Inspection of Transformer Mechanical Integrity Using Sweep Frequency Response Method

Power Transformers are the most critical and hig-hcost elements of power network systems. They play an essential role in power transmission to the users. They require continuous and regular monitoring and assessment, in order to increase the power supply reliability and to avoid hazardous breakdowns. The transformer is ordinarily exposed to high current surges in the course of service, mainly due to short circuit, which impacts the mechanical winding formation. The proposed a diagnostic technique, in this paper, performs a sweep frequency response analysis on the inspected transformer. Although it is considered a highly responsive and powerful inspection method, the critical challenge relies in the appropriate interpretation of the measured frequency response, which remains a gray zone left for professional experts to detect the type and location of defects. An experimental setup has been developed for the proposed testing technique and an analytical digital simulation of the built transformer is carried out. The simulation results could detect the defect type and its location in the transformer winding.