Value Creation through Optimal Thermal Operation of Power Transformers - Future Perspectives

Abstract:
The increasing integration of renewable energy sources and aging infrastructure poses significant challenges for the ther-mal management of large power transformers. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for advanced thermal man-agement of oil-filled transformers with ONAN or ONAF cooling systems. The approach integrates extended thermal modelling, environmental forecasting, and financial optimization techniques to optimize transformer operation. The ther-mal model incorporates factors such as sun, wind, rainfall, oil viscosity variations, and the influence of on-load tap chang-ers (OLTCs). An environmental forecasting module predicts future load profiles and ambient conditions using external data and local heuristics. The operational model, with self-learning capabilities, predicts transformer behaviour consider-ing moisture dynamics and oxygen within the transformer oil. Intervention mechanisms, including cooling fan control, target oil temperature adjustment, OLTC operation management, and dehydrating breather cycling, are optimized using a financial sub model. The proposed framework aims to reduce operational costs, enhance reliability, and provide insights into transformer health. While the individual components exist in current technology, their integration presents challenges that require extensive testing and validation. This paper invites discussion and collaboration within the engineering com-munity to develop advanced transformer management systems for the evolving energy landscape.