Addressing transformer risks with condition-based monitoring
Substation transformers play a critical role in transmission and distribution systems, allowing utilities to provide a smooth and reliable flow of power. These transformers, however, are prone to numerous operational challenges that can lead to failures, outages, downtime, and costly repairs. To mitigate these risks and to optimize performance, utilities look to condition-based monitoring (CBM) as a proactive solution to prevent unexpected transformer setbacks.
Leidos helps utilities demystify the how's and why’s of CBM, from identifying the most viable transformer candidates to be monitored, to developing cost-efficient and cost-effective ways to implement and maximize the investment. Even as long-term operational and maintenance cost reductions and savings become apparent, utilities realize a broader benefit of CBM: the ability to support overarching goals for the smart, reliable, and safe delivery of power.
Real-time preventive measures
One of the key advantages of CBM is its ability to detect and address potential faults at an early stage. Traditionally, monitoring and maintenance of substation transformers is enacted on fixed time intervals or reactive instances after failures occur. This approach can be costly, inefficient, and may lead to unexpected downtime. However with CBM, operators gain the ability to assess actual transformer conditions in their current state. Through real-time monitoring of parameters such as temperature, oil levels, vibration, and electrical characteristics, any deviations from normal operating conditions can be quickly identified. Early fault detection enables utility operators to preemptively initiate preventive maintenance actions, preventing catastrophic failures and reducing the risk of costly downtime. By identifying and rectifying issues proactively, utilities can extend the operational lifespan of transformers and optimize their maintenance schedules, leading to significant cost savings.
Grid reliability and stability
The reliable operation of substation transformers is vital for the prevention of catastrophic failures and outages and for maintaining the stability and continuity of power to consumers. In addition to failure prevention, CBM for substation transformers allows for a continuous assessment of transformer performance. By tracking key operational parameters, operators can identify trends, diagnose potential issues, and take corrective actions in a timely manner. This proactive approach significantly improves system reliability, minimizes the impact of transformer failures, and enhances the overall resilience of the power infrastructure.
Transformers represent a substantial investment for utilities, and their efficient utilization is essential for optimizing operational costs. Monitoring substation transformers provides valuable insights into their performance, loading patterns, and efficiency levels. By tracking parameters like load distribution, voltage regulation, and power factor, operators can identify underutilized or overloaded transformers, enabling better asset management decisions. Such data-driven insights help utilities optimize transformer capacity, improve load balancing, and reduce unnecessary capital expenditure, resulting in cost efficiencies and overall operational planning.
Safety
Transformer failures can create dangerous and hazardous environments. In scenarios where fires and explosions can become realities, safety and human life becomes a priority. The preventive measures of CBM eliminate the likelihood of worst case scenarios, and allows utilities to remain committed to safety, proactively protecting the utility operators and employees. CBM also serves as a safeguard against outages and failures for public infrastructure such as hospitals, where the delivery of stable and reliable power delivery is the most critical.
Ultimately, CBM helps utilities achieve goals in reliability, efficiency, and safety. Reliability is improved because CBM identifies problems or issues before they happen, thus avoiding power interruptions or shutdowns. The proactive monitoring from CBM allows for more efficient and economical planning for power distribution, minimizing the need for unexpected repair costs, equipment purchases, and manpower expenses resulting from power outages and failures. Most importantly, CBM supports the safety of utility service members working in a substation environment by serving as a precaution against hazardous situations. By applying condition-based monitoring, utilities can prevent outages and failures, while at the same time, provide an accurate assessment of transformer performance, and deliver a more reliable and stable power grid.
