Practical Diagnostics of Power Transformers with Acoustic Radar Method of Partial Discharge Determination

The paper emphasizes the relevance of control of power transformers performance of the auxiliary industrial power stations without deenergization. It provides evidences that occurrence of partial discharges (PD) in the insulation indicates fault inception. Accordingly, the PD detection is one of the most promising methods of the diagnostic monitoring. The paper focuses attention on the problems resulting from its use for condition control of the generating plants. It offers provisions of the developed method for technical state estimation based on the DP property assessment. The paper provides insight into findings of acoustic PD detection in the transformer tanks at the iron and steel works' power generation facilities. The values obtained at recording signals from acoustic sensors are processed. The graphs of the PD distribution depending on the charge value are provided. Based on the curves submitted, one may estimate technical state with due regard to PD intensity. Equipment conditions are divided into groups related to the discharge activity degree. The paper lists possible fault corresponding to the applicable division. The advantages of the DD acoustic detection are proved. The authors provide personnel guidelines for additional control and preventive measures.