FRAX

Sweep Frequency Response Analysis

Transformer Diagnostics
Diagnostics is about collecting reliable information to make the correct decision Making the correct decisions saves money
SFRA
Oil analysis

FDS

Winding Resistance

SFRA Basics

SFRA history (1)

1960: Low Voltage Impulse Method. First proposed by W. Lech & L. Tyminski in Poland for detecting transformer winding deformation. 1966: Results Published; Detecting Transformer Winding Damage - The Low Voltage Impulse Method, Lech & Tyminsk, The Electric Review, ERA, UK 1976: Frequency Domain Analysis of Responses From L.V.I. Testing of Power Transformers, A.G. Richenbacher, 43rd Doble Conference 1978: Transformer Diagnostic Testing by Frequency Response Analysis, E.P. Dick & C.C. Erven, Ontario Hydro, IEEE Transactions of Power Delivery.

SFRA history (2)

1978: FRA test developed at Ontario Hydro, Canada 1980s: Further research carried out by Central Electricity Generating Board in UK 1988 - 1990s : Proving trials by European utilities, the technology cascades internationally via CIGRE, EuroDoble and many other conferences and technical meetings 2004: First SFRA standard, Frequency Response Analysis on Winding Deformation of Power Transformers, DL/T 9112004, is published by The Electric Power Industry Standard of Peoples Republic of China 2008: CIGRE report 342, Mechanical-Condition Assessment of Transformer Windings Using Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) is published

Transformer mechanics basics

A transformer is rated to withstand certain mechanical forces. However, these forces can easily be exceeded
during transportation short circuits close to the transformer

Transformers mechanical strength weakens as the transformer ages

Less capability to withstand mechanical stress Greater risk for mechanical problems Greater risk for insulation problems

Detecting Faults with SFRA

Core movements Faulty core grounds Winding deformations Winding displacements Partial winding collapse Hoop buckling Broken clamping structures Shorted turns and open windings Etc

SFRA = Fingerprinting

SFRA testing basics

Off-line test Transformer is a complex RLC filter circuit Changes in this circuit can be detected and plotted as a response curve when test signals at different frequencies are applied over a winding Changes can be compared over time, between test objects or within test objects The method is unique in its ability to detect core problems, mechanical winding problems and other electrical faults in one test

Test results always comparisons

Different problems can be seen in different parts of the curve Software analysis makes it easy to detect deviations Low frequencies
Core problems and shorted/open windings

Medium frequencies
Winding deformations

Taps and connections Winding deformations Core + windings

High frequencies
Tap connections and other winding connection problems

Comparative tests
Transformer A
Design based

Time based
Transformer A

Transformer B

Type based

Comparisons
Time Based (Tests performed on the same transformer over time)
The most reliable test Deviations between curves are easy to detect

Type Based (Tests performed on transformer of same design)

Requires knowledge about test object/versions Small deviations are not necessarily indicating a problem

Design based (Tests performed on winding legs and bushings of

identical design)

Requires knowledge about test object/versions Small deviations are not necessarily indicating a problem

Measurement philosophy New measurement = Reference measurement

Back in Service
New measurement Reference measurement

Further Diagnostics Required

Reference measurements
When transformer is new
Capture reference data at commissioning of new transformers

When transformer is in known good condition

Capture reference data at a scheduled routine test (no issues found)

Save for future reference Start Your Reference Measurements ASAP!

SFRA measurements When?

Manufacturing test Commissioning test Transport test Incident test - after incidents where you suspect electromechanical changes
After transport Short-circuit faults

Catastrophic events
Earth quakes Hurricanes, tornadoes

Trigger based test transformer alarms

Vibration DGA High temperature

FRA Methods

Impulse FRA vs. SweepFRA

Impulse FRA
Injects a pulse signal and measure response Convert Time Domain to Frequency Domain using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm Low resolution in lower frequencies
Impulse FRA

SFRA
Injects a single frequency signal Measures response at the same frequency No conversion High resoultion at all frequencies

Comparing Impulse & SweepFRA

SFRA (Sweep frequency response analysis) provides good detail data in all frequencies
Black = Imported Impulse measurement (Time domain converted to Frequency Domain) Red = SFRA Measurement

Deviations Low Frequency = Method Deviation High Frequency = Cable practice

Zoom View of impulse vs. SFRA

Impulse instrument sample rate limts frequency resolution to 2kHz.

SFRA Measurements

SFRA test setup

FRAX measurement circuitry

Considerations when performing SFRA Tests

or How do I maximize my investment in time and money when performing SFRA measurements?

Test results always comparisons

Core NOT grounded Core grounded

Reproducibility is of utmost importance!

Example of reproducible results

105 MVA, Single phase Generator Step-up (GSU) transformer SFRA measurements with FRAX 101 before and after a severe short-circuit in the generator
Two different test units Tests performed by two different persons Test performed at different dates

Before (2007-05-23) and after fault (2007-08-29)

LV winding

HV winding

105 MVA, Single phase GSU

Measurements before and after were virtually identical Very good correlation between reference and after fault Conclusion:
No indication of mechanical changes in the transformer Transformer can safely be put back in service

Potential compromising factors

Connection quality Shield grounding practice Instrument dynamic range/internal noise floor Understanding core property influence in lower frequencies in open - circuit SFRA measurements

Bad connection
Bad connection can affect the curve at higher frequencies

Good connection
After proper connections were made

FRAX C-Clamp
C-Clamp ensures good contact quality Penetrates non conductive layers Solid connection to round or flat busbars Provides strain relief for cable Separate connector for single or multible ground braids

Proper ground connection ensures repeatability at high frequencies

Good grounding practice; use shortest braid from cable shield to bushing flange.

Poor grounding practice

Shield grounding influence

C. Homagk et al, Circuit design for reproducible on-site measurements of transfer function on large power transformers using the SFRA method, ISH2007

FRAX cable set and grounding

Always the same ground-loop inductance on a given bushing

Instrument performance
Small transformers have higher attenuation at first resonance Inherent instrument noise is often the main limiting source, not necessarily substation static Test your instruments noise floor by running a sweep with open cables (Clamps not connected to transformer)

Internal noise level Noise floor

Open/noise floor measurements Red = Other brand Green = FRAX 101

Example of noise floor problem

H1 H2 (open & short) measurements Black = Other brand Red = FRAX 101

Influence of core
Try to minimize the effect, however, some differences are still to be expected and must be accepted. Preferably: perform SFRA measurements prior to winding resistance measurements (or demagnetize the core prior to SFRA measurements) Use same measurement voltage in all SFRA measurements

Run winding resistance test after SFRA!

After winding resistance test

After demagnetization

Effect of applied measurement voltage

2.8 V Omicron

10 V FRAX, Doble and others

40

FRAX has adjustable output voltage!

Omicron (2.8 V)

FRAX, 2.8 V

41

Field Verification Unit

Field verification unit with known frequency response is recommended in CIGRE and other standards to verify instrument and cables before starting the test

ABB Transformer Diagnostics

Summary
The basis of SFRA measurements is comparison and reproducibility is of utmost importance To ensure high repeatability the following is important
Use of a high quality, high accuracy instrument with inputs and output impedance matched to the coaxial cables (e.g. 50 Ohm) Use same applied voltage in all SFRA measurements Make sure to get good connection and connect the shields of coaxial cables to flange of bushing using shortest braid technique. Make good documentation, e.g. make photographs of connections.

FRAX The Features And Benefits

45

FRAX 101 Frequency Response Analyzer

FRAX 101 Frequency Response Analyzer

Power Input 11-16VDC USB Port On all models Bluetooth On FRAX101

Not only the smallest, but also the most feature rich and accurate SFRA unit in the world!
Generator Reference Measure Connectors

Rugged Extruded Aluminum Case Active Probe Connector on FRAX101 All Connectors Panel Mounted

SFRA test setup

Optional Internal Battery Over 8h effective run time

Easy to connect shortest braid cables

Industrial grade class 1 Bluetooth (100m) USB for redundancy

Search Database Feature

Data files stored in XML format Index function stores all relevant data in a small database

Search function can list and sort files in different locations

Import formats

Fast testing
Less points where it takes time to test and where high frequency resolution is not needed

More points where higher frequency resolution is useful

Traditional test about 2 min vs. FRAX fast test < 40 seconds

Decision support

Unlimited analysis
Unlimited graph control Lots of available graphs Ability to create custom calculation models using any mathematic formula and the measured data from all channels Turn on and off as needed Compare real data with calculated model data

Mathematical modeling

FRAX 101 transport case

Rugged case 14kg/31lbs incl. Cables Padded product bay

Cable compartment

FRAX-150

As FRAX-101 except:
Internal PC/stand-alone No internal battery option No Bluetooth

FRAX-99

As FRAX 101 except:

No internal battery option No Bluetooth Dynamic range > 115 dB Fixed output voltage 9 m cable set No active probes

Active Probes, extending the application

Active Impedance Probe
Measures Transfer functions between two grounded connections E.g. between winding and tank or bushing flange

Active Voltage Probe

Measures objects with higher input impedance than 50 Allows for longer cables

FRAX product summary

Light weight Rugged Battery operated Wireless communication Accuracy & Dynamic Range/Noise floor Cable Practice Easy-to-use software Export & Import of Data Complies with all SFRA standards and recommend Only unit that is compatible with all other SFRA instruments

Sweep Frequency Response Analysis

Application Examples

Time Based Comparison - Example

1-phase generator transformer, 400 kV SFRA measurements before and after scheduled maintenance Transformer supposed to be in good condition and ready to be put in service

Time Based Comparison - Example

Obvious distorsion as by DL/T911-2004 standard (missing core ground)

Time Based Comparison After repair

Normal as by DL/T911-2004 standard (core grounding fixed)

Type Based Comparisons (twin-units)

Some parameters for identifying twin-units:
Manufacturer Factory of production Original customer/technical specifications No refurbishments or repair Same year of production or +/-1 year for large units Re-order not later than 5 years after reference order Unit is part of a series order (follow-up of ID numbers) For multi-unit projects with new design: reference transformer should preferably not be one of the first units produced

Type Based Comparison - Example

Two 33/11 kV, 10 MVA, manufactured 1977 Put out of service for maintenance/repair or scrapping Identical except for slightly different tap-settings (could not be fixed at site due to missing tool) SFRA testing and comparing the two transformers came out OK indicating that there are no electromechanical problems in the transformers (identical problems highly unlikely)

Type Based Comparison LV windings

-15

-20

-25

Magnitude (dB)

-30

-35

-40

-45

-50

1 k

10 k Frequency (Hz) [X1-X0 (open)] [X3-X0 (open)] [X1-X0 (open)]

100 k

1 M

[X3-X0 (2)]

33 kV, 3-phase Ynyn transformer (30 years old) Normal as by DL/T911-2004 standard

Type Based Comparison IW tests

-20

-25

-30

Magnitude (dB)

-35

-40

-45

-50

-55

1 k

10 k Frequency (Hz) [H1-X1 (IW)] [H3-X3 (IW)] [H1-X1 (IW)]

100 k

1 M

[H3-X3 (IW)]

33 kV, 3-phase Ynyn transformer (30 years old) Normal as by DL/T911-2004 standard

Design Based Comparisons

Power transformers are frequently designed in multi-limb assembly. This kind of design can lead to symmetric electrical circuits Mechanical defects in transformer windings usually generate non-symmetric displacements Comparing FRA results of separately tested limbs can be an appropriate method for mechanical condition assessment Pending transformer type and size, the frequency range for design-based comparisons is typically limited to about 1 MHz

Design Based Comparison - Example

132 kV, 60 MVA transformer, manufactured 2006 New transformer never in service No reference FRA measurements from factory SFRA testing, comparing symmetrical phases came out OK The results can be used as fingerprints for future diagnostic tests

Designed Based Comparison HV windings

-20 -25

-30

-35

Magnitude (dB)

-40

-45

-50

-55

-60

-65

1 k

10 k Frequency (Hz) [H1-H0 (open)] [H3-H0 (open)]

100 k

1 M

132 kV, 3-phase YNd1 transformer (new) Normal as by DL/T911-2004 standard H1-H0 vs H3-H0

Designed Based Comparison LV windings

-10

-20

Magnitude (dB)

-30

-40

-50

1 k

10 k Frequency (Hz) [X2-X1 (open)] [X1-X3 (new test) (open)]

100 k

1 M

132 kV, 3-phase YNd1 transformer (new) Normal as by DL/T911-2004 standard X2-X1 vs X1-X3

Designed Based Comparison IW test

-20 -25

-30

-35

Magnitude (dB)

-40

-45

-50

-55

-60 1 k 10 k Frequency (Hz) [H1-X1 (IW)] [H3-X3 (IW)] 100 k 1 M

132 kV, 3-phase YNd1 transformer (new) Normal as by DL/T911-2004 standard H1-X1 vs H3-X3

Design Based Comparison After Suspected Fault

Power transformer, 25MVA, 55/23kV, manufactured 1985 By mistake, the transformer was energized with grounded low voltage side After this the transformer was energized again resulting in tripped CB (Transformer protection worked!) Decision was taken to do diagnostic test

Design Based Comparison After Suspected Fault

10 0 -10 -20
Response (dBs)

100

1000

10000

100000

1000000

-30 -40 -50 -60 -70 -80 Frequency (Hz)

HV-0, LV open A and C phase OK, large deviation on B-phase (shorted turn?)

Design Based Comparison After Suspected Fault

10 0 100 1000 10000 100000 1000000 -10

Response (dBs)

-20

-30

-40

-50

-60 Frequency (Hz)

HV-0 (LV shorted) A and C phase OK, deviation on B-phase

And how did the mid-leg look like?

Core limb Insulation cylinder

LV winding

Sweep Frequency Response Analysis

Standards

SFRA Standards and Recommendations

Frequency Response Analysis on Winding Deformation of Power Transformers, DL/T 911-2004, The Electric Power Industry Standard of Peoples Republic of China Mechanical-Condition Assessment of Transformer Windings Using Frequency Response Analysis (FRA), CIGRE report 342, 2008 IEEE PC57.149/D4 Draft Trial-Use Guide for the Application and Interpretation of Frequency Response Analysis for Oil Immersed Transformers, 2007 (Draft) Internal standards by transformer manufacturers, e.g. ABB FRA Standard v.5

SFRA Standards - Summary

Standard Instrumentation Frequency range Dynamic range Accuracy Signal cable grounding Self-test Analysis

Wire, shortest length Defined correlation to transformer core in three frequency EPIS PRC DL/T 911 1 kHz - 1 MHz -100 to +20 dB 1 dB @ -80 dB grounding not stated bands -100 to +20 dB Not stated (DL/T 911 min 50 Hz - 2 measurement Grounded at both ends Test circuit with a recognized as one CIGRE WG A2.26 MHz range 1 dB @ -100 dB using shortest braid known FRA response standard) "Sufficient dynamic range, over Plot inspection, the frequency range in order to "Calibrated to Standard test object difference plots, accommodate all transformer an acceptable Grounded at both ends with a known FRA general correlation IEEE PC57.149/D4 test objects" (-120 dB?) standard" using shortest braid response techniques "Condition control of FRA device, including ABB FRA Grounded at both ends coaxial cables, is Technical Better than using shortest strongly Plot inspection, Standard v.5 10 Hz - 2 MHz -100 to +40 dB 1 dB @ -100 dB wire/braid recommended" difference plots.

Instrumentation
Frequency range All major brands are OK Dynamic range
First transformer circuit resonance gives typically a -90 dB response. Smaller transformers may have a first response at -100 dB or lower Note that CIGRE recommends measurement range down to -100 dB. This implies a dynamic range/noise floor at about -120 dB.

Accuracy
1 dB at -100 dB fulfills all standards.

All FRAX instruments fulfills all standards for dynamic range and accuracy!

Cable grounding practice

The shortest wire/braid-practice is now generally accepted All European equipment manufacturers have adapted to this practice

Recommended grounding practice (CIGRE)

Bad grounding practice (CIGRE)

Instrumentation verification
Verification of instrument including cables
Measurement with open cables (at clamp) should give a response close to the noise floor of the instrument (at lower frequencies, pending cable length) Measurement with shorted cables (at clamp) should give close to 0 dB response (pending cable length) External test device with known response (FTB-101 included in FRAX standard kit)

Calibration at recommended interval

FRAX; Minimum every 3 years, calibration set and SW available

FRAX Field Verification Unit, FTB-101

FRAX - Benchmarking

Measurement voltage and internal noise

Measurement voltage and internal noise/dynamic range for common SFRA test sets
20.00

0.00

Doble M54000

Doble M51000

Doble M53000

Doble M5200

-20.00

FRAnalyzer

-40.00

Tettex 5310

FRAX-101

FRAX-150

HP4195A

HP4395A

FRAX-99

-60.00

Dynamic range Measuring voltage p-p

-80.00

-100.00

-120.00

-140.00

Highest dynamic range, -130 dB

Internal noise (dynamic range)

Internal noise (open) measurements Green FRAX-101 Red Other SFRA 1 Blue Other SFRA 2

Measurement range

-100 dB measurement (CIGRE standard) Black FRAX-101 Red Other SFRA 1

Internal noise (open) measurements Green FRAX-101 Blue Other SFRA 1

Dynamic Range Comparison (1)

End-to-end open Green FRAX-101 Blue Other SFRA 1

Neutral to capacitive tap Red FRAX-101 Black Other SFRA 1

Dynamic Range Comparison (2)

H1 H2 (open) measurements Red FRAX-101 Grey Other SFRA

Dynamic Range Measurements at first resonance

Blue FRAX Purple Other SFRA 3 Red Other SFRA 1

Jiri Velek, CEPS SFRA Market Research, October 2006

FRAX - Compatibility

FRAX vs Doble (1)

5 MVA, Dyn, H2-H3 measurement

Blue Doble Orange Frax

93

FRAX vs Doble (2)

YNd, H1-H0 measurement

Blue Doble Orange Frax

94

FRAX vs Tettex and Doble

H1-H0 (short) measurement

Blue FRAX Purple Tettex Red Doble (Doble high frequency deviation due to different grounding practice)

Jiri Velek, CEPS SFRA Market Research, October 2006

95

Frax-101, 2.8 vs 10 V meas voltage

2.8 V

10 V

96

Frax (2.8V) vs FRAnalyzer

Omicron (2.8 V)

PAX, 2.8 V

97

Summary - conclusions
SFRA is an established methodology for detecting electromechanical changes in power transformers Collecting reference curves on all mission critical transformers is an investment! Ensure repeatability by selecting good instruments and using standardized measurement practices Select FRAX from Pax Diagnostics, the ultimate Frequency Response Analyzer!