Predictive monitoring applied to generator step up transformers
- M&D, Eddystone, PA (United States)
- Electric Power Research Institute, Eddystone, PA (United States)
Generator Step Up Transformers (GSU) are one of the most expensive and critical components in the power delivery system. The failure of a GSU can cost millions of dollars in lost revenue and equipment replacement costs, as well as create costly environmental complications. The predictive maintenance programs at most generating stations contain limited on-line condition monitoring of the GSUs and associated substation equipment. On-line testing usually consists of periodic visual inspections, oil testing, drive-by thermography and possibly some form of partial discharge detection. Monitoring of the GSU is often complicated by the ongoing question of responsibility between the plant maintenance programs and Transmission and Distribution Division maintenance programs. Most companies use a time-based preventive approach to transformer and substation maintenance. The time-based approach dictates maintenance scheduling strictly related to time in service and number of operations rather than on the condition of the equipment. This maintenance strategy, therefore, frequently directs maintenance to healthy equipment. Meanwhile, there may be equipment in trouble that is unscheduled for maintenance and bound for failure. This paper identifies elements of the EPRI Substation Predictive Maintenance Program and how they relate to GSUs and generating station switchyards. Included are some actual case examples.
- Research Organization:
- Electric Power Research Inst. (EPRI), Palo Alto, CA (United States); Baltimore Gas and Electric Co., MD (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 401926
- Report Number(s):
- EPRI-TR-106753; CONF-960719-; TRN: 96:005874-0010
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Fossil plant maintenance conference, Baltimore, MD (United States), 29 Jul - 1 Aug 1996; Other Information: PBD: Jul 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings: 1996 EPRI fossil plant maintenance conference; PB: 677 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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