Transformer Life Management
The transformer programme is looking at seven themes to improve the knowledge and methodology for managing these assets. These will be delivered through
- Collating worldwide knowledge and experience.
- Researching and developing new technologies with academic organisations and research institutes.
- Computer modelling of scenarios and risk.
- Substation trials of technologies.
- Understanding root-cause of failure and ageing mechanisms through forensic studies.
- Developing software algorithms and comparing them with models and case-studies.
SF6 Management and Gas Insulated Substations
The SF6 research project is looking at several themes delivered through six different routes:
- Research into SF6 leak sealing and detection technologies
- Scaled laboratory testing in the EPRI Charlotte Laboratory and other external laboratories
- Full-scale laboratory testing
- Computer modelling of high risk scenarios
- High voltage testing under worst-case simulated conditions
- Field demonstration and testing in substations
Risk Based Substation Equipment Asset Management
This project conducts research with the goal of providing continually improved risk-based decision-support methodologies for substation equipment asset managers. It envisions that the developments will lead to an integrated framework for asset risk assessment, mitigation, and performance improvement. Developments in risk-based fleet management are addressed through the following tasks:
- Asset health algorithms and software
- Asset health aggregation
- Substation Equipment Maintenance Basis
- Triggers/alarms for maintenance actions
- Substation equipment asset management and maintenance practices
- Asset management guidelines
- Asset management workshop
Benefits
Specific outputs for 2015, Transformer Life Management include:
- Report reviewing five different detection technologies relating to both DGA and Acoustic Emissions.
- A prototype of a specialised sensor hardware system that provides insights into transformer health not obtainable through traditional techniques.
- EPRI Copper Book – An updated and extended transformer guidebook – including updated knowledge on condition monitoring.
- Report detailing the results from online field tests and analysing them to provide improved insights into end-of-life transformer assessment.
- Report detailing the design and trials of novel membrane technologies for lifelong oil filtration.
- Software tool for fast and accurate ratings of transformers and the complete circuits the transformers supply.
Specific outputs for 2015, SF6 Management and Gas Insulated Substations include:
- Updated SF6 (Sulfur Hexafluoride) Computer-Based Training Software
- Making operational the SF6 and GIS Laboratory in Charlotte for laboratory experiments and substation trials of SF6 leak detection techniques and sealing solutions as well as SF6 capture trials and proof of concept.
- Technical report describing guidelines for the optimal device for safely filling SF6 apparatus while the apparatus is energized.
- Gas Insulated Substations (GIS) and Lines (GIL) Guidebook Technical Report; chapters will be developed to include documentation of the GIS/GIL design and procurement processes from budgetary proposal to final approval of design. Chapters will be developed to identify of all possible degradation mechanisms and link them to potential failure modes to support a fleet management framework for GIS and GIL assets as well as reviewing diagnostic techniques for failure prevention.
Risk Based Substation Equipment Asset
- New versions of transformer and circuit breaker health assessment software
- Report cataloguing assessment of asset management and maintenance practices
- Report detailing disconnect switch health assessment approach
- Report detailing substation equipment bay assessment approach
- Technology transfer session with NG tech staff
