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FIGURE 3.13.9 Sample differential-temperature measurement. The top trace is the main-tank top-oil temperature,<br />

and the bottom trace is the LTC compartment temperature.<br />

FIGURE 3.13.7 Load-tap-changer motor current during a tap-changing event.<br />

FIGURE 3.13.8 Sample motor-current-index curve.<br />

3.13.3.4.2 Thermal Diagnostics for On-Load Tap Changers<br />

A variety of diagnostic algorithms for on-load tap changers can be implemented using temperature data.<br />

The heat-transfer pattern resulting from energy losses results in a temperature profile that is easily<br />

measured with external temperature sensors. Temperature profiles are normally influenced by weather<br />

conditions, cooling-bank status, and electrical load. However, abnormal sources of energy (losses) also<br />

impact the temperature profile, thus providing a method of detection. The following four electrical/<br />

thermal parameters can be monitored on-line.<br />

[<br />

3.13.3.4.2.1 Temperature — The simplest temperature-related diagnostic involves monitoring the temperature<br />

level. Load-tap-changer temperature in excess of a certain level may be an indication of equipment<br />

trouble. However, there are also many factors that normally influence temperature level. One LTCmonitoring<br />

system measures the temperature of the diverter-switch oil and the main-tank oil temperature<br />

as a way to estimate the overload capacity of the tap changer.<br />

3.13.3.4.2.2 Simple Differential Temperature — Another simple algorithm involves monitoring the temperature<br />

difference between the main tank and load-tap-changer compartment for those tap-changer<br />

designs in which the tap changer is in a compartment separate from the main tank. Under normal<br />

operating conditions, the main-tank temperature is higher than the tap-changer compartment temperature.<br />

This result is expected, given the energy losses in the main tank and general flow of thermal energy<br />

from that point to other regions of the equipment. Differential temperature is most effective on external<br />

tap-changer designs because this arrangement naturally results in larger temperature differences. Smaller<br />

differences are expected on tap changers that are physically located inside the main tank.<br />

Many factors influence differential temperature. Excessive losses caused by bad contacts in the tap<br />

changer are detectable. However, load-tap-changer temperature can exceed main-tank temperature periodically<br />

under normal conditions. Short-term (hourly) variations in electrical load, weather conditions,<br />

and cooling-bank activation can result in main-tank temperatures below the tap changer. Reliable diagnostic<br />

algorithms must account for these normal variations in some way. Figure 3.13.9 is a graphical<br />

representation of the top-oil temperature in the main tank and of the LTC compartment temperature.<br />

3.13.3.4.2.3 Differential Temperature with Trending — Trending is one method used to distinguish<br />

between normal and abnormal differential temperature. When the load-tap-changer temperature exceeds<br />

the main-tank temperature, the temperature trends are examined. If the tap-changer temperature is<br />

decreasing, this is deemed a normal condition. However, if the tap changer temperature exceeds the<br />

main-tank temperature and is increasing, an equipment problem may be indicated.<br />

3.13.3.4.2.4 Temperature Index — Another method used to examine temperature differential involves<br />

computing the area between the two temperature curves over a rolling window of time (usually one<br />

week). This quantity is called the temperature index and is usually expressed in units of degree-hours.<br />

Normal temperature difference (main tank above tap changer) is counted as “negative” area, and the<br />

reverse is “positive” area. Therefore, over a period of seven days, the index reflects the general relationship<br />

between the two measurements without changing significantly due to normal daily variations in<br />

© 2004 by CRC Press LLC<br />

© 2004 by CRC Press LLC

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