Novel engineering techniques to overcoming traditional challenges in online condition monitoring systems for power transformer

ABSTRACT

Traditional challenges in online condition monitoring systems for power transformer are usually due to discrepant results between online condition monitoring system and lab-based measurements (e.g. Dissolved Gas Analysis) and unreliable performance of electronic components due to exposure to harsh outdoor substation environment. As a result, false alarms and service alarms would be generated and extra maintenance efforts are needed to tackle these issues. This will exert additional pressure to frontline staff and engineers. These undesired outcomes are challenges to the implementation of condition monitoring scheme. Several novel engineering techniques and effective contract management method will be presented in this paper to elaborate the ways to overcome these traditional challenges in online condition monitoring systems to ensure effective condition-based maintenance scheme and enhance power supply reliability.

KEYWORDS:

• Dissolved gas analysis
• supply reliability
• condition assessment
• online condition monitoring system
• risk of expensive failures
• power transformer

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the management of CLP Power Hong Kong Limited for the support and permission to publish this paper, with special thanks to Ir Y T Chan for his contribution during the evaluation and procurement of the MODGA Project.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jason Chow

Mr Jason Chow is the Engineer II of Condition Monitoring Team for Transformer in CLP Power Hong Kong Limited. Mr Chow joined CLP Power in 2016. He has been working in condition assessment of all transmission transformers in CLP Transmission Network. Before he joined CLP Power, Mr Chow was responsible for the test and commissioning of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) including Main Control System for Railway and ADS-B Surveillance System for aircrafts. Mr Chow holds a B.Eng degree in Electronic Engineering from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Ray Lee

Mr Ray Lee is the Electrical Services & Workshop Manager of the Technical Services Department in CLP Power Hong Kong Limited. Mr Lee joined CLP Power in 1993 and since then he has been working in power generation, instrumentation, power system protection and power quality. His technical interests focus on power system equipment condition assessment, especially in Expert System in Transformer and Switchgear fault investigation and Advanced Partial Discharge Detection. Mr Lee holds a BEng degree in Electrical Engineering from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Eric Wong

Ir Eric Wong is the Senior Workshop Services Engineer of the Technical Services Department in CLP Power Hong Kong Limited. Ir Wong joined CLP Power in 1996 and since then he has been working in different functions for the company’s generation, transmission and distribution systems which includes both technical and commercial issues. He has been a Chartered Engineer and Corporate Member of The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers since 2013 and 2014, respectively. He was leading a project team for the Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Development. He is currently responsible for operation, overhaul, testing and fault investigation of power plant equipment. Recently, his technical interests focus on Online Power Transformer Condition Assessment System, especially in Expert System and big data application in DGA, Advanced Partial Discharge Detection, Health Index Performance System and Smart Grid Operations.

Keith Leung

Ir Keith Leung is the Condition Monitoring Engineer in CLP Power Hong Kong Limited. Ir Leung joined CLP Power in 2010 and since then he has been working in overhaul, testing and fault investigation of distribution transformer, testing and application development of insulating oil, and monitor the conditions of all transformers in the CLP power network. Before he joined CLP Power, Ir Leung worked for Waukesha Electric Systems of the USA as the Transformer Design Engineer, responsible for projects in design, manufacturing and testing of transmission transformers. Ir Leung holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of North Carolina, the USA.

Gary Lai

Mr Gary Lai is the Technician of Condition Monitoring Team for Transformer in CLP Power Hong Kong Limited. Mr Lai joined CLP Power in 2011. After training, he assisted in the development of Power Transformer Health Index Performance System, which is part of the Asset Life Cycle Management System in CLP Power. Mr Lai was responsible for power transformer, generator and motor electrical testing. Mr Lai holds a Higher Diploma in Electrical Engineering from the Vocational Training Council in Hong Kong.