Estimation for insulation life of transformer

Abstract

Inadvertent failure of power transformers has serious consequences on the system reliability, economics, and the revenue accrual. An accurate estimation of transformer life can, to a very large extent, mitigate the problems, besides satisfying the conflicting requirements of optimum utilization of the equipment and safeguarding the reliability. Load and ambient temperature are two important factors that influence the life of insulation in transformers. Hourly load and ambient temperatures obtained through condition monitoring are used to assess the operating profile of the equipment. Modeling techniques for estimating load factor and the ambient temperature using the operating history are discussed in this thesis. The estimated load factors and ambient temperatures are input to the IEEE life consumption models to assess the consumed life of insulation. The methods discussed are useful for estimating residual life of insulation to support the repair and maintenance policies of transformers, in this thesis, the life of insulation in transformers is simulation by Matlab program in different loading profile and ambient temperature and compared.