The use of power transformers is essential to dynamic communication and exceptional flow of energy. In the era of energy system digitization, the application of transformers can be considered as a significant point.

But transformer failure is a common phenomenon that is caused either due to operational or environmental factors. These factors seriously affect the overall health of the transformer and minimizes its work capacity. Prolonged negligence of the transformer's health can result in complete damage.

This is why the use of a transformer monitoring system is more than important. Continue to read till the end to learn the ultimate significance of transformer monitoring and transformer monitoring system.

What is Transformer Monitoring?

Transformers are vital assets in a power grid and many industrial processes. By the activity of transformer monitoring, companies are able to reduce business risk through:

-         Offering better safety to the public and workers involved

-         Reducing the events of unexpected failures

-         Reducing the events of unplanned power outages

An unexpected transformer failure could result in grave consequences, however, several of such failures can be prevented from happening in the first place. The transformer’s condition is only as good as the transformer’s worst performing component.

With the use of advanced transformer monitoring systems, users can actively track and monitor different operating characteristics in order to ensure that they are properly functioning. Transformer monitors perform the function of collecting data and sending alerts to notify the user when there is something malfunctioning or potentially looking off.

There’s a huge market of transformer monitoring solutions that are available to detect the symptoms of transformer failure by monitoring its different components.

What Happens When Transformers Fail?

According to the CIGRE Transformer Reliability Survey, one out of 200 transformers suffer from failures each year. Also, it has been claimed that around 30% of transformers that suffer from failure are in a condition which is beyond repair. The severity of a failure is determined by the level at which the components are being compromised.

A major failure on a transformer is when an event takes the transformer out of service for 7 or even more days. As per another survey, a single major transformer failure can cost around $14000/MVA in property damage. Therefore, it only makes sense to ensure that unexpected failures to be prevented as it can be immensely costly.

There are several helpful resources that help users to understand the reasons behind transformer failures.

Transformer Monitoring System Reducing the Risk of Failures

An advanced transformer monitoring system helps tremendously in reducing the risk of unexpected transformer failures. Almost 50% of bushing failures end up in fire hazard. With the help of continuous bushing monitoring, users can plan out utilities in advance and avoid such failures.

Transformer monitoring systems not just ensure to prevent unexpected failure risks but also aids in extending transformer lifespan. According to experts, for every 6˚C increase in temperature, the age of the transformer doubles up roughly. However, these systems also monitor temperature and send alarm notifications to ensure cooling control.

The importance of transformer monitoring is immense when it comes to safekeeping of a transformer's health.