Measurement Considerations using

SFRA for Condition Assessment of

Power Transformers
Mats Karlstrom, Peter Werelius, Matz hlen,
Pax Diagnostics,
Lars Adeen and Eddie Brynjebo
E.ON-ES, Sweden

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Agenda
Introduction
Measurement example
The consequence of bad connections
Main conductor
Grounding

Instrument performance
Understanding external parameters
affecting response from core
Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

SFRA testing basics

Off-line test
The transformer is a complex RLC circuit
Impedance/response is measured (20Hz
2MHz), and plotted as function of
frequency
Measurements can be compared over
time, on the same transformer, between
sister transformers or between phases
Potential problems are visible as changes
in amplitude and/or frequency shifts
The method is unique in its ability to detect
winding deformations
Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Test results always comparisons

Specific transformer
elements are visible in
different parts of the curve
Low frequencies
Core problems and
shorted/open windings

Medium frequencies
Winding deformations

Taps and
connections

High frequencies
Tap connections and other
winding connection
problems or changes

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Winding
deformations
Core + windings

Test results always comparisons

Core NOT grounded

Core grounded

Reproducibility is of utmost importance!

Avoiding responses from external sources are essential in
order to optimize investment in time and instrumentation
Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Example of reproducible results

105 MVA, Single phase Generator Stepup (GSU) transformer
SFRA measurements before and after a
severe short-circuit in the generator using
Two different test instruments (Same make
and model)
Tests performed by two different persons

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Before (Test 1) and after (Test 2) GSU stressed

by short circuit currents, logarithmic scale

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Before (Test 1) and after (Test 2) GSU stressed

by short circuit currents, linear scale

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

105 MVA, Single phase GSU

Measurements before and after were
almost identical.
Conclusion:
Good correlation. Analysis established no
problems in transformer
Transformer could be safely put back to
service

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Important parameters for reproducibility

Good connections
Good grounding practice
High instrument dynamic range/low noise floor
through complete frequency range
Understanding core property influence in lower
frequencies when performing open - circuit
SFRA measurements

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Bad connection
Bad connections affected the curve in
higher frequencies

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Good connection
After proper connections were made

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Typical effects of grounding practice

C. Homagk et al, Circuit design for reproducible on-site measurements of

transfer function on large power transformers using the SFRA method, ISH2007

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Ground connection to ensure

repeatability at high frequencies

Good grounding practice;

use shortest braid from cable
shield to bushing flange.
Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Poor grounding practice

Example cable set

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Instrument performance
Smaller transformers often have very high
attenuation at first resonance
Noise problem not necessarily originates
from substation static. Instrument noise
often the culprit
Test with open cables (Nothing connected)
to determine the maximum dynamic range

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Inherent noise level Noise floor

Open/noise floor measurements

Two different make and models

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Effect of instrument performance

-70dB
-80dB

-100dB

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Dynamic Range Comparison

H1 H2 (open & short) measurements

Two different make and model

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Influence of core in open measurements

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

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Measurement before and after

measurements of winding resistance
After
Before

After
Before

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Measurement after WRM measurements

and after demagnetization

Directly after WRM

After demag

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Influence of applied voltage level

(HV winding, 30MVA 31.5kV/0.525kV/0.525kV)

2.83 V peak-to peak

10V peak-to peak

Influence of applied voltage

is more pronounced on LV
windings
Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Influence of applied voltage level

1 V peak-to peak

10V peak-to peak

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Other considerations
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

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept

Deviations Low Frequency = Method

2008Deviation High Frequency = Cable practice

Zoom View
Impulse instrument sample rate limts
frequency resolution to 2kHz.

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Field Verification Unit

Field verification unit with known frequency

response is recommended in various
standards to verify cables and instrument

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Summary
The basis of SFRA measurements is comparison and
reproducibility is of utmost importance
Small deviations in the low frequency range of open
measurements must be accepted since it depends on
core status that in many cases are difficult to control.
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)
Preferably 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.
Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008

Thank You!
Questions or comments?
Mats Karlstrom
Mats.karlstrom@paxdiagnostics.com
WebSite: www.paxdiagnostics.com

Weidmann, New Orleans, Sept 2008