Fault diagnosis technologies for power transformers during the on-site inductive oscillating switching impulse voltage withstand test

Abstract

Although oscillating switching impulse (OSI) voltage is recommended for the transformer field test, the lack of corresponding fault diagnosis technologies limits its application in the field. In this study, the inductive OSI test technology and diagnostic methods are investigated. The front time and the oscillation frequency of the OSI are altered by changing the additional inductance, whereas the tail time is affected by both the front and tail resistance. The OSI voltage withstand test is carried out on a 110 kV three-phase double-winding transformer on site. Furthermore, transfer function (TF) analysis is used for the diagnosis of transformer insulation with high sensitivity during the OSI test. The fault winding is distinguished by comparing the change in the voltage TF and current TF at different voltage levels. The partial discharge (PD) detection method has the highest sensitivity, which realizes the early diagnosis of insulation faults. The insulation status of the windings is ascertained based on the number and amplitude of PDs. The test results prove that the inductive OSI voltage withstand test is easy to perform on site and can successfully diagnose the insulation faults of the transformer in more detail compared with other routine insulation tests.