POWER TRANSFORMERS ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT BASICS AND TUTORIALS

There are many different accessories used to monitor and protect power transformers, some of which are considered standard features, and others of which are used based on miscellaneous requirements. A few of the basic accessories are briefly discussed here.

Liquid-Level Indicator
A liquid-level indicator is a standard feature on liquid-filled transformer tanks, since the liquid medium is critical for cooling and insulation. This indicator is typically a round-faced gauge on the side of the tank, with a float and float arm that moves a dial pointer as the liquid level changes.

Pressure-Relief Devices
Pressure-relief devices are mounted on transformer tanks to relieve excess internal pressures that might build up during operating conditions. These devices are intended to avoid damage to the tank. On larger transformers, several pressure-relief devices may be required due to the large quantities of oil.

Liquid-Temperature Indicator
Liquid-temperature indicators measure the temperature of the internal liquid at a point near the top of the liquid using a probe inserted in a well and mounted through the side of the transformer tank.

Winding-Temperature Indicator
A winding-temperature simulation method is used to approximate the hottest spot in the winding. An
approximation is needed because of the difficulties involved in directly measuring winding temperature.

The method applied to power transformers involves a current transformer, which is located to incur a current proportional to the load current through the transformer. The current transformer feeds a circuit that essentially adds heat to the top liquid-temperature reading, which approximates a reading that models the winding temperature. This method relies on design or test data of the temperature differential between the liquid and the windings, called the winding gradient.

Sudden-Pressure Relay
A sudden- (or rapid-) pressure relay is intended to indicate a quick increase in internal pressure that can occur when there is an internal fault. These relays can be mounted on the top or side of the transformer, or they can operate in liquid or gas space.

Desiccant (Dehydrating) Breathers
Desiccant breathers use a material such as silica gel to allow air to enter and exit the tank, removing moisture as the air passes through. Most tanks are somewhat free breathing, and such a device, if properly maintained, allows a degree of control over the quality of air entering the transformer.

Liquid-Preservation Systems
There are several methods to preserve the properties of the transformer liquid and associated insulation structures that it penetrates. Preservation systems attempt to isolate the transformer’s internal environment from the external environment (atmosphere) while understanding that a certain degree of interaction, or “breathing,” is required to accommodate variations in pressure that occur under operational conditions, such as expansion and contraction of liquid with temperature.

Free-breathing systems, where the liquid is exposed to the atmosphere, are no longer used. The most commonly used methods are outlined as follows:

• Sealed-tank systems have the tank interior sealed from the atmosphere and maintain a layer of gas — a gas space or cushion — that sits above the liquid. The gas-plus-liquid volume remains constant. Negative internal pressures can exist in sealed-tank systems at lower loads or temperatures with positive pressures as load and temperatures increase.

• Positive-pressure systems involve the use of inert gases to maintain a positive pressure in the gas space. An inert gas, typically from a bottle of compressed nitrogen, is incrementally injected into the gas space when the internal pressure falls out of range.

• Conservator (expansion tank) systems are used both with and without air bags, also called bladders or diaphragms, and involve the use of a separate auxiliary tank. The main transformer tank is completely filled with liquid; the auxiliary tank is partially filled; and the liquid expands and contracts within the auxiliary tank. The auxiliary tank is allowed to “breathe,” usually through a dehydrating breather. The use of an air bag in the auxiliary tank can provide further separation from the atmosphere.

“Buchholz” Relay
On power transformers using a conservator liquid-preservation system, a “Buchholz” relay can be installed in the piping between the main transformer tank and the conservator. The purpose of the Buchholz relay is to detect faults that may occur in the transformer.

One mode of operation is based on the generation of gases in the transformer during certain minor internal faults. Gases accumulate in the relay, displacing the liquid in the relay, until a specified volume is collected, at which time a float actuates a contact or switch.

Another mode of operation involves sudden increases in pressure in the main transformer tank, a sign of a major fault in the transformer. Such an increase in pressure forces the liquid to surge through the piping between the main tank and the conservator, through the “Buchholz” relay, which actuates another contact or switch.

Gas-Accumulator Relay
Another gas-detection device uses a system of piping from the top of the transformer to a gas accumulator relay. Gases generated in the transformer are routed to the gas-accumulator relay, where they accumulate until a specified volume is collected, actuating a contact or switch.

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