How companies & OEMs maximise the safe operation of transformers

In today's power transmission, for small and large businesses as well as transmission network operators (TNOs) or distribution network operators (DNOs), transformers play a crucial role in the efficient and reliable transport of electrical energy. The aim is to ensure their reliability and performance over long periods of time. This can be achieved by taking appropriate preventive measures. Read the following tips to ensure a safe operation of transformers. 

Reliable transformer management: Measures for early detection and redundancy

Replacement transformers? In-house or external transformer expertise? Not least for cost reasons, companies in the power supply industry are committed to improving the service life and performance of transformers and thus increasing the resilience of the power grid.

The procedure for early detection and redundancy is as follows:

• Replacement transformers: Backup transformers are often kept on hand to quickly replace failed transformers and minimise downtime. Alternatively, companies can use two transformers in a ring circuit to enable load redistribution if necessary.
• In-house experts: Many transmission network operators (TNOs) and distribution network operators (DNOs) have in-house experts who know the operating status of their transformers inside out and can use their expertise to draw the right conclusions from transformer oil analyses and other inspections.
• External services for transformers and their insulating oils: Services provided by specialised companies for transformers and their insulating oils play a decisive role in improving the operating efficiency and extending the service life of these important and high-value systems. They range from regular tests and analyses to ensure insulating oil quality and optimum transformer performance to documented and comprehensive maintenance routines to identify and rectify potential problems in good time. 

It is not uncommon for all three approaches to be combined.
 

5 practical tips to ensure safe operation of transformers

Service providers such as Electrical Oil Services (EOS) contribute to the long-term stability and efficiency of power distribution through professional and rapid deployment of preventive transformer services.

To keep transformers operating reliably, Electrical Oil Services (EOS) recommends the following measures:

1. Continuous monitoring: Ongoing monitoring mechanisms enable vital operating data to be continuously recorded and documented.
2. Electrical measurements: Routine electrical measurements help to identify and rectify potential problems in power transmission at an early stage.
   
3. Validation of all values: Regular inspections and reviews of all data allow any deviations to be recognised at an early stage.
4. Insulating oil analyses: Regular analyses of the transformer oils and a professional assessment of the results help to ensure the quality and performance of the insulating oil.
5. Preventive maintenance and oil regeneration: Early insulating oil treatment or regeneration and preventive maintenance measures make a significant contribution to maintaining the reliability of the fluid and protecting the transformers from serious damage.

Ensuring reliable transformers: EOS supports companies in industry and energy supply

Implementing preventive measures for transformers not only fulfils the obligation to exercise due diligence, but also guarantees an uninterrupted power supply. Electrical Oil Services (EOS) supports this proactive approach and helps industrial companies, power generation companies as well as transmission network operators (TNOs) and distribution network operators (DNOs) to maintain high standards of transformer reliability and efficiency, contributing to safe power distribution.

Resolving transformer problems and downtime quickly 
To ensure the smooth operation of transformers, or restore them if necessary, EOS experts are able to be at the transformer site within a short period of time. This ability to respond promptly helps to minimise downtime and maximise the reliability of the power grid. 

Learn more about this topic and Electrical Oil Services (EOS) in this blog article and interview:

• Transformer oil management at all grid levels of the power supply 
• Transformer expertise: EOS interview with a transformer professional

Conclusion

Maximising the safe operation of transformers can be achieved through a combination of systematic monitoring, regular oil analyses and preventive maintenance measures. In this way, both industrial companies and operators of distribution networks (DNOs) and transmission networks (TNOs) can extend the service life and performance of their transformers, ensure uninterrupted operation and protect themselves against unexpected downtimes. It is also helpful to have good documentation of all data, which is essential in the event of frequent staff changes and for maintaining an overview.

Find out more about data management at Electrical Oil Services (EOS) in this interview:

• EOS database: Well-founded decisions in transformer management