Workshop Diagnostic Measurements on Power Transformers

Water in Power Transformers

Sources, Risks and Measurement Methods Maik Koch

1. Dangerous Impacts of Moisture 2. Moisture Migration and Equilibrium 3. Measurement Methods 4. Practical Example

Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Omicron Workshop 2006

Motivation: Breakdown Voltage and Aging

Breakdown Voltage [kV] 100 Particles 20g/t 80

Breakdown Voltage [kV]

75 70

NN 0,01 NN 0,10 NN 0,3 NN 0,49

Dielectric strength Reduction by Relative Humidity Particles Acidity

60 40 Particles 50g/t

60

20

0 0

50
20 60 80 100 40 Relative Humidity in Oil [%]

10 15 20 Relative Moisture [%]

Mechanical strength Depolymerisation by hydrolysis

4% Moisture

1% Moisture

10% Moisture Additional water

[Hhlein: Impact of Moisture on DP of Solid Insulation, CIGRE Paris 2004]

Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Omicron Workshop 2006

Risk of Bubble Effect

Bubbles Decrease Dielectric Strength Press out oil Depending on 10 layers Kraft paper Paper quality with Cw oil % Paper and = 4aging Temperature rise Tube heated inside IEC 60 354 Loading Guide: Temperature on 120-160C Hot Spot at surface of the tube short-term overload 138-143C Bubbling starts at 120C
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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Temperature [C]

200 Kraft Paper New Oil 180 160 140 120 100 80 TU Paper New Oil Aged Kraft Aged Oil

1,0

2,0

3,0

4,0 5,0 6,0 Moisture in paper [%]

External player

[M. Koch, S. Tenbohlen: Der Bubble-Effekt und das Risiko eines dielektrischen Fehlers in Leistungstransformatoren. ETG-Fachbericht 104 Kassel 2006]

Omicron Workshop 2006

Part 2

Part 2: Moisture Migration and Equilibrium

Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Omicron Workshop 2006

Moisture Equilibrium and Diffusion

Moisture equilibrium
Water potential even in the whole system Diffusion: Difference in RH as a function of temperature, pressure, absorption capacity Viscous flow Installation, repair

RT ln(aW ) MW

CW ,rel = aW 100 %
CW ,rel ,Pb = CW ,rel ,Oil = CW ,rel , Air

RHGran= 1 %
Contamination rate: RH WCCell New 1-2 0,5 Fair 5-10 1,5-2 Wet 10-15 3-4,5

RHAir= 50%

Water from aging

RHOil= RHCel= 3 %

Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Omicron Workshop 2006

Moisture Distribution and Aging

Partitioning in oil and cellulose

150 MVA, 7 t cellulose, 80000 l Oil = 70 t, temperature 40C

125/95C

1,4/2,1%

270/420

Cellulose Cw = 3 % 210 kg water

85/65C Temp.

2,4/2,9% Moisture

441/1105 DP

T+
Oil 16 ppm

T
1,1 kg H2O

[Ryzhenko, V. Sokolov, V.: Effect of Moisture on Dielectric Withstand Strength of Winding Insulations in Power Transformers. Electrical Stations (Electric Power Plants) No. 9, 1981]

Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Omicron Workshop 2006

Part 3

Part 3: Methods to Measure Moisture

Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Omicron Workshop 2006

Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration

Measures weight of water Water relative to weight [g, %, ppm]

2 H2O + SO2 + I2

H2SO4 + 2 HI

Water content [%]

Possible errors: Moisture ingress during sample preparation Side reaction with aging byproducts
(ketones and aldehydes produce water)

Measurement of bound water depends on heating temperature and time

Pressboard: 190-220C instead of 130-140C according to IEC 60814

Transportation to the laboratory

1 100
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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Methanol Heptane 125 150 175 200 Heating temperature [C]

Omicron Workshop 2006

Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration: Round Robin Test

Moisture by weight [%] 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 1b 2a 3b Sample 4b
4,16 4,07 3,74 3,74 2,6 2,17 1,38 UCh PUT UKa 5,58 5,49 5,02

UCh PUT UKa UStutt 160C UStutt 140C

3,54 3,35 4,10 4,18 3,94 2,43 Ustutt 160C

120% 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0%

3,27

Deviation from average

True water content unknown Best correlation UStutt & UKa UCh always lower results (coulometric, Metrohm) Heating temp. 20K changes 0,3% Comparability is given only for identical procedures
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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement Omicron Workshop 2006

Capacitive Probes
Based on moisture equilibrium
diffusion upper porous electrode polymer film bottom electrode, glass substrate

Moisture relative to saturation

Hygroscopic polymer film Change of capacity Result: 0-100 % or 0-1 aw Possible errors: Diffusion of aging byproducts Corrosion of electrodes Calibration necessary Calculation of ppm (g/g) by oil specific coefficients

MoistureSaturation[ppm]

800 Oil 1 Oil 4 Silicone Oommen NN 0,49

Ions Water

600

400

Cw,S = 280 ppm

200

Cw,S = 122 ppm

0 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
[M. Koch: Ein neues Verfahren zur Online-Feuchtemessung in Leistungstransformatoren. ETG-Fachbericht 104 Kassel 2006]

Example: Cw,rel = 10%, 40C New Oil: Cw = 12 ppm Aged oil: Cw = 28 ppm Calibration to oil essential
Omicron Workshop 2006

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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Comparability of RH Measurements to KF Titration: Aging

Some claim: KFT not valid for aged oils, since (1) capacitive probes measure less water and (2) breakdown voltage is high although ppm-water is high.
Mo 400

(1) PPM value from capacitive probes: Calibration to oil necessary

Cw,S = 122 ppm

Cw,S = 280 ppm

200

Uncalibrated: too less water in aged oils!

0 20 30 40 50 60 70

Breakdown Voltage [kV]

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140

(2) Breakdown Voltage at 40ppm@40C New oil: RH = 33 % VB = 58 kV low dielectric strength! Aged oil: RH = 14 % VB = 69 kV High dielectric strength! Nevertheless KFT is uncertain too!
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Relative Moisture in Oil [%]

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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Conventional Equilibrium Diagrams

Published by Oommen, Piper, Du Zahn
Moisture by weight in cellulose [%] 6 21C New paper 5 4 40 C New paper 60 C New paper 80 C New paper 60C Aged oil + PB 60C New pressboard 60C Aged oil + paper

Conditions: 1. 2. 3. Equilibrium exists Temperature- and moisture distribution Sampling, moisture measurement 13 % error Results vary for different authors Absorption capacity of oil Absorption capacity of cellulose 100 % error

3,6 % 3,2 % 3 2,9 % 2,8 % 2,3 % 1,7 %

2 1

4. 5.

0 0

20 ppm 5 ppm

20

40

60 80 100 6. Moisture by weight in oil [ppm]

Diagrams not applicable!

Unless adapted to the cellulose and oil
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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement Omicron Workshop 2006

Advanced Equilibrium Diagrams

6

Conditions:
Moisture in paper [%] 5

1. 2. 3.
21C%P 40C%P 60C%P 80C%P

Equilibrium exists Temperature- and moisture distribution Sampling, moisture measurement 13 % error Steep gradient in low moisture region Absorption capacity of oil Absorption capacity of cellulose

4 3 2

1 0 0 10 20 30

4. 5.
40

Moisture relative to saturation [%]

6.

Onsite and online application possible Online Monitoring Systems: MW20 = -0.085 + 4.64 (1 - e-RM/12.78) + 1.69 (1 - e-RM/0.099)
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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Omicron Workshop 2006

Measurement of Relative Moisture

Top oil temperature
Load factor, RH in oil [%] Top oil temperature [C] 50 5

Conditions: 1. 2. 3. Equilibrium exists Temperature- and moisture distribution Sampling, moisture measurement 13 % error Steep gradient in low moisture region Absorption capacity of oil Absorption capacity of cellulose

40

30

RH in oil

20

RH in transformer Load factor

10

4. 5. 6.

0 07.02.

0 09.02. 11.02. 13.02. 15.02. 17.02. 19.02. 21.02.2003 Date, Time

Online / Onsite Application Moisture in oil is identical to moisture in cellulose if equilibrium exists Equilibrium through long time mean value
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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Omicron Workshop 2006

Why Should We Measure Relative Moisture?

1. Dielectric strength decreases Breakdown voltage of oil PD inception level 2. Accelerated ageing of cellulose 3. Bubble effect decreases dielectric strength
Breakdown Voltage [kV]
80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140

Water in cellulose

Chemical bond

Physical absorption

Capillary absorption

water induced decay rate

Mildew / Schimmel / Ple: Below RH = 55 % no growth!

Condensation
+H 2O -H2O

Hydrolysis

Relative Moisture in Oil [%]

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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Relative moisture

100

Omicron Workshop 2006

Dielectric Response Methods RVM, PDC, FDS

1000 Ur [V] recalculated to 20C

Moisture in cellulose dry wet

100

10

1 1 10 100 1000 Time [s] 10000

1,0E-06

High Oil conductivity

1,0E-07 Current [A]

Ipol
Low

High

High
Dissipation Factor tan 1

1,0E-08

Idep

Moisture in cellulose Low

1,0E-09

Moisture in cellulose
0,1

High Low

1,0E-10 1 10 100 Time [s] 1000

Low
10000

0,01

Oil conductivity

High

0,001 0,0001 0,01 1

Low
100 1000 Frequency [Hz]
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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Part 5

Part 5: Practical Measurement

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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Omicron Workshop 2006

Real Life Measurements: Transformer in Meiningen/Austria

Technical data Manufactured in 1967 Rated power 133 MVA 230/115/48 kV Cooling: Oil forced/air forced

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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Omicron Workshop 2006

Measurement Instruments
Moisture in Kraft paper [%] 6 5 4 3 21C 2 1 40C 60C 80C 0 10 20 30 40 Moisture relative to saturation [%]

Onsite oil samples Capacitive probe Vaisala HMP 228: RH = 10,1% KF titration CW = 19 ppm Dielectric measurements FDS IDA 200 PDC Keithley 6517A
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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Omicron Workshop 2006

Measurement Results: Water in Cellulose

5 Moisture in cellulose [%] 4 3 Tertiary not in use 2 1 0 Average

FDS HV-LV FDS LVTertiary

FDS TertiaryTank

Oilsample Oilsample RH Oommen

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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Omicron Workshop 2006

Summary
Impacts of Water Bubble effect above 109C Moisture diffusion Differences in relative humidity
1%

Karl Fischer titration Comparable only for same procedure

50%

RH= 3 %

Moisture Content [%]

Equilibrium diagrams Conventional shape mostly not applicable RH in oil improves diagrams Dielectric response methods Reliable depending on interpretation Relative moisture in oil and paper Reflects detoriating effects of water Easy and accurate measurable Includes the influence of ageing
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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

3,50

RVM
3,00
2,50

2,00
1,50

PDC KFT

FDS

1,00
0,50

0,25 0 20 40 60 80 Pressboard to oil [%]

100

Omicron Workshop 2006

Content
1. Next time: Start with definitions of moisture (weight, RH) and describe here the advantages of RH

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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Omicron Workshop 2006

Moisture Absorption in Cellulose: Different Materials

Moisture in pressboard [%] 5 4 3 23C 2 1 0 0 10 20 30 40 Moisture relative to saturation [%] 40C 60C 80C 0 0 10 Moisture in Kraft paper [%] 6 6 5 4 3 21C 2 1 40C 60C 80C 20 30 40 Moisture relative to saturation [%]

Moisture in cellulose [%]

6 5 4 3
2,3

60C KP 60C PB 60C TUP 60C aKP 60C aPB 0

5

Water adsorption changes with Microstructure, density Aging Hornification Decrease of moisture solubility

2 1 0

1,6

10

20 30 40 Moisture relative to saturation [%]

initially wet

dry or aged

moisturized again
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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

How to Create Equilibrium Diagrams

Moisture in pressboard [%] 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 0 0,05 0,1 21C aw 60C aw 40C aw 80C aw 0,15 0,2 0,25 0,3 0,35 Aw relative moisture in pressboard

Based on:

CW ,rel ,Pb = CW ,rel ,Oil = CW ,rel , Air

1. Isotherms moisture in paper 2. Isotherms moisture in oil 3. Combining both diagrams
8 Moisture in pressboard [%] 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0,3 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Moisture in Nynas Nitro new [ppm] 80 21C 40C 60C 80C

Moisture in oil [ppm]

14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 0 0,05 21C 40C 60C 80C 0,1 0,15 0,2 0,25 Aw relative moisture [%]

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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Omicron Workshop 2006

Bubble Effect: Measurement Setup

Investigated paper
Oil level 1,5 m Temperature measurement Vacuum pump
112,7C 63,6C

New Kraft paper, thermally aged Kraft paper, new thermally upgraded Paper

Transformer
0 -250 VAC 220 VAC

Oil

Investigated oil
Kraft paper Heated tube

New Shell Diala D Aged Shell K6 SX with neutralization number 0,49

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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Omicron Workshop 2006

Influence of Temperature Rise

Inception temperature [C] 140

120 100 80 0 10 20 30 40 50 Temperature gradient [K/min]

Only steep temperature increase causes water evaporation Gradient > 3 K/min Gradients occur at windings

Oil Paper

Water in paper: Only free or weakly bound water will evaporate Given by relative moisture / water activity
Inception Temperature [C] 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 0 10 20 30 40 Relative Moisture [%] Omicron Workshop 2006 New KP new oil TUP new oil

Active site Absorbed water molecules Free water

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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Breakdown Voltage Depending on Moisture, Acidity and Pressure

72,00 RH = 0% RH = 10% 69,74 RH = 5% RH = 20%

Breakdown voltage (kV)

70

64,40 61,22 60,82 59,72

60

55,62

51,72

50 0,0 0,1 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 Neutralization number [mg KOH/g Oil]
Average of Breakdown voltage [kV]
100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0,0 0,2 0,4 0,6 0,8 1,0 1,2 1,4 1,6 1,8 2,0 2,2 50 45 40

105% Average 95% Standard deviation

35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

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Maik Koch: Water in Power Transformers - Sources, Risks and Measurement

Pressure [Mpa]

Omicron Workshop 2006

Standard deivation [kV]