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2020 07 18 Transformer Bushing Failures
2020 07 18 Transformer Bushing Failures
• Breakdown of Bushings
• Break down of Tap Changers
• Short Circuit Current Forces on windings
• Insulation Ageing by Temperature with moisture
Transformer Fires can happen due to any of above 4 reasons. But maximum chance with bushing
failures. ( CIGRE Survey – 0.1 % probability /service Year - one fire/ 1000 transformers/year or %
probability in 40 year life.)
Transformer Bushing Failures
Bushing
41%
Magnetic
Circuit
8%
OLTC Magnetic
OLTC 31% Circuit
11%
4%
3
Transformer Bushing Failures
• Born Healthy
• Lived Healthy
• Treated well
Slide 4
Transformer Bushing Failures
CIGRE Technical Brochure 755-2019 –Bushing Reliability
Transformer Bushing Failures
Types of Bushings
Slide 6
Transformer Bushing Failures
LV Bushings as per IS 3347- up to 36 kV
Transformer Bushing Failures
LV Bushing –IS 3347
Transformer Bushing Failures
LV Bushings as per IS 3347- up to 36 kV
Slide 20
Transformer Bushing Failures
Bushing Failures -Prevention
• Pull on Top Terminal
• Avoid tensile pull on bushing terminal pad from taut jumper
connections to catenary
• Avoid too much slackness as it may cause interphase shorting
during wind
• Pipe bus connection to bushing without expansion type terminal
connector can result push on terminal
Slide 21
Transformer Bushing Failures
- Defective current carrying joint design/ sealing Joint design/ imperfect locking
of fasteners
- Taping of central draw lead with paper insulation –Failure of bushings in USA
Slide 22
Transformer Bushing Failures
Condition Assessment of Power Transformers- CIGRE TB 761-2019
Transformer Bushing Failures
Failure Mechanism
Mechanical
• Seismic Disturbance
• Vandalism
• Rigid jumper connection to switchyard
• Electrodynamic forces from winding lead
Thermal
• Gas bubble evolution
• Current Path Issues
• Contact Problem in test tap
• Locking of Fasteners
Transformer Bushing Failures
Failure Mechanism
Electric & Dielectric
• Condenser Core Cracking and delamination
• Bottom shield Electrode Problem
• Bushings with printing with conducting ink instead of aluminium foils
• Test Tap opening
• VFT from VCB &GIS
Chemical and Environmental
• Poor Sealing
• Moisture ingress
• Moisture from inside
• Corrosive sulphur and copper mobility (OIP)
• Damage from animals and Rodents
• Pollutant (dust, sand,cement )
Transformer Bushing Failures
Diagnostic Monitoring- Periodic and On-line
Periodic On Line
Visual Visual
Capacitance Capacitance
Tan delta/PF Tan delta/PF
DGA DGA
Transformer Bushing Failures
High Current Bushings
Transformer Bushing Failures
• Derating for high ambient air temperature isolated phase bus duct
• Provide viton ( high temperature resistant than nitrile rubber) oil seal if
over heating of bushing fixing pad is suspected
Slide 28
Transformer Bushing Failures
Air Filled Cable Box - Typical designs
Failure of Cable Pot VHF transients from GIS Avoid cable box; use oil
Head ; Fire &VCB ; Ferro- to air bushing + outdoor
resonance from cable cable pot head +LA in
end between
• Provide oil filled bottom metallic cap for bottom tail of RIS &RIP bushings (to avoid moisture entry) .
;if possible with oil sight window and a silica gel breather.
• Take precaution to avoid damage of silicone envelop of RIP Bushings by rodents, monkeys etc
• How to dry RIP Bushings ? – in vertical position at 70-80 C air drying