Cooling Systems Maintenance

• The cooling system of any apparatus used in generating, transforming

or transferring power is essential to its overall operation.
• Overheating, undesirable production of gases and environmentally
hazardous leaks can be contributed to poor cooling system
maintenance and general degradation.
• The cooling system of any apparatus is a completely different
environment than that of the apparatus itself and should be treated
as such when maintenance and monitoring are defined.
Leaks
How bad does a leak have to be to receive attention?
• Bad • Worse
Corrosion

• Corrosion is a never ending issue in

our industry and is everywhere.
• One substrate or coating does not
cover it all.
• Special environments sometimes
require unique specifications and
maintenance.
• Coatings lifespans are significantly
less than the planned life of a
transformer.
• Periodic maintenance to remediate
and prevent corrosion on cooling
systems is vital.
Contamination

• Contamination reduces heat

transfer.
• Natural and man-made elements
accumulate faster on the cooling
system than the rest of the
transformer.
• Water coolers always have hidden
contamination that is often
overlooked.
• Certain contaminants will begin or
accelerate the corrosion process.
• Special environments require a
special approach.
Thermography / IR Scans

• Proven technology that is relatively

inexpensive.
• Establishing baseline readings for
comparative analysis on scheduled
future readings is critical.
• Both higher and sub-normal
readings can give indicators of
potential failures.
• Your transformer cooling system
has it’s own environment. Thermal
scans help us to understand what is
going on in that environment.
Vibration

• Vibration analyzing equipment

continues to be used widely
throughout for early detection of
mechanical failures.
• More cases of analysis of bracing
and connections throughout the
transformer and cooling system are
used to determine potential issues
with structural supports, loose
hardware and load stresses.
• Most newer models are easier to
use, provide simple reports and are
sometimes supported by smart
phone applications.
Oil Sampling and Data Collection

• DGA analysis can sometimes

identify issues within your cooling
system.
• Elevated oxygen and moisture
levels can be prime indicators of
cooling system issues.
• Field monitoring of your cooling
system and temperature data
collection to achieve optimal
cooling performance and needs are
essential.
Conclusion

• Your cooling system is your power apparatuses’ temperature

maintenance lifeline. Therefore, your cooling systems maintenance is
critical.
• Your cooling system has it’s own environment other than the
environment it is located in.
• Maintaining the functionality of your cooling system will extend the
life of your power assets.