Development and Implementation of an Accelerated Thermal Aging Chamber with Immersion Heater for Evaluating the Performance of Transformer Insulation Systems
siti saodah, bella eliana

Politeknik Negeri Bandung

Abstract

Transformers are essential equipment in electric power transmission that use various insulating materials such as mineral oil and cellulose paper to protect the induction process. The insulation system in transformers is often exposed to mechanical, electrical, and thermal stresses affecting the overall condition of the transformer. Aging of the insulation system is caused by increased water content, temperature, and oxidation processes. Thermal stress is the primary factor causing the degradation of the insulation system. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct performance evaluation tests of insulation materials on a laboratory scale before being directly applied to transformers. One evaluation method is accelerated thermal aging testing. This study aims to develop an Accelerated Thermal Aging Chamber with an immersion heater to evaluate the performance of transformer insulation systems according to IEC and IEEE standards. Unlike previous studies that used ovens, this Thermal Aging Chamber simulates the environment of power transformers to heat the insulation system. It is expected that the developed test cell can simulate the transformer life cycle in an accelerated manner and allow performance evaluation of the insulation system to be conducted in the laboratory

Keywords: Accelerated Thermal Aging Chamber, Accelerated Thermal Aging Test, Insulation System, Thermal Stress, Transformer

Topic: Energy engineering