New York tests digital detection technique for transformer monitoring

New York’s Power Authority (NYPA) and University Tandon School of Engineering (NYU Tandon) are co-leading a study to validate a detection technique for transformer monitoring that can help utilities better detect winding deformation problems without taking units out of service.

The study, Online Detection of Winding Deformations in Large Power Transformers, aims to validate a detector prototype that can digitally and continuously monitor transformer voltage and current.

Already proven effective in a university setting, the transformer monitoring technique has been validated by computer simulation and bench testing on small transformers.

It will now be tested in the Power Authority’s Advanced Grid Innovations Laboratory for Energy (AGILe), which helps develop new technologies and demonstrate new solutions for energy systems.

If the NYPA-NYU project is successful, future phases could focus on field demonstration and commercialisation.

Transformer monitoring

AGILe simulates portions of New York State’s transmission grid and tests the impact of technologies and systems such as DERs, EVs, energy storage, cybersecurity, sensors and automation. The study will build 3D models for large power transformers and simulate deformations of winding disks.

According to the NYPA, the idea behind the detector is to continuously monitor online the voltage and currents of the transformer, and accurately calculate the leakage impedance of the transformer based on those measurements.

The proposed platform will then send an alarm to the operator when the transformer leakage reactance has changed more than the recommended 3% by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards. This enables early detection of deformation in transformer windings due to forces and stresses from the short circuit events.

Normally, transformers need to be taken out of service for a Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) test to be performed. The proposed winding deformation detection technique would avoid disrupting the system operation, which is an expensive process.

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If successfully implemented, this new technology would avoid the cost of taking transformers offline to perform diagnostics to detect winding deformation, saving approximately $15,000 per day as well as preventing the cost of larger equipment failures that can cost up to $1.5 million per incident.

“Large power transformers are the backbone of electricity systems, designed to operate for decades,” said Francisco de Leon, NYU Tandon professor of electrical and computer engineering and member of NYU Tandon Power Lab.

“But unchecked accumulated mechanical deformations triggered by short circuits elsewhere in the system cause expensive repairs, lengthy downtime and even fire hazards. This collaboration with NYPA continues NYU Tandon Power Lab’s tradition of working in real world applications, in this case by creating technological safeguards to help identify when transformers need critical maintenance.”

NYSERDA-supported

The research is being supported by a nearly $190,000 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

NYSERDA’s Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Future Grid Challenge programme supported the project with funding from the Clean Energy Fund.

Projects awarded under this initiative help establish a pathway for products and services to gain market entry by addressing existing technical and economic barriers within a specific challenge area associated with creating a high-performing, future grid.

Doreen M. Harris, president and CEO of NYSERDA said, “Modernising the state’s electric grid infrastructure is essential to ensuring the necessary capacity and transmission capabilities for continued reliability and resiliency.

“NYSERDA is pleased to support our sister agency in testing and advancing technology that can proactively identify potential issues with transformer operation without incurring costly maintenance outages as we transition to a dynamically managed zero-emission electric grid for New York State.”

The NYPA is the largest state public power organisation in the US, operating 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit miles of transmission lines.

More than 80% of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations with revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity.