order to monitor their
functionality. Very smngent requirements on fitting and inspection were defined taking into
account Luxtron’s recommendations. The probes were connected via an 8 way tank penetrator
terminal to two four channel monitoring instruments (Luxtron Model 755).

Heat run tests

Apart from sensors fitted in the winding and in position to measure the winding exhaust oil
temperature, it was decided to fit an additional probe into the top oil thermometer pocket.
Three consecutive heat runs were carried out:
Runl: 240 MVA, minimum tap, OFAF,
Run2: 240 MVA, maximum tap, OFAF,
Run3: 120 MVA, minimum tap, ONAN.
NGC provided two four channel temperature monitoring instruments and computerised data
acquisition system for F/O measurement. Sampling time was 0.5 s. Based on the comparison
of the results of measurement using F/O and conventional WTI methods, the following was
observed (Fig. 1.):
i) there was a reasonable agreement between results of WTI and F/O measurement,
ii) response time of fibre optic sensors is faster.
A good correlation between calculated and F/O measured results was established as well.
Calculated values were in general higher than those measured and were within expected
limits.

Conclusions
Based on successful installation and testing of F/O temperature measuring system, the
following can be concluded:
i) System utilising the point sensor is very convenient from manufacturingpoint of view.
Sensors can be fitted after completion of windings.
ii) Selected system is compatible with the transformer operating conditions.

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 iii) Accurate calculation and location of the hot-spots is of the key importance for point
sensor measuring technique.
iv) Despite mechanical protection, optic fibres are very fragile and precise installation and
inspection procedum have to be defined in order to prevent any damage.
v) Routes for optic fibres have to be defined in a way as not to d u c e the insulation
integrity of the transformer.
vi) F/O (point sensor) measuring system provides an accurate information on hot-spot
temperatures inside the power transformer in operation. (Direct hot spot measurement).
vii) Accurate knowledge of thermal behaviour and hot-spot temperatures makes possible
management of emergency overloading with a high level of confidence; loading being
based on true winding temperatures.
viii) Knowledge of exact thermal behaviour enables optidsation of transformtr design and
better competitiveness without compromising quality.
ix) More accurate prediction of remaining insulation life is now possible.
x) F/O temperature monitoring system enables more tconodcal management of the
cooling system.
xi) Long time reliability of the system under real operating conditions still remains to be
proven. Field experience should be used as a basis for further updating of loading
guides and standards.

Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank Mr J. D.Fyvie, Mr J. W. H.Roberts and Mr H. Hayward
from Peebles Power Transformers and Mr J. Lapworth, Dr I. Funnell and h4r E. Simonson
from NGC for their active participation and useful discussion of test results.
References
1. J. Aubin, The& aspects of transformers, Cigre 1990 Session, paper 12-107
2. J. Poittevin, et al. b t Fibre Optic hot-spot temptratwe measurement in an
operating transformer, Cigre 1990 Session, paper 12-106.
3. A. White, et al. Thermal assessment of transfox", CIGRE 1990 Session, paper 12-
105.

"1
a

mL-, . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Fig.1. Comparison between F/O and WTI results

0 1994 The Institutionof Electrical Engineers.

Printed and published by the IEE. Savoy Place, London WCPR OBL. UK.

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