Quality Index for Assessment of the Mechanical Condition of Transformers’ Active Part with Frequency Response and Vibroacoustic Measurements

Abstract

The paper describes the application of the numerical tool quality index for an objective evaluation of complementary frequency response analysis (FRA) and vibroacoustic method (VM) test methods. These diagnostic methods are used in the industrial practice of transformer diagnostics for the assessment of the mechanical condition of windings and a core. The quality index is based on a numerical comparison of the curve obtained from measurements and the reference curve in a frequency domain. The quality index is based on estimators for the covariance, variance, and expected values. First, both methods of analysis were applied to a group of transformers of similar construction, leading conclusions on quality index values being quickly drawn. Next, it was applied to another transformer’s FRA and VM measurement results. The results showed problems with its mechanical condition, thus confirming that the proposed methods can be used in the practical assessment of transformers with these two diagnostic methods. The assessment of transformer’s active-part mechanical condition with complementary FRA and VM methods can be performed much more easily with the proposed quality indices.