Effectively Managing Today’s Transformer Challenges for Increased Asset Reliability & Sustainability

Abstract

As decreased dependency on fossil fuels grows and demand for an all-electric world increases, so does the impact to the traditional grid design, especially with regards to the reliability and sustainability of in-service transformers. These demands exacerbate the current challenges placed upon transformer owners such as higher electrical stress, from increased transients and harmonics to higher temperatures resulting from increased loads. All of which lead to accelerated aging of the transformers’ insulation systems and reduces the reliable life of the transformer and challenges the industry’s ability to provide consistent reliable power to end users. This paper identifies current challenges transformer owners face, including new challenges that are exacerbating current obstacles and how a social demand for uninterrupted power is affecting the management of transformer reliability and sustainability. We will also identify solutions to assist the transformer custodian with increasing transformer asset reliability.