Transformer Assignment: Engineering Research Practice

Question

Task: What type of automation methods should be implemented for accurate testing and condition monitoring of transformers which can also eliminate human intervention in cold regions?

Background and Problem Description
In this section, you need to give clear and brief explanations on:

1) Background of the research
2) The problem you want to solve
2) The motivation to do this research, the significance of this work
3) Describe the subproblems

Scope of research
Describe the focus of the research. What is included and not included in this work? You might need to provide quantitative targets to describe the scope of your research.

Expected Outcomes
To describe the expected outcome, you must clearly describe what the research plans to achieve after its completion, for example a design, a model or a feasibility study.

Literature Review
Describe the important work related to your research. Briefly explain how other people have solved this problem or similar problems. Compare and contrast them. Moreover, describe the difference of your work to the existing literature (research gap). In other words, justify your research using literature. 

Research Plan
A research plan should contain two basic components:

1. Clear description of how you are going to conduct the research step-by-step. You need to define key tasksof your research which might cover analysing current product/system/process, initiate data collection, identifying suitable solutions, final solution selection, design, and/or testing.

1. Clear timeframe for each task of your research. A Gantt chart or a table should be used to clearly show the timeframe.

Methodology
According to the nature of your research and research plan, you may elaborate the following tasks so the reader can clearly understand how you can achieve your research aim. The aim of this section is to describe techniques or methods you will use to resolve the problem. Some of the following tasks might not be related to your problem. So only describe the related ones.

1) Solutions: Describe the process of identifying a solution or solutions for this problem, which might be through design/redesign, experiment, survey, etc. Describe the activities and methods that you need to use and their logical sequence.

2) Analysis: Explain the criteria to analyse different aspects of a problem or compare different solutions before implementation (e.g., decision matrices). How each criterion is measured/evaluated?

3) Validation: You should describe what actions to take to assess its effectiveness and validate the proposed solution after implementation. You must explain:

1. What testing need to be done.
2. How the testing will be conducted.

Resources
The resources required for the work can be related to:

- Personnel
- Facilities,
- Equipment,
- Test subjects,
- Costing (It may not be applicable to your specific research)

Answer

Introduction
In the context of the given report on transformer assignment, the researcher will describe the kind of automation techniques which are needed to be implemented for testing as well as monitoring of transformers. These kinds of automation techniques can also able to eradicate the interventions of humans in cold areas. To execute the research work, the researcher will outline the significant scope of the study, expected outcomes, and support the context with valid literature. A research plan will also be included in the given report, which will clearly define how the research work is going to execute. The research plan will also include the analysis of systems, products, processes, collection of significant data, and solutions to the identified problems. A Gantt chart will be attached within the given report on transformer assignment to reveal the work timelines. The research paper on transformer assignment will also be supported by a suitable research methodology, followed by validation of the implemented solutions.

The monitoring of conditions of transformers is the method of processing and acquisition of information related to different parameters of transformers so that it can able to prevent and predict the cause of transformer failure. The process is done significantly by observing the deflection of parameters of transformers from their expected amounts. Besides, it is a fact that transformers are the most important asset of electric distribution as well as electric transmission system. The failure of the transformer can cause environmental as well as personal hazards, power outages, and the purchase of energy from other electricity suppliers. Therefore, these crucial assets should be monitored and controlled carefully by the engineers, otherwise, the nation can suffer from electricity outages. Furthermore, the failure of a transformer can occur for a variety of reasons. The interruption of service and power outages usually result from short-circuiting in transformer windings, dielectric breakdown, magnetic and winding circuit hot spot, deterioration of insulation, disturbances of electricity, a loose connection of coils, inadequate maintenance, and overloading. Therefore, integrating the monitoring of individual cause allows for checking the conditions of transformers.

What are the research questions outlined in the context of transformer assignment?

1. What are the causes of transformer failure?
2. What kind of automation technology should be implemented to test the working of transformers?
3. How will those automation techniques able to eradicate the intervention of humans in cold areas?

Background and Problem Description
In this research paper on transformer assignment, the calculation methods of cumulative life consumption and monitoring of hot spot temperature for the transformer will be presented. The techniques or methods can be used for maintaining then transformers as well. The automation methods are based on some calculations, and it is carried out by using the data of temperature and load provided by various metering gadgets. Nowadays, utilization of network endeavors to optimize the overall costs of the life cycle of their network segments. This might be executed by adjusting the ratings of high power utilities and by planning the process of maintenance carefully, which may further increase the reliability. This could also reduce the overall costs caused by the segments and increase the service time of the equipment. However, if those utilities do have enormous data on the components of the network and a significant plan of maintenance, then these components can sometimes fail to work because of replaced actions and wrongly maintenance of schedule. 

In the case of the condition monitoring of transformers, the research carried on the transformer assignment mentions that the types of distributive transformers can be a major problem. The price of effective condition monitoring is very high as compared to the actual cost of distribution transformers. It is due to the reason that the researcher is accumulating deep interest in conducting this research work, as no one has ever done this research before. It mainly motives the researcher to solve the problems of transformers' maintenance so that it can operate effectively, and provide flawless energy to the customers. Besides, due to the scarcity of marginal measuring methods, the amount of utilization of distributive transformers and its temperature is seldom known. It is due to the reason that the monitoring of transformers is based on traditional regular inspections and temporary monitoring its temperature readings and maximum load capacity. The accumulated information from this is inadequate to calculate the aging and condition of a transformer. As per the findings obtained in the transformer assignment, if the obtained values are too high, then the distributive transformer should be replaced with larger ones. Also, it is very difficult to replace an aged transformer with a new distributive transformer because of its latest features.

As a result, the condition monitoring of transformers is a very difficult job and some better automation techniques are required. In the upcoming days, the measurement from the transformers will eventually increase if the interest for power quality increases. Taking this view into consideration, utilizing measurement information for the transformers and other purposes of condition monitoring can offer the utilities of the network some cost-effective ways for condition monitoring.

Scope of the Research
It is the ultimate aim of the research work explored in the transformer assignment to suggest a suitable method of automation so that the process of condition monitoring and testing of the transformer should be carried out effectively. If a transformer is tested carefully by a suitable automation process, then it can also eradicate the interventions of humans in cold areas. Besides, a suggested automation method is the calculation methods of cumulative life consumption and monitoring of hot spot temperature for transformers. Every distributed transformer might be subjected to high risk if any current will go beyond its value due to technical faults. As a result, the primary and secondary windings of a transformer may be burnt due to the overloading of the current. The process of mutual induction cannot be taken place further, and the transformer cannot able to provide suitable energy to the customers. Therefore, it is very much essential to maintain and control transformers every day. The condition monitoring and testing of transformers should be carried out by technical operators, other some other problems may have arrived. The automation methods utilized in the transformer assignment are based on some calculations, and it is carried out by using the data of temperature and load provided by various metering gadgets.

Expected Outcomes
The main hypothesis for this study examined in the transformer assignment is that the condition monitoring of power transformers can be achieved at a better level with the utilization of necessary equipment. The system of condition monitoring is mainly designed for the environments of power plants so that the monitoring systems are utilized for the step-up transformers. The results evolved from the system should be used to detect the major faults. Therefore, essential requirements should be needed for effective condition monitoring of transformers. 

Literature Review
The life of a transformer can be determined by the chemical process, which can deteriorate the overall insulation. The age of insulation can also be determined by calculating the hot spot temperature. The most reliable value for the hot spot temperature is approximately around 98 degrees Celsius (Harrison, Vera and Ahmad, 2016). If this temperature rises beyond its value, then it is very much essential to disconnect the transformer from the supply because some harmful gas bubbles can be developed from the insulation liquid.

The basic faults of a transformer can be grouped as contact erosion, mechanical erosion, overheating and contact coking. According to the research used to develop this transformer assignment, to reduce some amount of internal faults such as risks of explosions and fire, different kinds of protective and standard devices have been installed inside a transformer. Besides, various parameters can also affect the life of a power transformer (Korelc and Wriggers, 2016). These parameters are temperature, gas, oil, and overload. The formation of various gases can take place inside a transformer. These gases can be ranged from Oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, Carbon Oxides, and ending to Hydrocarbons like methane, ethane, and Acetylene. Thus, the formation of toxic gases inside a transformer is a hazardous problem. These gases are formed due to overheating of insulation, decomposition of oil, arcing, corona and so on (Honarpardaz et al., 2017). All these changes inside a transformer can be sensed by a gas sensor, and the information is being sent to the processor, where it switches on the exhaust fan. In the case of large distributive transformers, the main problem is the removal of high temperatures. Under any circumstances, if the temperature rises above the basic level, then it can affect the working condition of the transformer. The rise in temperature is indicated by the processor and sent the information to the receiver (Maceiczyk, Lignos and Andrew, 2015). The receiver then controls the overall process by turning on the cooling fan.

When the transformer gets overload, it will automatically shut down. If the unit of processor detects the condition of overload from the voltage divider, then it will send the information automatically to the receiver (Dahl et al., 2016). The transformer then shares the load with another transformer by indicating an alarm. Besides, the oil of a transformer acts as a coolant, insulator, and lubricant for the windings. For checking the transformer oil, a resistivity test for conductivity check should be performed. In this process, two electrodes have been used. The resistivity between the two electrodes is inversely proportional to the thickness of the transformer oil (Aghili and Hajian-Hoseinabadi, 2017). The amount of high resistance shows the level of free ions as well as conductive contaminants. If the flow of current is being detected by the processor, then it will send the data to the user automatically by the process of wireless communication. The analysis performed in this report on transformer assignment signifies that the credible sources are utilized well to prepare the study.

Above all, these problems have been solved by other people by developing a gas sensor that detects the exhalation of gases. This sensor can detect various gases by changing the value of resistance of all gases (Grane, 2018). Therefore, every other developed gas sensor can detect gas by altering the resistance of overall gases. However, certain industries cannot able to detect the exhalation of gases because they have possessed no knowledge in developing gas sensors. Ultimately, these industries failed to improve the efficiency of a transformer.

With the help of automatic gas sensors, the problem of gas exhalation can be wiped out easily. The automatic turn-on of the cooling fan enables the transformer to operate smoothly (Zhmud et al., 2017). As a result, the transformers cooled automatically, and are fully safeguarded from overheating. Thus, the condition monitoring of transformers is a very difficult job and these kinds of automation techniques are required. In the upcoming days, the measurement from the transformers will eventually increase if the interest for power quality increases.

Research Plan for the context of transformer assignment
The research work will be conducted by the researcher by analyzing the current organizational power systems, its overall systematic process and checking its overall functions. The researcher first going to test the functionality of transformers. If any errors have been found, then it must be mitigated by the researcher by using some systematic technical equipment. The problem of power faults is very common in every transformer system. Although these problems are not as much as expected, the mitigation of these technical faults is very much essential. Otherwise, the transformer will lose its durability in the upcoming days. Hence, after identifying the current technical faults of the transformer, the next research plan is to analyze those faults. The fault identification phase can go up to 4 days, while the fault analyzation phase may go up to 7 days. After analyzing the power transformers and their technical faults, the next plan is to collect valuable data so that a solution of correcting these faults can be considered. The researcher who is responsible to conduct this transformer assignment will collect the data by conducting a deep survey from different electrical and power institutions, where several employees have been interviewed and questioned by the researcher. However, the process of data collection is too long, and it may take up to 12-13 days. When the process of data collection successfully finished, then the next plan is to identify a suitable solution from the set of alternatives. It is very much essential for the researcher to finally choose a desired solution or automation process so that the condition monitoring of transformers can take place easily without the interventions of humans. This automation system can easily able to eradicate the problem automatically, without involving technical operators and engineers. The process of selecting an finalizing a suitable method of automation may take place up to 3 days. Before, implementing the desired solution of automation, it should be planned to test the process once a week. 

Time frame

A suitable Gantt chart for the research plan is attached below within this transformer assignment:-

Figure 1: Gantt Chart

Research Methodology
In order to execute the research work on the transformer assignment, the researcher went to different power and electrical organizations to complete the research method and followed the proper research methodology to get the best result. Such activities were added as per the knowledge. By methods, it is meant the actions that are taken to get the research done and prepare a report. Specific procedures and techniques are followed to make the report. Automation techniques are mainly used to identify, process, select and analyze to understand the problem which can occur during the research period. Main questions occur in the mind of the reader and the answers are covered in this topic. These questions are what the causes of transformer failure are, what kind of automation technology should be implemented to test the working of transformers and, how will those automation techniques able to eradicate the intervention of humans in cold areas. The process of analyzing those data related to the automation process of transformers is also explained here. Before making any report the analyzing of data is important and the readers deserve to know the efforts the researcher took to collect the data. While choosing the process of methodology, the researcher is very much confidential so the aim of finding the data doesn’t get misinterpreted. There are a variety of methods that can be chosen by the researcher but the researcher chooses the method which will be accurate to prepare a report on the transformer automation. Still, the researcher can be proved wrong sometimes, as the result that comes out of the methodology does not satisfy their expectations and efforts. The outline of the research methodology should be clear about the intention of preparing a report. The methods should be approved by all the researchers who are involved in the making of the report.

Solutions
A specific automation process of monitoring the transformer is the desired solution to the given problem. One of the desired methods of controlling and monitoring the condition of power transformers focused in the context of this transformer assignment is dissolved gas analysis (DGA). The oil utilized in the transformer acts as a coolant, various gases are involved inside the insulator due to the faults and aging of transformers (Wickering et al., 2016) . Various faults in a transformer can create toxic gases of distinct kinds such as CO2, C2H6, CO, CH4, and C2H4. The analysis and extraction of these gases provide early signals of a transformer failure. Thus, the removal of diffused gases from the oil can be carried out in numerous ways. Based on the gas molecules, the solution of these gases in the oil highly depends on. Apart from the gas molecules, the solubility also depends on the pressure, temperature and the insulation matrix (Seshia et al., 2016). Therefore, by manipulating these factors, the process of extraction can be controlled successfully. The method of dissolved gas analysis illustrated in the transformer assignment enables the automatic extraction of gases from the oil molecules, thus enhancing the safety of transformers.

Analysis
Before implementing the given method on the case scenario of transformer assignment, it is also very much essential to test the method and try another method. The formation of toxic gases inside a transformer is a hazardous problem. These gases are formed due to the overheating of insulation, decomposition of oil, arcing, and corona. All these changes inside a transformer can be sensed by a gas sensor, and the information is being sent to the processor, where it switches on the exhaust fan. In the case of large distributive transformers, the main problem is the removal of high temperatures. Under any circumstances, if the temperature rises above the basic level, then it can affect the working condition of the transformer. The rise in temperature is indicated by the processor and sent the information to the receiver. The receiver then controls the overall process by turning on the cooling fan. The implementation of effective gas sensors can successfully extract the gas from the transformer oil. The automatic turn-on of the cooling fan enables the transformer to operate smoothly. As per the findings developed in this transformer assignment, the transformers cooled automatically and are fully safeguarded from overheating. 

Validation
The automation methods for maintaining the functionality of transformers should be checked or tested properly before implementing it permanently. An artificial transformer should be designed and the automatic process should be applied to it. If the artificial transformer would able to extract toxic gases from the liquid section, i.e oil, then the automation technique is successfully executed, otherwise, if the transformer fails to operate, then another technique should need to be enforced. 

Resources
Some valuable resources are required by the researcher to carry out the research work. These resources include the personnel, arrangement facilities, and some electrical equipment such as circuit breaker, lightning arrestor, busbar, insulator, distributive transformer, earthing, sensing, capacitor bank, and air break switches. The researcher here adopted various research designs to get the report done. The report on transformer assignment has to be done on a limited time and all the data collected by the researcher had to be used to make the report without wasting any time. To fulfill this aim choosing the right research design was important. It also helps to measure so the researchers can avoid problems while making the report.

Conclusion
The researcher has successfully carried out the research work on the transformer assignment and provided a suitable automation technique that can solve the problem of toxic gases present inside the transformer oil. To reduce some amount of internal faults such as risks of explosions and fire, different kinds of protective and standard devices have been installed inside a transformer. Besides, various parameters can also affect the life of a power transformer. These parameters are temperature, gas, oil, and overload. All these problems outlined in the above context of this transformer assignment can easily be wiped out by equipping the dissolved gas analysis technique suggested by the researcher. These problems can also be solved by developing a gas sensor that detects exhalation of gases. This sensor can detect various gases by changing the value of resistance of all gases.

Reference list
Aghili, S.J. and Hajian-Hoseinabadi, H., 2017. Transformer assignment Reliability evaluation of repairable systems using various fuzzy-based methods–A substation automation case study. International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy Systems, 85, pp.130-142.

Dahl, M., Bengtsson, K., Bergagård, P., Fabian, M. and Falkman, P., 2016. Integrated virtual preparation and commissioning: supporting formal methods during automation systems development. IFAC-PapersOnLine, 49(12), pp.1939-1944.

Grane, C., 2018. Assessment selection in human-automation interaction studies: The Failure-GAM2E and review of assessment methods for highly automated driving. Applied ergonomics, 66, pp.182-192.

Harrison, R., Vera, D. and Ahmad, B., 2016. Engineering methods and tools for cyber–physical automation systems. Proceedings of the IEEE, 104(5), pp.973-985

Honarpardaz, M., Tarkian, M., Ölvander, J. and Feng, X., 2017. Experimental verification of design automation methods for robotic finger. Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 94, pp.89-101.

Korelc, J. and Wriggers, P., 2016. Automation ofFinite Element Methods. Springer International Publishing, Switzerland.

Maceiczyk, R.M., Lignos, I.G. and Andrew, J.D., 2015. Online detection and automation methods in microfluidic nanomaterial synthesis. Transformer assignment Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering, 8, pp.29-35.

Seshia, S.A., Hu, S., Li, W. and Zhu, Q., 2016. Design automation of cyber-physical systems: Challenges, advances, and opportunities. Transformer assignment IEEE Transactions on Computer-Aided Design of Integrated Circuits and Systems, 36(9), pp.1421-1434.

Wickering, E., Gaspard, N., Zafar, S., Moura, V.J., Biswal, S., Bechek, S., O'Connor, K., Rosenthal, E.S. and Westover, M.B., 2016. Automation of classical QEEG trending methods for early detection of delayed cerebral ischemia: more work to do. Journal of clinical neurophysiology: official publication of the American Electroencephalographic Society, 33(3), p.227.

Zhmud, V., Pyakillya, B., Semibalamut, V., Trubin, M. and Yadrishnikov, O., 2017. The two methods of reverse overshoot suppression in automation systems. Transformer assignment Journal of Telecommunication, Electronic and Computer Engineering (JTEC), 9(2-2), pp.153-157.