LumaSense survey: Utilities increasingly sophisticated in transformer monitoring despite limited options

A recently completed survey suggests the electrical power industry is becoming more sophisticated at monitoring the performance of transformers, but still lacks cost effective alternatives to allow for a wide scale deployment of this monitoring. The targeted survey—conducted from March to June by LumaSense Technologies—polled power-industry professionals from around the world. Among the survey insights: DGA (dissolved-gas analysis) is becoming a preferred and vital part of utilities' asset management strategies as many of them seek to protect and extend the lives of their aging transformer fleets. Nearly 95 percent of respondents said online DGA is important to their monitoring programs. Utilities and transformer makers are transitioning to technology that measures increased types of gases, which indicates the industry is taking steps toward more-sophisticated monitoring philosophies. For instance, most respondents—nearly 70%—said they are driving toward multiple-gas analysis of DGA measuring three to nine gases, as opposed to hydrogen only or a TCG (total combustible-gas) reading. Hydrogen and acetylene were selected as the two most-important gases when reviewing DGA results for transformer main tanks. Utilities still lack cost-effective alternatives to monitor the performance of their transformer fleets: Most respondents indicated that at least 75% of transformers in their fleets are not supported by online DGA monitoring, and 65% of respondents said they sample transformer oil for lab analysis—one of the more-traditional methods for transformer monitoring—only once or twice a year. Price, onsite service and support, and technology used are the three most important factors when considering which online DGA technology to use. "Many things can go wrong in a year, which reinforces why more utilities are looking for online monitoring versus their typical annual lab analysis," Brett Sargent, LumaSense Vice President and General Manager, said in response to the data regarding oil sampling practices. "Transformers are becoming more stressed and are driven harder today. When you combine that with the fact that many transformers are more than 35 years old, it's plain to see why it's so critical to install more online monitoring systems." LumaSense conducted the survey in support of the introduction of its SmartDGA line of online DGA products for transformers and LTCs (load-tap changers) earlier this year. Survey respondents confirmed that they considered transformer DGA, winding hot spot, and LTC DGA the three most important elements to monitor on transformers. All three elements can be measured using LumaSense Technologies instruments. Designed to help electric utilities augment condition-based maintenance for transformer and LTC fleets, the SmartDGA line includes three instruments: SmartDGA Gauge, SmartDGA Guard, and SmartDGA Guide. The Gauge monitors dissolved gas within transformer LTCs. The Guard and Guide provide online DGA monitoring of transformers. The entire line uses industry proven NDIR (non-dispersive infrared) technology to track gases. SmartDGA also represents the power industry's lowest total cost of ownership with up to 80% reductions, which allows utilities to reduce their asset monitoring budgets and capital expenditures while achieving widespread deployment across their transformer fleets—something that was previously unattainable. LumaSense Technologies