Transformer, one of the most useful equipment for transmission and distribution of electric power. It has a wide range of applications in both domestic and commercial electricity management systems. Transformer is an electrical device that works on Faraday’s electromagnetic induction principle, and it is used to alter the input voltage.
Transformer plays a significant role in the management of electric power and any kind of fault in the transformer could cause some serious damages. In addition to that the damage also includes loss of production time, damage of equipment, and also affects efficiency of the business.
Causes of failure do not depend on a single factor, many factors will affect the working of a transformer and lead to the damage. Here in this article, one can learn the causes of failures in transformer and maintenance tips.
Let’s see some of the most frequent failures that occur in the transformer.
Failure Caused by the Winding
It is one of the most common types of failure in the transformer, and there are multiple reasons for winding failure. Let’s see the reasons for winding failure in the transformer.
- Displacement of winding, also known as Mechanical fault, which results in the deterioration of the transformer and breakdown. The major reason for this kind of failure is poor maintenance, corrosion, vibrations within the transformers, etc.
- Because of copper line resistance, hotspots in the windings occur, which results in thermal losses.
- Failure due to turn-to-turn insulation breakdown, which is known as dielectric faults. This type of failure occurs due to high current and voltage in the transformer, which are higher than the rated values.
Failure Caused by Cooling System
The transformer oil provides insulation to the transformer windings and also acts as a cooling agent. Poor maintenance of transformer oil can affect the transformer working and leads to the breakdown.
Cooling system helps the transformer to transfer the heat generated, and maintains the transformer in better working condition. Failure in the cooling system increases the temperature of the transformer and results in failure.
The failure of the transformer due to cooling oil occurs because of two reasons. First reason is malfunction of the oil circulation and the second reason is poor heat transfer. These are the major reasons that can cause failure of a transformer.
Failure Caused by the Bushings
In the Transformer, Bushings are electrical insulators, which will allow an electric conductor to pass without any electrical contact. They are used to connect the transformer with the power system by taking out the winding terminals.
Busing failure will affect the transformer working and main reasons for bushing failures are.
- Material faults or damage of bushing while shipping or due to any other reasons.
- Sudden increase in voltage can lead to the damage of bushing, and that affects the transformer working.
Failure Caused by the Tank
Tank is the outermost part of the transformer and it encloses core, winding, and coolant oil. It is designed to protect the transformer core and winding from high humidity, corrosive environment, and sun rays.
Damage of the tank, excessive corrosion, dents, etc. are the major signs that can lead to failure of the transformer. Failure of the tank will increase the chance of damage of internal parts like winding, core, and coolant oil.
These are some of the top failures that occur in the transformer, and every business should anticipate these failures and take precise maintenance for effective working of the transformer.
Solutions: Maintenance of Transformer
Since there are many reasons for the failure of the transformer, it could provide a lot of benefits. Transformers must be inspected regularly to inspect the condition of the transformer. As a part of maintenance, we have to check certain parameters like excitation current, turn ratio, insulation resistance, polarization index, etc.
Apart from these, there are many other maintenance tips that need to be performed.
- On a regular basis, check the radiators for leaks, accumulation of dirt, corrosion or rust, physical damage of parts, etc.
- Inspect tap changes and also ensure electrical connections are tight.
- Always check the ground connection properly.
- Check the sound of the transformer, if the transformer creates unusual noise, then check the internal parts thoroughly.
These are some of the methods for the inspection of transformers, and one on an average, for every three to six months’ inspection of transformers is recommended. S
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We use high quality raw material, and follow stringent quality control procedures in every aspect of manufacturing to provide the best and durable transformer. Our transformers are very reliable and we provide a wide range of transformers and electrical devices at most attractive prices.