Detection of power transformer bushing faults and oil degradation using frequency response analysis

Frequency response analysis (FRA) has been globally accepted as a reliable tool to detect mechanical deformation within power transformers. However, because of its reliance on graphical analysis, interpretation of FRA signature is still a challenging area that calls for skilled personnel, as so far, there is no widely accepted reliable standard code for FRA signature identification and quantification. While several papers investigating the impact of various mechanical winding deformations on the transformer FRA signature can be found in the literature, no attention was given to investigate the impact of various bushing faults and transformer oil degradation on the FRA signature. This paper introduces a detailed simulation and practical analyses to elaborate the impact of bushing faults as well as transformer oil degradation on the transformer FRA signature. In this regard, the physical geometrical dimension of a three phase power transformer is simulated using 3D finite element analysis to emulate the real transformer operation. Various bushing faults have been emulated on the studied model and oil degradation is implemented through changing oil permittivity. Practical FRA test is conducted on a three phase 132 kV, 35 MVA power transformer to validate the simulation results. Results show that bushing faults and oil degradation can be visibly detected through FRA signature.