28 Application

Identifying
Mechanical
Deformations
User-friendly
transformer testing

The OMICRON FRAnalyzer facilitates detection of

winding defects and faults in the magnetic core
of transformers which can, for example, result
from forces due to the efforts of short circuits,
high transient fault currents or mechanical
shocks during transportation. The SFRA measurement helps to prevent costly down-times,
improve the reliability of transformers and also
reduce maintenance costs. The Visayan Electric
Company, Inc. (VECO) in the Philippines has
been using the compact OMICRON device for
many years. We spoke with Sunday C. Palabrica,
Head of the Substation and Electrical Equipment
Division at VECO, about his experiences with the
device.
OMICRON Magazine: Mr. Palabrica, what do you use
the FRAnalyzer for?

With the FRAnalyzer we

have been able to drastically
reduce diagnosis times.

Sunday Palabrica: We perform a routine status test on each

of our transformers once a year with the Sweep Frequency
Response Analysis (SFRA). We also use the SFRA for transformer
testing when protective devices, such as differential protection
or overcurrent relays, have been triggered. When installing new
transformers, we use the SFRA to create a reference measurement, which we then use to test the condition of the respective
transformers before and after transport.

Sunday C. Palabrica

Visayan Electric Company, Inc. (VECO)

Head of the Substation and

The Visayan Electric Company, Inc. (VECO) is the second

Electrical Equipment Division at VECO

largest energy supplier in the Philippines. The VECO grid

covers an area of around 700 km (173,000 acres) with
some 1.7 million residents. VECO operates 12 substations
with a total connected load of 375 MVA.
www.veco.com.ph

OMICRON Magazine | Volume2 Issue1 2011

Application

Can you give us a few examples of

Does the SFRA offer advantages

29

What functionality of the FRAnalyzer

situations in which the FRAnalyzer

over other methods of testing or

has impressed you the most?

has made a real difference to your

measurement?

I find the device's data management and

transformer diagnostics?

The SFRA is very practical, convenient and

the comprehensive library of test routines

When taking delivery of a particular

also effective. However, the most impor-

truly exceptional. The recommended test

transformer, we noticed that the shock

tant advantage in my opinion, is that

settings and the graphic display of the

detector had recorded acceleration forces

the SFRA allows us to detect mechanical

necessary test set-up provide us with

of up to 10 g. In line with our request, the

deformations which are not always ap-

invaluable support in our work.

manufacturer had already performed an

parent with conventional testing proce-

SFRA measurement prior to transport. We

dures. Added to this is the fact that the

How would you summarize the

then took several measurements ourselves,

measurements themselves are quick and

benefits of the system?

including an SFRA measurement. The

easy to perform. This is a huge advantage,

With the FRAnalyzer we have been able to

SFRA test was ultimately the only test that

especially when we need to find faults

drastically reduce diagnosis times, which

allowed us to detect the problem, a me-

quickly and establish a basis for reaching

is particularly important in the event

chanical deformation in the transformer.

decisions.

of a fault. Overall, the compact device

Closer inspection then revealed that the

cable holders on the secondary side had
been moved out of position.

has allowed us to reduce the total time

How would you rate the software

required for testing. In addition to this,

supplied with the FRAnalyzer?

we really appreciate the fast and unbu-

The software is very user-friendly and does

reaucratic support of the OMICRON Team,

In another case, we very quickly discovered

not require users to have comprehensive

for example in interpreting complex test

the burn-off in an on-load tap changer.

technical knowledge. The various analysis

results. However, thanks to the excellent

The SFRA provided clues pointing to this in

functions are set up in a way that is easy

OMICRON training sessions, we are now

the frequency range between 50 kHz and

to understand and also allow direct com-

able to interpret the majority of these

1 MHz. With the FRAnalyzer we were also

parisons with existing measured results.

results ourselves.

able to find a defective surge arrester on

The individually configurable graphic dis-

the secondary side of a transformer. This

play of the results makes this even easier.

was identified from an altered test image

Many thanks for taking the time

to talk with us.

produced during measurement of the

winding to which it was connected.

FRAnalyzer
The FRAnalyzer (Frequency Response Analyzer) was developed

Key features

for winding diagnostics on power transformers. It performs a

>> Reproducible results thanks to in-

frequency response test to ensure that windings are not dam-

novative connection technology

aged following transportation of transformers or occurrence of

>> Extremely small and compact device (< 1.8 kg/4 lbs)

high currents. The FRAnalyzer uses the SFRA principle (Sweep

>> Wide dynamic measuring range (>120 dB)

Frequency Response Analysis).

>> Fast measurement times (around 30 seconds per measurement)

>> Experienced OMICRON experts help with the interpretation
of measurement results.

OMICRON Magazine | Volume2 Issue1 2011

30 Application

Laboratory Precision On site

Compact concept for motor diagnostics
Loy Yang Power in Traralgon is one of the major energy suppliers on the south coast
of Australia. With a 2,000 MW output, the power plant covers one third of the base
load of the State of Victoria. OMICRON test systems, together with reproducible testing
procedures, enable reliable condition assessments of the generators, motors and transformers installed in the plant. Loy Yang Power has created a decision-making matrix for
the high-voltage motors to assess the operating status of these system components.
This allows changes to be detected early on, which in turn facilitates targeted maintenance planning.
To test the condition of the motors, Loy Yang Power

Evaluation framework for motor condition

uses the multifunctional CPC 100 primary testing

The 11 kV and 6.6 kV motors installed in the power plant with up to 8 MW

system together with the CP TD1 and the MPD 600

rating are around 25 years old and were operated for extended periods of

partial discharge measurement system. "These devices

time under full load conditions. The high-voltage motors of the boiler feed

perfectly meet our requirements for a reliable, multi-

pumps are an important component in the steam circuit. "The key here is to

functional and user-friendly testing system. Detailed

prevent component failure," Rob Saggers adds. Based on reference measure-

and reproducible testing processes, devised in-house,

ments gathered over a long period of time, the energy supplier has deter-

also secure comparability of current and historic mea-

mined threshold values which the service teams can now use as a guide to

surements," explains Rob Saggers, who is responsible

assess the operating condition of the motors. The results of essentially three

for the testing of the high-voltage electrical plant at

tests are compiled to create a priority list, based on which the motors are

Loy Yang, stating the reasons behind the decision to

ultimately maintained. The three main measured factors are the polarization

go with OMICRON devices several years ago.

index (PI), the dissipation factor (Tan Delta) and the partial discharge (PD)
level.
Decision-making matrix based on three measurements
The decision-making matrix was developed to summarize the three tests
to allow management to understand the priorities. The colors red, yellow,
blue and green were used to highlight priority motors. How the colors are
selected from the detailed tests is summarized below.
Polarization index
(PI)

Insulation damaged by overheating

OMICRON Magazine | Volume2 Issue1 2011

Dissipation factor
(Tan Delta)

Partial discharges
(in nC at 11 kV)

Motor

red

white

blue

red

white

blue

red

white

blue

3-EFP-1

11.5

12.8

12.2

0.82

0.83

0.81

120

20

250

1-EFP-3

10.4

9.7

10.0

1.37

0.79

0.80

27

17

14

3-IDF-1

5.2

5.5

5.4

0.28

0.27

0.28

Application

Delta Tan Delta

Loy Yang Power uses the dissipation factor (Tan Delta) measured
at two voltages, at 110% and 50% of the assessed conductor-toground voltage from the detailed dissipation factor tests. "To simplify

Decision-making matrix

Rating

Polarization

Dissipation fac-

Partial dischar-

index (PI)

tor (Tan Delta)

ges (in nC)

Critical

>10

>0.65

>40

Poor

>7.5 <10

>0.5 <0.65

>20 <40

Adequate

>6 <7.5

>0.4 <0.5

>10 <20

Good

<6

<0.4

<10

assessment, we decided to use the value calculated from the difference between the two measured results," comments Rob Saggers.
"As long as this difference value (Delta Tan Delta) is less than 0.5,
we consider the condition of the motor to be adequate (blue color).
However, we class any value greater than 0.65 as critical (red color)."
Polarization index and partial discharges
Similar considerations were also applied when assessing the measurement results of the polarization index and the partial discharges.
"We developed the decision-making criteria based on our own experience and together with external experts," Rob Saggers comments.
In the concept employed at Loy Yang Power, a polarization index of
less than 7.5 is still considered acceptable, but any value higher than
10 is classed as critical. A Partial Discharge level of up to 20 nanocoulombs (nC) is considered okay, but a level higher than 40 nC is
classed as critical.
Proven system
Some 34 motors were tested and assessed in the first cycle. Based
on the results, Rob Saggers drafted a priority list from the detailed test report for management. The highest priority motor was
replaced with the existing spare motor, inspected and overhauled.
The inspection of this motor brought to light both missing and
broken slot wedges, as well as insulation that had been damaged
due to the age and operation conditions of the motor. "Boiler feed

Rob Saggers

pump motors typically operate at almost 100C (212F), but can

easily reach and remain at temperatures of up to 120C (248F) for

Rob Saggers has been responsible for the

extended periods of time in the summer. The generating units have

electrical equipment at the Loy Yang Power

been upgraded from 500 MW to 580 MW, which has also resulted

plant for 12 years. This equipment includes

in the boiler feed pump motors running near or over their nameplate

control and measuring systems, transform-

rating," explains Rob Saggers. Failure of the boiler feed pump motor

ers, high-voltage motors and protective

was prevented and saved Loy Yang Power an estimated lost revenue

devices.

from the market of $ 500,000 underlining the value of the testing

procedures.

Loy Yang Power

Versatile

Loy Yang Power is the owner and operator of a

Loy Yang Power also employs the same devices to test its transform-

4 x 500 MW lignite-fired power station in the state

ers and generators. Rob Saggers is delighted with the results here:

of Victoria on the south coast of Australia. The

"With a small team and the portable, high-precision testing systems

power plant covers one third of the state's power

from OMICRON, we are now in a position to take measurements on

requirements. The lignite is dredged in the neigh-

the system which not so long ago would only have been possible

boring open cut mine, the largest in the southern

in a special test laboratory. We can accurately assess the condition

hemisphere.

of our systems, make targeted maintenance decisions and thereby

secure a high level of availability of our power plant."
OMICRON Magazine | Volume2 Issue1 2011

31

www.loyyangpower.com.au