Transformer Power Factor Test

Transformer Testing
Tests Performed in De-Energized State of Transformer :
• Capacitance and Power Factor
–Windings to ground and to each other
–Oil
–Bushings
–Arresters
Transformer Construction
 Transformer Insulation Model
• For Overall tests,
High transformer insulation is
Voltage sectioned into three
Windings groups:
– CH
– CL
CH – CHL
CHL • Reasons
CL – Better assessment of the
individual components.
– Reduces chance of a
Low problem being masked
Voltage by “averaging”
Windings
 Two-Winding Transformer
• CH - Insulation between High-
Voltage conductors and
grounded Tank & Core (H
High Bushings-Winding Insulation-
Structural Insulating Members-
CH Oil)
Tank and
Core • CL - Insulation between Low-
CHL Voltage conductors and
grounded Tank & Core (X
CL Bushings - Winding Insulation-
Structural Insulating Members-
Low Oil)
• CHL - Insulation between High-
and Low-Voltage Windings
(Winding Insulation-Barriers-Oil)
 Two-Winding Transformer Dielectric
Circuit
• CH - Insulation between the High-Voltage Winding Conductors and
the Grounded Tank & Core
– High Voltage Bushings
– Winding Insulation
– Structural Insulating Members
– DETC, LTC and Series-Parallel Switch Insulation
– Insulating Fluid
Two-Winding Transformer Dielectric
Circuit
• CL - Insulation Between the Low-Voltage Winding
Conductors and Grounded Tank & Core
– Low Voltage Bushings
– Winding Insulation
– Structural Insulating Members
– DETC, LTC and Series-Parallel Switch Insulation
– Insulating Fluid
Two-Winding Transformer Dielectric
Circuit
• CHL - Insulation between the HV and LV Windings
– Winding Insulation Barriers
– Insulating Fluid
• Possibility of a Static Shield
 When to Do Test
• Acceptance
– Establish a baseline
– Make sure you get what you paid for
• Routine
– Establish Trend
– Preventative Maintenance
• Troubleshoot
– Disturbance on system, suspected fault
– Isolate problem
• Assess Condition after relocation or repair
High Voltage Winding Setup
HV Cable
High Low

Tank & Core

Test Set

Ground
Lead

Low Voltage Lead

Guard
I & W Meter
 Measuring CH + CHL
ICHL
HV Cable
High Low
ICH

Tank & Core

Test Set
ICH

ICHL
GST-Ground Ground
Lead
ICH + ICHL
Low Voltage Lead
Guard
I & W Meter
Measuring CH Guarding CHL
ICHL
HV Cable
High Low
ICH

Tank & Core

Test Set
ICH

ICHL
GST-Guard Ground
Lead
ICH
Low Voltage Lead
Guard
I & W Meter
Measuring CHL Guarding CH
ICHL

HV Cable
High Low
ICH

Tank & Core

Test Set
ICH

ICHL
UST Ground
ICH
Lead
ICHL
Low Voltage Lead
Guard
I & W Meter
 Verification of the HV Results

Line #1 Measures CH+CHL , Tank and LV Winding Grounded

Line #2 Measures CH only to Ground, LV Winding Guarded
Line #3 Measures CHL only using UST Lead
Line #4 Calculated from Lines 1 minus 2. Compare to Line #3
 Low Voltage Winding Setup
HV Cable
High Low

Tank & Core

Test Set
Low Voltage
Lead

Ground Lead

Guard
I & W Meter
 Measuring CL + CHL
HV Cable
High Low
ICHL
Tank & Core

Test Set
ICL
Low Voltage
GST-Ground Lead

ICL + ICHL Ground Lead

Guard
I & W Meter
Measuring CL Guarding CHL
HV Cable
High Low
ICHL
Tank & Core

Test Set
ICL
Low Voltage
GST-Guard Lead

ICL Ground Lead

Guard
I & W Meter
Measuring CHL Guarding CL
HV Cable
High Low
ICHL
Tank & Core

Test Set
ICL
Low Voltage
UST Lead

ICHL Ground Lead

Guard
 Verification of the LV Results

Line #5 Measures CL+CHL , Tank and HV Winding Grounded

Line #6 Measures CL only to Ground, HV Winding Guarded
Line #7 Measures CHL only using UST Lead
Line #8 Calculated from Lines 5 minus 6. Compare to Line #7
 Analysis of Test Result
Data Interpretation of Modern Oil-Filled Power Transformers
(Temperature Corrected)
• < 0.5% -- GOOD
• >0.5% but < 0.7% -- DETERIORATED
• >0.5% but <1.0% & increasing -- INVESTIGATE
• > 1.0% -- BAD

GENERAL GUIDELINES
 Analysis of Test Result
• Change in Capacitance
–Physical change has occurred
• 0-3% Good
• 3-5% Deteriorated
• 5-10% Investigate
• >10% Bad
Significance of Measured Capacitance
Capacitance change detects movement and deformation of
transformer windings.

Ae
C =
d
 Summary
• Evaluating Transformer Condition
– Involves Many Methods
– Some more sensitive to certain problems than others
– Baseline Results Beneficial
• Power Factor
– Sensitive to Physical Characteristics & Quality of Insulation
– Segment Insulation into Small Pieces