Online distribution service transformer health assessment using real-time grid energy monitor

This paper presents an online method of monitoring the health of distribution service transformers using data from a real-time data acquisition and analysis system located at the transformer. The results can be provided to utility operators in near real-time, enabling them to assess the status of the distribution transformer and take actions to avoid or mitigate costly transformer failures and service outages. After thorough review of potential non-invasive monitoring techniques, top oil temperature, vibration, transformer loading, and power factor were chosen as monitored parameters, and the overall health index is determined using fuzzy logic. A case study is implemented on a specific distribution transformer to show the advantages of the proposed method.