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Transformer Reliability with GE Advanced Transformer Monitoring System

GE Transformer Monitoring System

The GE Transformer Monitoring System is a state-of-the-art solution designed to revolutionize the way you safeguard your transformers. With real-time data and advanced predictive analytics, this system offers unmatched capabilities to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your valuable assets. Harness the power of GE’s innovative technology to proactively monitor your transformers, detecting potential issues before they become critical, and enabling you to take timely, data-driven actions. Say goodbye to unexpected downtime and costly repairs; embrace the future of transformer reliability with GE’s cutting-edge monitoring system.

Detail of GE Transformer Monitoring System

 LDLUDLAccuracy*RepeatabilityAvailable in Rapid Mode
Hydrogen (H₂)5 –5,000 ppm± LDL or ±5%< 3%
Carb. Monox. (CO)1 –50,000 ppm± LDL or ±3%< 2%
Methane (CH₄)2 –50,000 ppm± LDL or ±3%< 2% 
Acetylene (C₂H₂)0.5 –50,000 ppm± LDL or ±3%< 2%
Ethylene (C₂H₄)1 –50,000 ppm± LDL or ±3%< 2% 
Carb. Diox. (CO₂)20 –50,000 ppm± LDL or ±3%< 3%
Ethane (C₂H₆)1 –50,000 ppm± LDL or ±3%< 2% 
Oxygen (O₂)100 –50,000 ppm± LDL or ±5%< 2%
Nitrogen (N₂) **10,000 –100,000 ppm± LDL or ±15%  
Moisture (H₂O)0 –100% RS (in ppm)± 3% RH< 3%

*whichever is greater. Accuracy quoted is the accuracy of the detectors during calibration. Gas-in-oil measurement may be affected by oil type and condition. Repeatability as measured from final production test data.
** N₂ value is calculated and available on free-breathing transformers only.

FEATURES

Display
4x sunlight visible LED arrays
Backlit 7” inch color resistive touch LCD screen (800 x 480)
Integrated embedded secure webserver (https)

Analogue Inputs

Up to 15x optional analogue inputs for load CTs, PT100 inputs or 4–20mA sensors

Digital Output

USB port (type B connector) for local connection to laptop computer for configuring the system
Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n)
Serial output (RS-485)
1Gb Ethernet (RJ45) standard with fiber-optic options
GSM/GPRS or CDMA/LTE modem options

Digital Protocols

Modbus® as standard
DNP3 or IEC 61850 (Ed 1 or 2) options

Alarms

Alarm setting screens/scenarios, based on gas level, gas rate of change and moisture level, assignable to relays
6x standard and up to 18x dry contact relays (type C, SPDT), NO/NC, 10A at 250Vac resistive load, 10A at 30Vdc resistive
load Separate Service Alarm with own relay

ENVIRONMENT

Conditions

Operating ambient temperature :- -40°C to +55°C (-40°F to +131°F)

Operating ambient humidity :- 0-95% RH, non-condensing

Oil temperature at valve*** :- -20°C to +120°C (-4°F to +248°F)

Oil pressure at valve :- 0-700KPa (0-100psi)

***Based on testing carried out using VOLTESSO™ 35 mineral oil, over a ¼” pipe run of 10 metres or less from oil supply or
return valve to monitor connection point and on transformer oil supply valve volumes of 200ml or less. For oil temperatures
colder than -20ºC, GE recommends the use of heat trace cabling on piping.

Enclosure

IP56 certified
Powder coated aluminium (RAL9002)
Unpainted 316 Stainless Steel option

Power Requirements

AC :-Nominal 100-240 Vac, Range 85-264 Vac, 4A

DC :- Nominal 100-250 Vdc, Range 90-300 Vdc

Mechanical

 Analysis UnitHub Unit
Dimensions600 x 484 x 330 mm600 x 380 x 330 mm
 23.6 x 19.1 x 13.0 in23.6 x 15.0 x 13.0 in
Weight33.4Kg18.5Kg
 73.6 lb40.8 lb

Transformers play a vital role in electrical infrastructure, ensuring the efficient distribution of electricity. They are indispensable components in power generation, transmission, and distribution systems, and their optimal performance is crucial for a stable and reliable power supply. However, transformers are susceptible to various internal and external factors that can lead to issues, malfunctions, and even failures. To address these challenges, the field of transformer monitoring has evolved significantly in recent years. One of the pioneering and innovative solutions in this domain is the GE Transformer Monitoring System. This comprehensive system leverages cutting-edge technology to proactively monitor, assess, and predict the condition of transformers. In this article, we will delve into the key features, advantages, and the transformative impact of the GE Transformer Monitoring System.

The Significance of Transformer Condition Assessment

Before we delve into the specifics of the GE Transformer Monitoring System, it’s essential to understand the critical importance of assessing the condition of transformers. Transformers are designed to operate continuously under demanding conditions. They are responsible for voltage conversion, distribution, and insulation, making them vulnerable to a wide array of potential issues. Some of the factors that can affect transformers include temperature variations, electrical stress, environmental conditions, mechanical vibrations, and aging of insulating materials. These factors can lead to the development of faults, which if left undetected or unaddressed, can result in transformer failures, costly repairs, and unplanned outages. Hence, the need for continuous monitoring and condition assessment of transformers becomes evident.

Evolution of Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA)

Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) has long been recognized as a crucial technique for assessing the condition of transformers. The method involves analyzing gases that are dissolved in the insulating oil of transformers. As the insulating materials within transformers degrade or experience thermal stress, they release gases as byproducts. These gases can serve as indicators of potential issues or faults within the transformer. The most significant gases generated by the decomposition of oil and paper insulation on conductors include hydrogen, methane, ethane, ethylene, acetylene, carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and nitrogen (N2). The type and quantity of these gases can vary depending on the severity and type of fault conditions, such as arcing, partial discharge, overheating, or hotspots within the transformer.

Traditionally, DGA was primarily confined to a laboratory environment, with infrequent off-line manual sampling forming part of time-based maintenance strategies. While this approach provided valuable insights, it had limitations. As the global average age of transformers continued to rise, the possibility of rapid aging, unplanned outages, and catastrophic failures between off-line tests increased. It became clear that a more proactive and continuous monitoring strategy was needed to enhance the reliability of transformer networks.

Introduction of On-line DGA Monitoring

In response to the evolving needs of asset owners and the desire for increased network reliability, GE introduced the Kelman™ range of analyzers. These analyzers represented a paradigm shift by bringing consumable-free on-line multi-gas DGA to the market. The on-line approach enabled real-time monitoring of gases dissolved in the transformer oil, allowing for the early detection of faults and abnormalities. One of the noteworthy innovations within this range is the Kelman DGA 900, which serves as the next generation of on-line multi-gas DGA and moisture analyzers.

The Kelman DGA 900: Advancing Transformer Condition Monitoring

At the heart of the Kelman DGA 900 lies an evolved implementation of GE’s proven Photo-Acoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) measurement technology. PAS is renowned for its laboratory-challenging levels of precision and repeatability, and it’s a calibration-free approach, eliminating the need for frequent consumables and recalibration. With over 40 years of experience as a global leader in DGA, GE has harnessed the learnings and improvements derived from its predecessors to create a superior solution that combines improved performance, innovative features, an enhanced user experience, and increased robustness.

Key Benefits of the GE Transformer Monitoring System

The GE Transformer Monitoring System offers a multitude of advantages and benefits that contribute to the enhanced reliability and performance of transformers:

  1. Remote Alert and Multi-Gas Diagnostic: The system provides remote alerts and multi-gas diagnostics of deteriorating transformer conditions. This feature enables personnel to be informed of potential issues without the need for on-site manual oil sampling.
  2. Early Issue Detection: The system excels in detecting issues in their infancy, allowing for early intervention. This proactive approach prevents unexpected failures and facilitates planned outages, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
  3. Data-Driven Decision-Making: The system anchors condition-based maintenance and asset replacement strategies on hard data. By providing continuous insights into the transformer’s health, it empowers asset owners to make informed decisions based on real-time monitoring.
  4. Consumable-Free Operation: The Kelman DGA 900 eliminates the need for consumables, reducing operational costs and simplifying maintenance requirements. This ensures that the system operates at optimum performance without frequent recalibration.
  5. Rapid Mode: The introduction of “Rapid Mode” allows for near real-time insight into fast-developing faults. This feature is crucial in identifying and addressing issues swiftly.
  6. Enhanced Computing Power: The system benefits from enhanced computing power, highly scalable I/Os (input/output interfaces), and an integrated Human-Machine Interface (HMI). This combination provides a powerful and highly flexible transformer monitoring solution that adapts to various operational environments.
  7. Compatibility: The system is compatible with a wide range of insulating oils, including traditional mineral-based oils and newer ester-based fluids, both natural and synthetic.

Who are We?

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Where do we have clients and supply our GE Transformer Monitoring System?

IndiaUnited Arab EmiratesUganda
NepalIsraelTanzania
VietnamEgyptAngola
PhilippinesYemenKambia
IndonesiaTurkeyMalawi
MalaysiaSudanBotswana
South KoreaAlgeriaSouth Africa
OmanMonacoZimbabwe
IranNigeriaCambodia
Saudi ArabiaEthiopiaAustralia
NamibiaGreeceUSA

Advantages of the GE Transformer Monitoring System

The GE Transformer Monitoring System presents a range of advantages and benefits that make it a pivotal solution in ensuring the reliability and performance of transformers within power distribution networks. Here are the key advantages:

  1. Proactive Issue Detection: The system enables the proactive detection of issues and faults in their infancy. This early identification allows for prompt intervention, reducing the risk of unplanned outages and minimizing costly transformer failures.
  2. Remote Monitoring: With remote alert capabilities, the system provides real-time data and diagnostics from transformers without the need for on-site manual sampling. This remote monitoring feature enhances the safety of operations and minimizes the need for personnel to access potentially hazardous environments.
  3. Data-Driven Decision-Making: The system anchors maintenance and replacement strategies on data-driven insights. By continuously monitoring the transformer’s condition, asset owners can make informed decisions, optimizing maintenance schedules and asset management.
  4. Consumable-Free Operation: The Kelman DGA 900’s consumable-free operation significantly reduces operational costs. Asset owners benefit from a more cost-effective monitoring solution with no need for consumables and less frequent recalibration.
  5. Swift Fault Resolution: The “Rapid Mode” feature of the system provides near real-time insights into fast-developing faults. This capability is instrumental in swiftly addressing critical issues and ensuring the reliability of transformer assets.
  6. Enhanced Scalability: The system boasts enhanced computing power and highly scalable input/output interfaces (I/Os). This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of operational environments, from smaller transformers to larger power distribution networks.
  7. Compatibility: The GE Transformer Monitoring System is compatible with various types of insulating oils, accommodating traditional mineral-based oils and newer ester-based fluids, both natural and synthetic. This adaptability ensures its relevance and effectiveness across diverse applications.
  8. GE’s Proven Expertise: With over 40 years of experience as a global leader in Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA), GE has harnessed its extensive expertise to develop a system that encapsulates learnings and improvements from its predecessors. This accumulated knowledge and legacy of innovation are integral to the system’s performance and reliability.

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