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Title: Monitoring the health of power transformers

Journal Article · · IEEE Computer Applications in Power
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/67.475955· OSTI ID:215458
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  1. Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge, MA (United States). Lab. for Electromagnetic and Electronic Systems

This article reviews MIT`s model-based system which offers adaptive, intelligent surveillance of transformers, and summons attention to anomalous operation through paging devices. Failures of large power transformers are problematic for four reasons. Generally, large transformers are situated so that failures present operational problems to the system. In addition, large power transformers are encased in tanks of flammable and environmentally hazardous fluid. Failures are often accompanied by fire and/or spillage of this fluid. This presents hazards to people, other equipment and property, and the local environment. Finally, large power transformers are costly devices. There is a clear incentive for utilities to keep track of the health of their power transformers. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has developed an adaptive, intelligent, monitoring system for large power transformers. Four large transformers on the Boston Edison system are under continuous surveillance by this system, which can summon attention to anomalous operation through paging devices. The monitoring system offers two advantages over more traditional (not adaptive) methods of tracking transformer operation.

OSTI ID:
215458
Journal Information:
IEEE Computer Applications in Power, Vol. 9, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: Jan 1996
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English