Analysis of factory test data of on-load tap-changers for power transformers

Abstract: On-load tap-changers (OLTC) are devices in the power grid that keeps the voltage level constant for consumers, regardless of the power demand. Hitachi ABB Power Grids, producer of the OLTC family named VUC, guarantees 30 years of lifetime. Such a pledge requires high standard devices. This thesis has analyzed data from routine tests of switching times in the diverter switch of OLTC’s, performed before devices were put in service. The correlation of part switching times for all units leaving the factory during the past year was evaluated by calculating Pearson’s correlation coefficient. A linear trend was fitted to the data, realizing that the prediction errors, as well as the part switching times, were Gaussian distributed. The time while the resistor vacuum interrupter was open could be predicted within the interval of approximately 2ms with 2 standard deviations accuracy. To classify time series from the routine test as expected or unexpected, a model-based algorithm was implemented. The average switching time for all consecutive switches was used to define expected series. A moving average was implemented to neglect outliers and remove oscillating patterns. The majority of all data was classified as expected time series. The ones who did not, still preserved a good correlation between the part switching times. Examining the relationship between part switching times could be a valuable perspective in further classification of expected time series. The possibility of incorporating measurement of part switching times on OLTC’s in normal operation, to use the knowledge gained by this thesis, was investigated. Position sensors were mounted to measure the position of the lifting yokes, opening and closing the vacuum interrupters. The time while the vacuum interrupter contacts were open could be estimated with better accuracy than the position sensor provided. Unfortunately, those sensors cannot be utilized in normal operation. If other possibilities could be found, perhaps a laser position sensor, the implemented algorithm would be valuable.