Power Transformer Testing SWP Guide
Power Transformer Testing SWP Guide
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SM0701. Power Transformer Oil Sampling Additional test equipment: Shorting leads, Multimeters, Surface
thermometer, Oil sample test equipment and Oil Spill kit.
SM0701R01. Power Transformer Oil Sampling Job Safety
Analysis Load Loss test equipment: Supply source capable of supplying at
least 50% of winding Full Load Current (FLC), RMS Voltmeter,
SM0701R02. Maintenance Instruction for Power Transformer Oil
Measuring VTs, Ammeter, Metering CTs, Wattmeter, (These
Sampling
meters may be replaced by power analysers or other appropriate
STNW1162. Standard for Managing Insulating Oil Sampling, meters) and shorting bars capable of full rated current of the
Testing and Actioning the Results winding to be shorted.
STNW1160. Standard for Maintenance Acceptance Criteria No Load Loss test equipment: Voltage source capable of rated
MN000301R172. Doble DLA Testing voltage of transformer under test, average and RMS Voltmeters
and measuring VTs, Ammeters, Metering CTs, Wattmeter,
DIRANA User Manual (These meters may be replaced by power analysers or other
Doble 5200 User Guide appropriate meters).
MPD 600 Test Procedure Power Frequency Withstand test equipment: Suitable single-
phase test transformers of sufficient voltage and VA, voltage and
P53. Operate the Network Enterprise Process current measuring equipment, ammeter with parallel spark gap
AS 2374.1 Power Transformers and measurement VT and voltage meter.
AS 2374.3.0 Power Transformers – Insulation levels and Over-potential Withstand tests equipment: A three phase high
dielectric tests – General requirements frequency generator, three phase interposing test transformer,
voltage and current measuring equipment suitable for use at the
Test Equipment Manuals test frequency:
Transformer Manual / Manufacturer’s Drawings Voltage meters to measure test voltage (with input impedance to
J and P Transformer Book match voltage divider).
Ammeters to measure the phase current.
4. KEY TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT Safety Barriers and warning signs.
Test Equipment within calibration date, tested and tagged: HVIA Operating Equipment: PEDs, Live Line Tester, Class 0
Insulation Resistance tester, High Voltage test set, Digital gloves. All equipment to be inspected and confirmed within test
Voltmeter, Ratiometer or Primary Injection Voltage source, Phase date prior to use.
Angle meter and Ohmmeter.
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Standard PPE: Full-length high visibility protective cotton clothing, As described in Substation Primary Plant and Secondary
safety footwear and helmet. Systems Field Testing SWP SP0506 particular safety risks
applicable to bus assemblies include:
Additional PPE as required: Leather work gloves, class 00 gloves,
hearing protection, safety eyewear. All PPE to be inspected and • Contact with high voltage at the transformer primary
confirmed within test date (where applicable) prior to use. connections.
Sun protection to be used when working outdoors. • High fault current at the transformer primary connections.
• Unearthed CT and VT secondary winding.
5. WORK PRACTICE STEPS
• Open circuit CT secondary terminals.
5.1. Carry out an On Site Risk Assessment
• Open DLA test terminal on transformer bushing.
Prior to performing this activity any hazards associated with
prerequisite tasks at the worksite shall be identified and assessed • Stored energy in the transformer magnetic field (refer to
with appropriate control measures implemented and documented winding resistance testing).
in accordance with the Daily / Task Workplace Risk
• Induced voltages and currents from nearby energised /
Management Plan (CS000501F115) and using the Health and loaded plant.
Safety Risk Control Guide reference document
(ES000901R102). • Working at height hazards.
If any risks cannot be managed or reduced to an acceptable 5.3. Assessment Criteria
level, do not proceed with the task and seek assistance from your Unless stated, refer to STNW1160 Standard for Maintenance
Supervisor. Acceptance Criteria for minimum acceptance values for each
5.2. All Work To Be Done With Power Transformer test.
De-Energised 5.4. Record Identification Details
All of the tests described in this SWP should be carried out with Record identification details:
the transformer de-energised and appropriate control measures
in place (e.g. barriers, matting) to prevent inadvertent contact with • Manufacturer's name and manufacturer's serial number.
adjacent live plant or breaching exclusion zones. Furthermore, • Plant/Asset number.
the P53 Operate the Network Process is applicable at all times
for isolation and earthing. • Power ratings.
Issue a Test Permit and follow the requirements of P53 Operate • Cooling configurations, e.g. ONAN, ODAF.
the Network Process.
• Number of windings.
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procedures and values may be adopted subject to agreement by Primary Voltage Rating Test Voltage in kV (DC)
the Commissioning Engineer.
Up to 1kV 1
5.8. Measure Insulation Resistance
Above 1kV to 3.6kV 2
DC insulation tests are to be carried out between terminals of the
transformer as detailed below. The voltage applied will be as per Above 3.6kV to 12kV 5
Table 1 for a duration of 1 minute.
Table 1: Applied Voltages for IR Tests
Preliminary steps:
• Short the phases of the winding to be tested together. As a rule of thumb, an IR of 1,000MΩ or greater is expected for
• Short circuit CT secondary windings and connect to earth. new transformers.
• Short one side of all VT secondary windings to earth. For aged transformers, use the formula:
• Short all other windings (i.e. excluding the winding under IR = 10 * kV / √MVA
test) together and to earth. If a Polarisation Index is required an Insulation Resistance
• Connect Insulation Resistance test equipment as required reading must be recorded at 1 minute and 10 minutes. If only
by the instrument manufacturer’s manual. Insulation Resistance is required a 1 minute reading is sufficient.
Test each winding in turn keeping clear of live test leads. Note: A Polarisation Index measurement is required prior to
commissioning of any transformer.
• HV to all other windings and Earth.
To calculate the Polarisation Index:
• LV to all other windings and Earth.
PI = 10 minute IR / 1 minute IR
• TV to all other windings and Earth, if applicable.
Note: The PI, being a ratio of IR values, is less susceptible to
Warning: Before removing test leads from the transformer variation with temperature than IR and is therefore a useful tool in
winding and discharge the winding under test for minimum of 30 determining insulation quality. For new transformers, a PI of 2 or
seconds or until the insulation resistance test set indicates no more is expected. However, a PI measurement is only an
charge. indication for non-rigid insulation. As such, lower PI values may
Measure the winding temperature, where possible, and oil still be acceptable. Refer to STNW1160 Standard for
temperature at the time of the test. Maintenance Acceptance Criteria for minimum acceptance
values.
Remove all shorts from the windings and wiring under test.
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5.9. Carry out Power Transformer Oil Sampling Highest Voltage of Breakdown Voltage (kV)
The power transformer shall have the integrity of its oil insulation Equipment (kV)
confirmed prior to energisation. <72.5kV 40kV
a) If the transformer is new, not filled at site and 72.5kV to 170kV 50kV
manufacturer results are verified as satisfactory – No oil
sampling required, verify manufacturer results only. >170kV 60kV
b) If the transformer is new and filled at site – Onsite oil Table 2. Breakdown voltage levels
sampling required.
c) If the transformer is refurbished and filled in the workshop
5.10. Measure Winding Resistance
– Workshop oil sampling required.
Connect DC Resistance test equipment as required by the
d) If the transformer is refurbished and filled on site – Onsite
instrument manufacturer’s manual.
oil sampling required.
Test each winding as required in the scope of works.
Carry out an oil sample of the transformer as per SM0701 Power
Transformer Oil Sampling and STNW1162 Standard for Ensure that the winding is fully charged before taking the reading.
Managing Insulating Oil Sampling, Testing and Actioning the On large transformers the charge time can be minimised by
Results. passing the DC current through the HV and LV winding of the
phase under test so that the magnetising effect of the current is
New transformer oil is expected to have a breakdown voltage of
opposed in each winding.
at least 60kV. Refer to AS 1767 for acceptance criteria on other
oil properties (eg water content, neutralisation value etc). If a four-wire system is being used the resistance of each tapping
of the winding can be measured without discharging the windings
The recommended limits for breakdown voltage of transformer oil
by connecting voltage leads across each tapping in turn.
in service are listed below. Refer to AS 1883 for other
acceptance criteria. Unless otherwise specified measure the resistance of all windings
and on all taps.
Warning: Before removing the current leads from the transformer
winding, discharge the winding under test. This may be achieved
automatically by the test equipment (which may also have an
indicator to say when discharge has been completed to a safe
level) or by connecting a reverse biased diode across the winding
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under test. As a rule of thumb, allow the discharge time to be at Measure ripple (%) and slope (A/s).
least as long as the charge up time.
Compare between phases and like transformers. There should
Because of the large amount of energy stored in the transformer be <2% difference in ripple between phases and <1A/s for slope
core, several thousand volts may be present across the winding for a C3 defect level.
terminals if not discharged correctly.
5.12. Measure Voltage Ratio
For oil filled transformers record the top and bottom radiator
Auxiliary supply for operation of the tap-changer or heater circuits
temperature at the time of test for each winding tested.
etc. does not have to be isolated for this test.
Calculate the average oil temperature from the top and bottom oil
Short circuit CT secondary windings and connect to earth.
temperatures and use this as the winding temperature.
Short one side of all VT secondary windings to earth.
For dry type transformer measure the winding temperature by
placing a probe, if possible, inside the winding. Connect ratio test equipment as required by the manufacturer’s
manual. Ensure the input volts are applied to the HV winding.
Check that DC Resistance results against previous test results or
typical data. The resistance can be calculated up to resistance at Set transformer to the required tap. If all taps are to be tested set
75ºC for comparison to past results. the transformer tap changer to either the top or bottom tap and
test each tap in sequence. If the transformer has an off line tap
For copper:
changer ensure the ratio test equipment is switched off when the
R2 = R1 (235 + t2) / (235 + t1) tap is being changed.
For aluminium: Isolate test supply before removing test leads.
R2 = R1 (225 + t2) / (225 + t1) Check that test result are within the required limits (e.g. ±0.5% as
Winding resistance should step uniformly from one tap to the next per AS 2374.1 table 1) for the nominated taps. Use
and all phases should be similar (some cases there will be Commissioning Tool SP0504C12 (PTRatio) for calculation of
limits.
alternatively large and small steps).
A shorted turn is often indicated by a variation in the ratiometer
5.11. Carry out Tap-changer Continuity Testing
reading, an increase in excitation current, or a change in phase
Connect a DC current source to the transformer as required by angle between the input and output voltage of the transformer.
the instrument manufacturer’s manual.
Remove all shorts.
Test each winding and phase at each tap to confirm continuity of
transition between taps. Test to the full range of the OLTC.
Test transitions in both directions.
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5.13. Carry out HV Testing Alternatively an ammeter within the High Voltage Test Set may be
used providing allowance is made for the set leakage.
A transformer shall withstand a power-frequency RMS Test
voltage applied for 1 minute between each respective winding to Warning: Verify insulation resistance and oil quality is
all others and earth. satisfactory before performing any high voltage tests.
a) Where no HV testing has been carried out at the Test each winding as required in the scope of works. In general,
manufacturer’s works – 100%. test:
b) Where HV testing has been carried out at the • HV Winding to all other windings and earth
manufacturer’s works but subsequent assembly of the HV
chamber / bushings is required on site – 80%. • LV Winding to all other windings and earth
c) Where HV testing has been carried out at the • TV Winding to all other windings and earth
manufacturer’s works and no on-site assembly of the Warning: Refer to AS 2374.3.0 for test voltages applicable to
insulating component is required – No HV withstand test. windings with non-uniform insulation to avoid over stressing the
d) If the transformer is aged or refurbished – 75%. neutral end of star connected windings.
Short all CT secondary windings to earth. The voltage to be applied for the 1 minute power frequency
withstand test is listed in the following table.
Short one side of all VT secondary windings to earth.
Short the phases of the winding to be tested together.
Short all other windings together and to earth.
Measure capacitance between winding to be tested and other
windings and earth. Calculate expected leakage current at test
voltage:
I = 2πfCV.
Connect Power Frequency Withstand test equipment as required
by the instrument instruction manual.
Place ammeter in the earth end of the transformer under test.
The tank of the transformer under test must be isolated from
earth if the leakage current is to be measured in this manner.
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Nominal Voltage Highest Voltage for Rated Short term Power-frequency Duration of % of standard % of standard
of system equipment withstand Voltage (PFWV) kVrms test in test voltage for test voltage for
(Un) kVrms (Um) kVrms
minutes manufacturers on-site testing
100% 80% 75%
works testing
<1.1 3 2.4 2.25
1 100 75
3.3 3.6 16 12.8 12
2 83 70
6.6 7.2 20 16 15
3 75 66
11 12 28 22.4 21 4 70 62
22 24 50 40 37.5 5 66 60
33 36 70 56 52.5 10 60 54
66 72 140 112 105 15 57 50
110
123 (450 BIL) 185 148 138.75 Table 4: Reduced HV Withstand Levels:
123 (550 BIL) 230 184 172.5
123 (550 BIL) 230 184 172.5
132 Where Un >132kV, refer to AS 2374.3.0 for applicable test
123 (650 BIL) 275 220 206.25
values.
Table 3: HV Withstand Levels: Record leakage current at test voltage.
The requirements of the test are satisfied if no disruptive
If, due to test equipment current output limitations, the test discharge occurs.
voltage in the table above cannot be attained, then a reduced Following the HV test, repeat insulation resistance measurements
voltage for a longer duration may be applied (refer to J and P to confirm insulation integrity.
Transformer Book).
At completion of test isolate test circuit and earth winding under
test.
5.14. Carry out Over-potential Test
Short all CT secondary windings to earth.
Short one side of all VT secondary windings to earth.
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Connect the voltmeter to the secondary of a VT available on the Short one winding of the transformer under test with shorting bars
transformer under test. If no VT is available the test voltage must capable of carrying that winding’s full load current. The winding
be measured from some other point such as Bushing DLA point to be shorted will depend on the available test supply (usually the
or external voltage divider. LV winding).
Bond the induced winding to earth. Connect the Load Loss test supply to the input winding of the
transformer under test with instrument transformer.
Connect the Over-potential Withstand test generator to the
transformer under test via a suitable interposing transformer, if Connect the Load Loss test measuring equipment as required by
required. the instrument instruction manual with correct polarities and ratios
on instrument transformer connections.
Test circuit will depend on the test method used. Refer to
AS 2374.3.0 Clauses 12.2, 12.3 and 12.4. Raise the input volts until full load current (FLC), or as close as
practicable to FLC, is achieved (minimum current is 50% FLC).
Warning: Verify insulation resistance and oil quality are
satisfactory before performing any high voltage tests. Record the Current, RMS Volts and ± Watts on all three phases.
The test must be performed in the minimum of time to prevent
Note: Test time will vary depending on the test frequency. Refer
heating of the winding and changes to winding resistance (watts
to the duration formula in AS 2374.3.0 Clause 12.1.
loss) on the top, nominal and bottom tap.
Check that the excitation current on each phase is roughly equal.
Lower test volts, isolate test supply and apply temporary earths.
If there is any major discrepancy notify the supervisor for further
instruction. Record top and bottom radiator temperatures immediately after
the test is complete.
At completion of test isolate test circuit and earth winding under
test. Remove all test shorts. Record test results on form SP0504C05.
5.15. Measure Power Transformer Load Losses Calculate transformer load loss on SP0504C06.
Short all CT secondary windings to earth. Compare results with past test results or results of similar units.
If results vary greatly from compared results notify relevant
Short one side of all VT secondary windings to earth. authority for further instruction.
Measure the Phase to Phase DC resistance of the HV and LV
5.16. Measure Power Transformer No Load Losses
windings on the Top, Nominal and Bottom tap of the tapped
winding. No load loss tests shall be performed on one of the windings at
rated frequency and at the rated voltage of the winding tapping –
Measure and record the Top and Bottom radiator oil temperature
usually nominal tap. Remaining windings shall be left open
at time of DC Resistance test.
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circuited and any winding which can be connected in open delta P1 = Ratio of hysteresis to total iron loss
shall have the delta closed.
P2 = Ratio of eddy current losses to total iron loss
Short one side of all VT secondary windings to earth.
P1 = 0.7 (prior 1960); 0.5 (after 1960)
Short all CT secondary windings to earth.
P2 = 0.3 (prior 1960); 0.5 (after 1960)
Connect the No Load Loss test supply to the transformer winding. 2 2
K = U (RMS volts)
Either winding can be used depending on available supply
equipment (usually the LV winding). U'2 (mean volts)2
Connect the No Load Loss test measuring equipment as required Compare results with past test results or results of similar units.
by the instrument manufacturer’s manual with correct polarities If results vary greatly from compared results notify relevant
and ratios on instrument transformer connections. authority for further instruction.
Raise the input volts until full rated voltage is achieved (average 5.17. Carry out OTI / WTI Calibration
of all three phases on the average sensing voltmeter).
Check calibration of the WTI heater by applying a current
Record Current, RMS volts (U) mean volts (U') and ± Watts on all equivalent to the full load current of the transformer to the WTI
three phases. The difference between the mean and the RMS heater. Confirm that the temperature difference between the WTI
voltmeters should be no more than 3%. and OTI is as per the manufacturer’s specification.
Record test results on form SP0504C04. Note: Normally 30 minutes constant current and constant OTI
temperature is required to obtain an equilibrium in the WTI value.
Lower test volts, isolate test supply and apply temporary earths.
The OTI should be at the temperature specified by the
Calculate corrected transformer No load loss (P0):
manufacturer for this test. If a different temperature difference
P0 = Pm (1 + d) between the WTI and OTI is specified for different cooling
Where conditions (ie ONAN and ODAF) then the calibration should be
checked at each condition.
d = (U' – U) / U'
Check calibration of the Oil Temperature Indicator and Winding
Note: The formula for No Load Loss correction is: Temperature Indicator by immersing the temperature sensing
P0 = Pm / (P1 + K * P2) bulb in oil and heating the oil to a temperature that causes the
highest set auxiliary switch to operate – this will normally be the
The core on transformers manufactured prior to 1960 was made WTI trip.
from hot rolled steel, after then Cold Rolled Grain Oriented steel
was used. Record temperature, output of the OTI and WTI transducers and
compare to calculated values.
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Stir the oil regularly while heating to ensure an even temperature d) If transformer bushings have a Um of <66kV – Bushing
distribution. As the oil is heated, compare the temperature DLA tests not required.
readings on the OTI and WTI with a calibrated reference
5.20. Carry out Dielectric Response Analysis Testing
thermometer.
If required, carry out Dielectric Response Analysis measurements
Typical accuracy of an OTI or WTI is ± 3ºC. Also check the
(Dirana testing) on the transformer as per the DIRANA User
operation of any auxiliary switches as the temperature increases.
Manual.
5.18. Carry out Transducer Calibration
Dirana Testing is at Asset Manager’s discretion but in general:
Carry out calibration of transducers as required.
a) If the transformer is >=20MVA (ONAN Rating) – Perform
For Tap Position Indication: Dirana tests.
• Record the tapping range of the OLTC. b) If the transformer is <20MVA (ONAN Rating) – Dirana
tests not required.
• Record the output range of the transducer.
5.21. Carry out Swept Frequency Response Analysis
• Calculate the transducer output for each tap position. Testing
• With the transformer at bottom tap, set through each tap If required, carry out Dielectric Response Analysis
and measure the output of the transducer. Compare to measurements, Dirana testing, on the transformer as per the
calculated values. Doble 5200 User Guide.
5.19. Carry out DLA Testing SFRA Testing is at Asset Manager’s discretion but in general:
If required, carry out Dielectric Loss Angle measurements on the a) If the transformer is >=20MVA (ONAN Rating) – Perform
transformer windings and/or bushings as per MN000301R172 SFRA tests.
Doble DLA Testing.
b) If the transformer is <20MVA (ONAN Rating) – SFRA
DLA Testing is at Asset Manager’s discretion but in general: tests not required.
a) If the transformer is >=5MVA (ONAN Rating) – Perform 5.22. Carry out Partial Discharge Testing
Winding DLA tests.
If required, carry out offline Partial Discharge measurements as
b) If the transformer is <5MVA (ONAN Rating) – Winding per the MPD 600 Test Procedure.
DLA tests not required.
Partial Discharge Testing is at Asset Manager’s discretion.
c) If transformer bushings are Um of >=66kV – Perform
Bushing DLA tests. Refer to STNW1160 Standard for Maintenance Acceptance
Criteria for minimum acceptance values.
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System highest
12 24 36 72.5 123 145 245 300
voltage - kV
Rated LIWV# - kV 95 150 200 325 550 650 1050 1050
Rated short duration
28 50 70 140 230 275 460 460
PFWV# - kV
Electrical clearances
Minimum Ph-E -
160 280 380 630 1100 1300 2100 2300
mm
Minimum Ph-Ph -
185 325 440 725 1265 1495 2415 2650
mm
Unless all parts of the termination are fully shrouded with high
voltage insulation, use the “partially insulated” values in this table.
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