1958 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON DIELECTRICS AND ELECTRICAL INSULATION, VOL. 29, NO.

5, OCTOBER 2022

Experimental Study of Sealed Tube Accelerated

Aging Test Parameters and Determination of the
Thermal Class of Transformerboard
Aleksandr Levin , Senior Member, IEEE, Kevin M. Biggie , Senior Member, IEEE, Lars Dreier,
Bradley A. Greaves , Member, IEEE, Thomas A. Prevost, Senior Member, IEEE,
and Daniel J. Tschudi , Member, IEEE

1 Abstract — The latest 2011 edition of the IEEE expected thermal, electrical, and mechanical stresses. The 33
2 C57.100 standard introduced a new sealed tube accelerated insulation system in this case is a combination of solid insula- 34
3 aging test (STAAT) procedure and methodology for tion materials and an insulating liquid. The components of the 35
4 evaluating the thermal index (TI) of liquid-immersed
5 transformer insulation systems. The application of insulation system interact with each other, and therefore, qual- 36

6 this standard becomes increasingly important, as new ification of its thermal performance can only be done based 37

7 insulating materials (both solid and liquid) have been on testing where all components are properly represented. The 38
8 developed, and their thermal performance shall be IEEE C57.100 [1] provides guidance on the thermal evaluation 39
9 qualified. The experimental work presented in this article of insulation systems of liquid-immersed transformers. Among 40
10 investigated the effects of different test parameters on
11 the aging test results and data interpretation. The new several methods described in this standard, the sealed tube 41

12 findings on the dependence of the aging process on the accelerated aging test (STAAT) is the most economically 42

13 ratio and type of materials in the system, as well as on the and technically feasible and is the predominant method used 43
14 selected aging criteria provide a better understanding of by testing facilities today. The application of this standard 44
15 the accelerated aging and interpretation of the data along becomes increasingly important, as new insulation materials 45
16 with practical recommendations for the improvement of
17 the test procedure. In parallel, for the first time, the TI of (both solid and liquid) have been developed, and their thermal 46

18 the Transformerboard, as a component of the so-called performance shall be qualified. 47

19 industry-proven insulation system, was investigated The latest 2011 edition of this standard defines the thermal 48
20 and defined based on the standard industry test. The index (TI) of a “new” candidate (insulation) system (CS) 49
21 results confirmed that the Transformerboard’s thermal based on a comparison to the so-called industry-proven system
class is, at least, 120 ◦ C; this validates an empirically
50
22
23 based application of this material as a part of the 120 ◦ C (IPS). The IPS is described as a system, including thermally 51

24 class insulation system in both power and distribution upgraded (TU) kraft paper, cellulose pressboard, and mineral 52

25 transformers. oil. The test method is based on testing and comparing the 53

26 Index Terms — End-of-life criteria, IEEE C57.100, insula- insulating papers of those systems (CS and IPS). Several 54

27 tion system, mineral oil, sealed tube accelerated aging test specific parameters of the STAAT procedure were introduced 55

28 (STAAT), thermal index (TI), transformer, Transformerboard. in the latest version of the IEEE C57.100-2011 for the first 56

time as follows. 57

1) A defined ratio of test materials—the standard intro- 58

29 I. I NTRODUCTION
duced two different ratios: distribution transformer mate- 59
30

31

32
T HE reliability of liquid-immersed transformers during
long-term operation depends, to a great extent, on using
a transformer insulation system capable of enduring the
rial ratio (DTMR) and power transformer material ratio
(PTMR). Specifically, the “liquid-to-solid insulation”
ratio in the DTMR is 16.3:1, and in the PTMR is
60

61

62

8.8:1 (by volume). In addition, the standard requires the 63

Manuscript received 13 April 2022; revised 7 June 2022; accepted
2 July 2022. Date of publication 7 July 2022; date of current version following “pressboard-to-paper” ratios: DTMR = 1:10 64

28 September 2022. (Corresponding author: Aleksandr Levin.) and PTMR = 2.6:1. 65

Aleksandr Levin, Kevin M. Biggie, Bradley A. Greaves, and 2) Specific materials to be used for the DTMR test and the 66
Thomas A. Prevost are with Weidmann Electrical Technology,
Inc., St. Johnsbury, VT 05819 USA (e-mail: aleksandr.levin@ PTMR test are as follows: 67

weidmann-group.com; kevin.biggie@weidmann-group.com; brad. a) DTMR—(0.13–0.38 mm) TU layer insulation 68

greaves@weidmann-group.com; tom.prevost@weidmann-group.com). paper and (1.0–3.0 mm) low-density pressboard; 69
Lars Dreier and Daniel J. Tschudi are with Weidmann Electrical
Technology AG, CH-8640 Rapperswil, Switzerland (e-mail: b) PTMR—(0.05–0.1 mm) TU conductor insulation 70

lars.dreier@weidmann-group.com; daniel.tschudi@weidmann-group. paper and (2.0–8.0 mm) high-density pressboard. 71

com). 3) Material tensile strength (TS), TS retention (TSR), 72
Color versions of one or more figures in this article are available at
https://doi.org/10.1109/TDEI.2022.3189324. or degree of polymerization (DPv ) are common “end- 73

Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/TDEI.2022.3189324 of-life” criteria used in such aging tests. The “end-of- 74

1070-9878 © 2022 IEEE. Personal use is permitted, but republication/redistribution requires IEEE permission.
See https://www.ieee.org/publications/rights/index.html for more information.
 LEVIN et al.: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF STAAT PARAMETERS AND DETERMINATION OF THE THERMAL CLASS OF TRANSFORMERBOARD 1959

Fig. 1. DP and TS as a function of time for HD TB with uninhibited oil at

135 ◦ C [2]: dashed line—DP and solid line—σz (TS). Four test conditions:
control “dry” system; 20 and 50 g of water added to the test vessel; Fig. 2. DP as a function of time [2]: dashed line—LD TB and solid
line—HD TB.
5 Å—“dry” vessel filled with 1-kg molecular sieve.

75 life” criteria of the IPS are approximated to 180 000 h

76 of transformer operation (20.5 years of transformer life)
77 and are used to determine the TI of the new tested CS.
78 To date, there is limited information available on how the
79 specific test parameters and selected test criteria described
80 earlier affect the test results and, respectively, the TI of the
81 materials based on those test results. The experimental work
82 presented in this article examined the effects of different
83 test parameters and variables on aging test results and data
84 interpretation contributing to a better understanding of accel-
85 erated aging and interpretation of the data, as well as to an
86 improvement of the test procedure.
87 Also, investigated in this experimental work were the TI
88 and the resulting thermal class of Weidmann high-density and
89 low-density Transformerboard (HD TB and LD TB). These Fig. 3. TSR or normalized TS (σ/σ0 ) as a function of time [2]: dashed
90 TB grades have been used extensively and successfully in line—LD TB and solid line—HD TB.
91 liquid-immersed distribution and power transformers for many
92 decades and are considered the most reliable and cost effective degree of cross linking, i.e., less “free” fiber surface, 114
93 board material options. Based on long-term experience, the which improves mechanical stability during thermal 115
94 industry has conclusively proven that HD TB and LD TB work degradation. 116
95 reliably in transformers with an average winding temperature Aging experiments with HD TB in different liquids are 117
96 rise of 65 ◦ C, which corresponds to a 110 ◦ C winding hot spot presented in [3]. This study also indicates a faster rate of 118
97 temperature and a thermal class of 120 ◦ C. change of DPv compared with the rate of change of TS for all 119
98 However, there is no published information available on analyzed liquids and at all test temperatures. 120
99 the determination of a specific TI of the Transformerboard.
100 The most extensive TB aging study to date was conducted by
101 Weidmann and described in [2]. Several conclusions, given in II. T EST S ETUP AND P ROCEDURE 121

102 the following, are of interest to this work. The test procedure in this study follows the methodology 122

103 1) The rate of change (rate of reduction) of TB DPv during of the STAAT as per the IEEE C57.100-2011. 123

104 aging tests is faster than the rate of change of TS

105 (Fig. 1).
106 2) The rate of change of DPv is similar for both LD TB A. Test Vessel 124

107 and HD TB (Fig. 2). It needs to be noticed that in [2], The test vessel was a round stainless steel cylinder (tube) 125

108 the DP was measured following Swiss standard SNV with a diameter of ≈100 mm, a height of ≈210 mm, and a 126

109 195 598 which, usually, yields higher values compared volume of about 2 liter. A high temperature gasket (Viton) is 127

110 with the IEC method. installed between the cover and the tank to seal the vessel. 128

111 3) The rate of change of TSR is slower for HD TB To limit excessive pressure inside the vessel during the test, 129

112 compared with LD TB (Fig. 3). It was suggested the vessel is equipped with a pressure relief device set for 130

113 that the higher density of HD TB leads to a higher 68.9 kPa (10 psi, Fig. 4). 131
 1960 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON DIELECTRICS AND ELECTRICAL INSULATION, VOL. 29, NO. 5, OCTOBER 2022

TABLE I
DTMR AGING T EST T EMPERATURE /T IME M ATRIX

TABLE II
PMTR AGING T EST T EMPERATURE /T IME M ATRIX

the dry-out process, the materials were placed in the test 155

Fig. 4. Test vessel for the STAAT. vessels and impregnated with insulating liquid as per ASTM 156

D2413 [4] using a vacuum chamber. After impregnation, the 157

vacuum was released using dry nitrogen, and the vessel covers 158

were installed. Immediately afterward, the vessels were placed 159

in pre-heated aging ovens set to the respective aging test 160

temperatures. 161

D. Test Criteria 162

The following material characteristics were tested and used 163

as evaluation criteria. 164

1) Machine direction TS of paper and board per ISO 165

1924-2 [5]. Machine direction TSR was determined 166

based on the machine direction TS values. 167

2) Viscometric DP (DPv ) of materials per IEC 60450 [6]. 168

III. T EST P ROGRAM 169

Fig. 5. Set of test materials. The studies of the following six insulating systems were 170

performed to collect data to analyze the different parameters 171

132 B. System of Materials of the STAAT procedure and to determine the TI of TB: 172

133 The system of materials used in the aging test represents 1) “standard” DTMR test with Hi-Val and TUK; 173

134 the combination of materials used in liquid-immersed trans- 2) “standard” PTMR test with T4 and TUK; 174

135 formers, including insulating paper, TB, insulating liquid, and 3) DTMR test with Hi-Val and non-TU paper LDK; 175

136 pieces of bare copper and transformer core steel (Fig. 5). 4) PTMR test with T4 and non-TU paper LDK; 176

137 New de-gassed Univolt N-61B (ASTM D3487 Type II) 5) DTMR test with T4 and TUK; 177

138 inhibited transformer mineral oil was used in all tests. 6) PTMR test with Hi-Val and TUK. 178

In the “standard” DTMR test: insulation materials are 179

139 The following solid insulation materials were used in differ-
Hi-Val 1 mm and TUK 0.125 mm; the test temperature/time 180
140 ent combinations depending on the scope of the investigation:
141 1) Weidmann TU kraft (TUK) paper of 0.125 and matrix is in Table I. 181

142 0.076 mm thickness (similar to IEC 60641-3-2 P4.1A); In the “standard” PTMR test: insulation materials are T4 182

143 2) Weidmann non-TU kraft (LDK) paper of 0.125 and 2 mm and TUK 0.075 mm; the test temperature/time matrix 183

144 0.076 mm thickness (similar to IEC 60641-3-2 P4.1A); is in Table II. 184

145 3) Weidmann cellulose HD TB “T4” of 2 mm thickness IV. T EST R ESULTS , I NTERPRETATION , AND 185
146 (IEC 60641-3-1 B.3.1A); S UGGESTIONS TO I MPROVE THE STAAT 186
147 4) Weidmann cellulose LD TB “Hi-Val” of 1 mm thickness
A. “Standard” DTMR Test Versus “Standard” PTMR Test 187
148 (similar to IEC 60641-3-1 B.4.1).
149 The ratio of materials for the DTMR test and PTMR fol- Test results of TSR and DPv for TB and TUK paper in the 188

150 lowed the recommendations of Table B.1 of the IEEE C57.100. DTMR test are shown in Fig. 6. Test results of TSR and DPv 189

for TB and TUK paper in the PTMR test are shown in Fig. 7. 190

In these charts, the test results are approximated with the “best 191
151 C. Preparation of Materials and Test Vessels fit” (maximum R-squared) trend lines. The main purpose of 192

152 The solid insulation materials were dried under vacuum to this approximation is to obtaina good “trend line reliability” 193

153 less than 0.5% moisture content. The mineral oil was dried around the system “end-of-life” time at different temperatures. 194

154 under vacuum to less than 4 ppm moisture content. Following That is why the appearance of trend lines at the beginnig of 195
 LEVIN et al.: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF STAAT PARAMETERS AND DETERMINATION OF THE THERMAL CLASS OF TRANSFORMERBOARD 1961

Fig. 6. Test results of the DTMR test. (a) Hi-Val MD TSR. (b) Hi-Val DPv . (c) TUK MD TSR. (d) TUK DPv .

Fig. 7. Test results of PTMR test. (a) T4 MD TSR. (b) T4 DPv . (c) TUK MD TSR. (d) TUK DPv .

196 the test (time “0”) and at a very long time (much longer than the results of the DTMR and PTMR tests are compared 205

197 “end-of-life”) may deviate from the intuitively expected trend. separately. 206

198 Observations of TB aging versus TUK insulating paper It shall be noted that DPv is not a functional characteristic 207

199 aging are as follows. of a material per se, rather it is a correlation of DPv to a 208

200 1) TSR of TB decreases more slowly than TUK paper for functional characteristic (e.g., mechanical strength) that is of 209

201 all tested temperatures, in both the DTMR and PTMR interest in material evaluations. 210

202 tests. In the IEEE C57.100-2011, the “end-of-life” criteria are 211

203 2) DPv of TB decreases faster than TUK paper, especially defined by obtaining values from certain tested parameters 212

204 in the initial stage of aging, which can be seen when of the TUK insulating paper in the IPS at an equivalent of 213
 1962 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON DIELECTRICS AND ELECTRICAL INSULATION, VOL. 29, NO. 5, OCTOBER 2022

TABLE III
AGING T EST T EMPERATURE /T IME M ATRIX

214 180 000 h of operation. The “new” CS materials shall reach

215 at least the same “end-of-life” test parameter value obtained
216 from the IPS to evaluate the TI of the CS. In our test, TB in
217 mineral oil was considered the “new” CS material, and the TI
218 of this material was evaluated.
219 The “end-of-life” criteria (tested parameters of the TUK
220 paper) obtained from the tests were as follows: Fig. 8. TSR of TB in systems with TU paper (DTMR1 and PTMR1) and
221 1) DTMR test—TSR = 44.2%, DPv = 256; non-TU paper (DTMR2 and PTMR2).
222 2) PTMR test—TSR = 14.6%, DPv = 146.
223 These results show that the IPS has a significantly faster rate
224 of aging in the PTMR test compared with the DTMR test. The
225 following factors are potential reasons for such difference.
226 1) Relatively more TU paper in the DTMR system com-
227 pared with the PTMR system. This higher content of TU
228 material can slow the rate of aging of all solid insulation
229 materials (including TB) in the DTMR test.
230 2) Relatively more solid insulation in the PTMR test,
231 as shown by a smaller “liquid-to-solid” ratio (8.8:1 in
232 PTMR versus 16.3:1 in DTMR). More solid insulation
233 may result in generation of more water and other aging
234 by-products, such as acids, in the process of cellulose
235 degradation. These by-products accelerate the hydrolysis Fig. 9. Comparison of TSR of the same TB materials (1-mm Hi-Val or
2-mm T4) in the DTMR versus PTMR.
236 of the cellulose and cause faster deterioration of the
237 cellulose properties. The study of moisture dynamics
238 in STAAT is important for better understanding the TU paper, as in the PTMR case. Indeed, TB aging in the 264

239 accelerated aging process in such tests and for applying DTMR system with TU paper is slowest, while TB aging in 265

240 the results for TI evaluation. A separate project to study the DTMR system with non-TU paper is fastest among the 266

241 moisture dynamics in STAAT has already been started. tested cases. 267

242 3) Higher density TB in the PTMR test ages slower com- These test data also show that the same type of material 268

243 pared with the lower density TB in the DTMR test (see could have a different aging rate depending on the system of 269

244 also data from [2] in this article). materials in which it is tested. It may also mean that the same 270

insulation material could have different TIs when in different 271

insulation systems. 272

245 B. Comparing TB Aging in Systems With TU and
246 Non-TU Paper
247 Currently, both TU and non-TU papers are used in insulation C. Effect of Material Type on Aging in the DTMR and 273

248 systems in power and distribution transformers. In North and PTMR Tests 274

249 South America (and some other countries outside of this As per [1], different types of materials (e.g., different thick- 275

250 region), the applications of TU paper, including designing nesses of insulating paper and TB, different material densities) 276

251 transformers with a maximum winding hot spot temperature are used in the DTMR and PTMR tests. To investigate whether 277

252 of 120 ◦ C at nominal transformer load, are standard practice. the type of material affects the observed faster aging rate in the 278

253 To understand potential differences in the aging of TB in PTMR test, several additional STAATs were performed using 279

254 systems with TU and non-TU paper, the following additional the same combination of material types in both the DTMR and 280

255 STAAT experiments were performed: DTMR test of an insu- PTMR. A comparison of TB test results versus the “standard” 281

256 lation system with non-TU paper (Hi-Val 1 mm TB, LDK test described earlier is shown in Fig. 9. 282

257 0.125 mm paper) and PTMR test of an insulation system with These test results demonstrate that the ratio of materials 283

258 non-TU paper (T4 2 mm TB, LDK 0.075 mm paper). The and the amount of TU paper in the system affect aging more 284

259 temperature/time matrix for these tests is shown in Table III. significantly than the type of material. Thus, any material 285

260 The 165 ◦ C results of this study are shown in Fig. 8. The could be expected to age faster in the PTMR test compared 286

261 graphs confirm that the presence of TU paper in a relatively with the DTMR test. 287

262 high proportion, as in the DTMR case, has a strong influence Evaluating the applicable material ratios of STAAT, infor- 288

263 on TB aging compared with a system with proportionally less mation on material ratios for many different power and 289
 LEVIN et al.: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF STAAT PARAMETERS AND DETERMINATION OF THE THERMAL CLASS OF TRANSFORMERBOARD 1963

TABLE IV
I NFORMATION ON THE (R ANGE /AVERAGE ) M ATERIAL R ATIOS

Fig. 11. Example of the “life curve” for LD TB.

Due to the differences in the rates of change of TB DPv and 317

TS in aging tests as described earlier, it can be expected that 318

the interpretation of aging test results for the calculation of TB 319

thermal class may provide different conclusions depending on 320

what parameter is used as a criterion for such interpretation. 321

B. Evaluation of TB TI and Thermal Class 322

The overview of published data has confirmed that so far, 323

to the best of our knowledge, there have been no standard 324

Fig. 10. Correlation between TSR and DPv retention for different grades
of TB and cellulose insulating papers (Weidmann aging test database
experimental laboratory studies to determine the specific ther- 325

and other published results). mal class of pressboard in liquids. 326

In this study, to cross-check and verify the analysis, several 327

methods were used to evaluate STAAT data to determine the 328

290 distribution transformers from [1] and [7]–[12] and some addi-
TI of TB. 329
291 tional sources (transformer manufacturers) were summarized
Method 1: It follows the IEEE C57.100-2011. The TIs of 330
292 in Table IV.
LD TB and HD TB are determined considering TB as the 331
293 Specifically, it was recognized that in power transformers,
CS (new “candidate” material) and using IPS (TUK) TSR 332
294 about 30% of insulation materials are located away from the
extrapolated to 180 000 h as the system “end-of-life” criterion 333
295 transformer windings (so-called “cold” insulation) and have
in the DTMR and PTMR tests, respectively. 334
296 less effect on the insulation aging dynamic at and around
“Candidate” material (board) is tested at three accelerated 335
297 winding hottest areas.
temperatures to determine a time at which the “end-of-life” 336
298 Averaging the collected values, for the next revision of the
criterion is achieved for each test temperature. These time- 337
299 IEEE C57.100, it is suggested to substitute the two different
temperature points are used to draw a “life curve” of the “CS” 338
300 ratios (DTMR and PTMR) with one standard ratio using a
defining the TI of this system (the temperature at 180 000 h). 339
301 “liquid-to-solid insulation” ratio of 13.1:1 by volume.
An example of one of such “life curves” (Hi-Val in DTMR 340
302 This ratio will provide a worst case scenario for the aging of
system) is shown in Fig. 11. 341
303 the distribution transformer insulation system, while also being
The accuracy of the system TI qualification depends on the 342
304 acceptable for the aging of the power transformer insulation
correct experimental determination of the slope of the linear 343
305 system. In addition to a single “liquid-to-solid” ratio, a single
function in Fig. 11. This important aspect of the STAAT test is 344
306 “TB-to-paper” ratio is also proposed. Similarly, information
discussed in more detail in [13]. As TUK paper is an industry 345
307 from the different sources varies, but, overall, one ratio of 2:1
proved and experimentally proven material (TI = 110 ◦ C), one 346
308 is proposed for the future “universal” STAAT.
more approach defining the TB TI is to evaluate the difference 347

between the TI of TUK paper and the TI of TB, which are 348

309 V. T HERMAL C LASS OF T RANSFORMERBOARD defined by either Method 2 or Method 3 as follows. 349

Method 2: The TIs of both TB and TUK are evaluated 350

310 A. Criteria of Aging of Cellulose Materials
by applying a criterion of 50% TSR at 65 000 h, which was 351

311 Based on available data, it is observed that the correlation used in the previous version of the IEEE C57.100-1999 and, 352

312 between DPv (or DPv retention) and TS (or TSR) is different generally, is recognized in the industry [14]. 353

313 for different materials. Fig. 10, which is based on the Weid- Method 3: Also, listed and recognized [14] is the criterion 354

314 mann aging test database and other published studies, shows of DPv of 200 at 150 000 h. 355

315 the range of such correlations for different grades of TB and A summary of the calculated TIs based on the STAAT 356

316 cellulose insulating papers. results of this work is shown in Table V. 357
 1964 IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON DIELECTRICS AND ELECTRICAL INSULATION, VOL. 29, NO. 5, OCTOBER 2022

TABLE V 120 ◦ C thermal class insulating systems (IEC 60076-1 and 404
C ALCULATED TI S IEC 60554-1). 405

The experimental work presented in this article has investi- 406

gated the effect of aging test parameters and variables on the 407

test results and interpretations with the following findings. 408

1) The STAATs performed in this study determined that 409

insulation materials have a higher rate of aging in the 410

PTMR test compared with the DTMR test. The DTMR 411

test utilizes relatively less solid insulation and signifi- 412

cantly more TU paper compared with the PTMR test. 413

358 Using Method 1, the TIs of LD TB and HD TB in the Because of these parameters, the cellulose has a higher 414

359 DTMR and PTMR tests, respectively, were 120 ◦ C (rounding level of so-called thermal upgrading protection during 415

360 down to the nearest multiple of ten). aging with the DTMR compared with the PTMR, which 416

361 In Method 2, the TI of TB was higher than the TI of the results in slower aging of all materials in the DTMR test. 417

362 paper (3.5 ◦ C higher in the DTMR test and 5.4 ◦ C higher 2) Experiments comparing insulation systems with TU 418

363 in the PTMR test). The absolute values of TIs in the PTMR paper versus systems with non-TU paper confirm that the 419

364 test were lower than in the DTMR test, which was expected presence of TU paper in the system indeed slows down 420

365 considering the observed faster rate of aging of both TB and the aging of the pressboard in the system. As a result, 421

366 paper in the PTMR test as discussed earlier. When rounding these findings suggest that material may have different 422

367 down the TB TI, we have TI = 120 ◦ C for the DTMR and TIs depending on the specific insulation system (e.g., 423

368 TI = 110 ◦ C for the PTMR. specific liquid, companion materials, and so on) and the 424

369 Using Method 3 (based on DPv evaluation), the TIs of specific material ratios in which it is tested. In addition, 425

370 TB and paper were close to each other in the DTMR test the selection of the aging criterion (TS or DPv ) affects 426

371 (1.3 ◦ C higher TI of paper in this case), and the TB TI was 8 ◦ C the results. These parameters as well as the effects of 427

372 higher than the TI of paper in the PTMR test. When rounding moisture dynamics on the aging of different insulation 428

373 down the TB TI using this method, we have TI = 110 ◦ C for systems in STAATs shall be investigated in more detail, 429

374 both the DTMR and the PTMR. and the authors have initiated a separate research project 430

375 In summary, the TI of LD and HD TB was higher than to study these phenomena. 431

376 the TI of TU paper using both ratios (DTMR and PTMR) 3) The STAAT studies in this work highlight the important 432

377 and using any of the three evaluation methods (except for the parameters and challenges of using the current 2011 ver- 433

378 DTMR test using Method 3, where the values were very close sion of the IEEE C57.100 aging test method and have 434

379 to each other). The performed STAATs confirmed that the LD assisted in developing the recommendations for future 435

380 TB and HD TB in the insulation system with TU paper and improvements to the test procedure such as criteria for 436

381 mineral oil have at least the same TI as TU paper, i.e., the TI the acceptable quality of the data trends and proposal to 437

382 of TB = 110 ◦ C. substitute DTMR and PTMR tests with one “universal” 438

383 Finally, as the thermal class of an insulation system is insulation system thermal qualification test. 439

384 determined from the qualified TI and is defined as 10 ◦ C higher

385 than the TI, these STAAT results confirm that the thermal class ACKNOWLEDGMENT 440
386 of LD and HD TB in the insulation system with TU paper and
387 mineral oil equals 120 ◦ C (at least). The authors would like to thank the Weidmann Research and 441

Development Laboratory Personnel, St. Johnsbury, VT, USA, 442

specifically Dan Monfette, Dan Harvey, and Art Cheney, for 443
388 VI. C ONCLUSION their significant contribution to the preparation and execution 444

389 For the first time in the industry, accelerated aging exper- of the aging tests described in this work. 445

390 iments in this work (performed in accordance with the IEEE

391 C57.100 standard) confirmed that the LD and HD Weidmann R EFERENCES 446

392 Transformerboard in the insulation system with TU paper

[1] IEEE Standard Test Procedure for Thermal Evaluation of Liq- 447
393 and mineral oil have at least the same TI as TU paper, i.e., uid Immersed Distribution and Power Transformers, IEEE Standard 448
394 TI = 110 ◦ C and, therefore, a thermal class of 120 ◦ C. This C57.100, 2011. 449

395 qualification along with the transformer lifetime diagnostics [2] H. P. Moser and V. Dahinden, Transformerbook II, 2nd ed. Graz, Austria, 450
1999. 451
396 and monitoring (including new developments in this area as [3] H. P. Gasser, C. Krause, M. Lashbrook, and R. Martin, “Aging of 452
397 described, for example, in [15] and [16]) provides a foundation pressboard in different insulation liquids,” in Proc. IEEE 17th Int. Conf. 453

398 for the reliable transformer design and operation. Dielectric Liquids (ICDL), Trondheim, Norway, Jun. 2011, pp. 26–30. 454
[4] Standard Practice for Preparation of Insulating Paper and Board 455
399 This contribution additionally supports the application of Impregnated With a Liquid Dielectric, Standard ASTM D2413, 2016. 456
400 Transformerboard in insulation systems of 120 ◦ C thermal [5] Paper and Board—Determination of Tensile Properties—Part 2: Con- 457

401 class both in power and distribution transformers. The results stant Rate of Elongation (20 mm/min), Standard ISO 1924-2, 2008. 458
[6] Measurement of the Average Viscometric Degree of Polymeriza- 459
402 of this work can also contribute to the current revisions of tion of New and Aged Cellulosic Electrical Insulating Material, 460
403 several IEC transformer and material standards introducing document IEC 60450, 2004. 461
 LEVIN et al.: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF STAAT PARAMETERS AND DETERMINATION OF THE THERMAL CLASS OF TRANSFORMERBOARD 1965

462 [7] Electrical Insulation System (EIS)—Thermal Evaluation of Com- Lars Dreier received the B.S. degree in 518
463 bined Liquid and Solid Components—Part 1: General Requirements, chemistry from the University of Applied Sci- 519
464 document IEC 62332-1, 2011. ences, Winterthur, Switzerland, in 1997. 520
465 [8] Electrical Insulation System (EIS)—Thermal Evaluation of Combined After working for a few years in the field of 521
466 Liquid and Solid Components—Part 2: Simplified Test, document IEC organic synthesis, he joined a Research Group, 522
467 62332-2, 2014. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zürich, 523
468 [9] Magnet Wire, ANSI/NEMA Standard MW-1000, 2018. Switzerland, where he was involved in the deter- 524
469 [10] J. Jalbert, C. Rajotte, M.-C. Lessard, and M. Rodriguez-Celis, “Methanol mination of protein structures in solution by 525
470 in oil interpretation model based on transformer post-mortem paper nuclear magnetic resonance. He is currently 526
471 analysis,” IEEE Trans. Dielectr., Electr. Insul., vol. 25, no. 2, the Head of the Research and Development 527
472 pp. 568–573, Apr. 2018. Laboratory, Weidmann Electrical Technology 528
473 [11] W. J. McNutt et al., “The thermal life evaluation of high temperature AG, Rapperswil, Switzerland, where he is involved in the research and 529
474 systems and hybrid insulation system in mineral oil,” IEEE Trans. Power development of cellulosic insulation materials. 530
475 Del., vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 1391–1399, Jul. 1999. Mr. Dreier is a member of several IEC and CIGRE working groups. 531
476 [12] T. V. Oommen, “Moisture equilibrium curves for transformer insulation
477 condition assessment,” in Proc. TechCon Asia–Pacific, Sydney, NSW,
478 Australia, 2004, pp. 83–94.
479 [13] B. Greaves, T. Prevost, E. Casserly, J. Acosta, and A. Holden, “Influence
480 of slope on thermal index calculations during accelerated aging test,” in Bradley A. Greaves (Member, IEEE) received 532

481 Proc. IEEE Elect. Insul. Conf. (EIC), Jun. 2021, pp. 102–106. the B.S. degree in electrical engineering and the 533

482 [14] IEEE Guide for Loading Mineral Oil-Immersed Transformers and Step- MBA degree from Norwich University, Northfield, 534

483 Voltage Regulators, IEEE Standard C57.91, 2011. VT, USA, in 2011 and 2016, respectively. 535

484 [15] H. Arroyo, I. Fofana, J. Jalbert, and M. Ryadi, “Relationship between He was with Weidmann Electrical Technology, 536

485 methanol marker and mechanical performance of electrical insulation Inc., St. Johnsbury, VT, USA, for ten years, where 537

486 papers for power transformers under accelerated thermal aging,” IEEE he is currently the Laboratory Services Manager. 538

487 Trans. Dielectr., Electr. Insul., vol. 22, no. 6, pp. 3625–3632, Dec. 2015. Mr. Greaves is an active member of the ASTM 539

488 [16] S. Ward et al., “Toward a precise interpretation of oil transformers Committee D09 on electrical and electronic insu- 540

489 via novel combined techniques based on DGA and partial discharge lating materials. 541

490 sensors,” Sensors, vol. 21, no. 6, p. 2223, Mar. 2021.

Thomas A. Prevost (Senior Member, IEEE) 542

491 Aleksandr Levin (Senior Member, IEEE) received the B.S. degree in electrical engineer- 543
492 received the M.S. degree in electrical ing from Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA, 544
493 engineering from Ural Federal University, in 1983. 545
494 Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 1978, and the post- He was with Weidmann Electrical Technology, 546
495 graduate degree in electrical engineering from Inc., St. Johnsbury, VT, USA, for 29 years, where 547
496 the Russia’s Electrotechnical Institute, Moscow, he is currently the Vice President of technology 548
497 Russia, in 1988. and innovation. He has written many technical 549
498 He was with JSC Uralelectro, Yekaterinburg, papers on the subject of electrical insulation 550
499 Russia, for 20 years. He is currently a Principal materials, transformer diagnostics, and condition 551
500 Engineer with Weidmann Electrical Technology, monitoring. 552
501 Inc., St. Johnsbury, VT, USA. He has written Mr. Prevost is a member of the U.S. National Committee of CIGRE. 553
502 several technical papers and holds two patents. He was the Chairperson of the IEEE PES Transformers Committee 554
503 Mr. Levin is active in the IEEE PES Transformer Committee. from 2008 to 2009. He is still an active member currently chairing 555
three working groups. He is also active in the ASTM committee D27 on 556
insulating fluids. 557

504 Kevin M. Biggie (Senior Member, IEEE)

505 received the B.S. degree in materials science
506 and engineering from Carnegie Mellon Univer- Daniel J. Tschudi (Member, IEEE) received the 558
507 sity, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, in 1993, and the M.S. Diploma degree in electrical engineering from 559
508 degree in management from Troy State Univer- the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne 560
509 sity, Troy, AL, USA, in 1996. (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1987, the 561
510 He is currently the Innovation Manager M.S. degree from Ecole Polytechnique, Montreal, 562
511 with Weidmann Electrical Technology, Inc., QC, Canada, in 1988, and the Ph.D. degree from 563
512 St. Johnsbury, VT, USA, where he is involved in EPFL in 1993. 564
513 the development of transformer insulation mate- He was an Engineer with ABB, Geneva, 565
514 rials, components, and systems. Switzerland. He has been with Weidmann Elec- 566
515 Mr. Biggie is a Senior Member of the IEEE Power and Energy Society trical Technology AG, Rapperswil, Switzerland, 567
516 (PES) and the IEEE Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation Society. He is for 28 years, where he has been involved in 568
517 an active member of the IEEE PES Transformers Committee. various technical and management functions. 569