TRANSFORMER PARAMETERS MONITORING FOR DISTRIBUTION NETWORK OPERATION

Abstract

Distribution transformers (DT) are the most important and costly components among the equipment required in distribution transformer substations. For the stability of electricity supply, more attention is deserved on monitoring of DT operational parameters such as frequency, active power, reactive power, power factor, etc. Distribution transformers are often failed probably as a result of cellulose deterioration, overloading, poor insulation, poor dielectric strength of the oil, old age etc. Experience shows that utility companies in Nigeria are insensitive to the monitoring of these DT's operational parameters which results in sudden breakdown or persistence outages of the feeder. The utility company may be affected with an approximate reduction in monthly revenue collection compared to previous ones. Thus, it becomes necessary to carry out DT operational parameters’ monitoring for all transformers in the circuit. Planning engineers might have several methods of solving this problem and the approach varies from one country to the others due to variation in operational styles. However, this paper presents a case study of 300kVA, 11/0.415kV Transformer for Parameters monitoring in Distribution Network Operation using Power Quality and Energy Analyser (PQEA) equipment (Fluke 435 Series II). The pre-set network operational parameters recorded or measured were downloaded via personal computer after the experiments. The experimental results and their graphical analyses by excel application are presented. Recommendations for the utility’s operations and maintenance engineers on the field for compliance are presented. The results obtained show that this approach is a reliable way of monitoring DT parameters for the operational planning of distribution networks.