Breakdown Voltage Estimation in Transformer Oils with Low-Cost Humidity Sensor

Abstract

The relative humidity and temperature of the oil used for insulation purposes in transformers directly affect the breakdown voltage of the oil and accordingly the life of the transformer. Continuous monitoring of the moisture content and breakdown voltage of the transformer oil provides the basis for predictive maintenance practices. This study aims to develop a sensor to continuously monitor the moisture content of the insulating oil and to calculate the breakdown voltage approximately. In this context, firstly, measurements were taken with an industrial oil monitoring sensor which calculates the breakdown voltage in transformer oils with high accuracy and was verified with laboratory measurements. At the same time, EE364 by E+E™ and SHT10 by Sensirion™ also used for temperature and humidity measurements. By comparing the measured data with each other, a relationship was formulated between the humidity and temperature values and the breakdown voltage. As a result, an approximate breakdown voltage calculation method that can be used considering the characteristic parameters of transformer oil has been introduced. Thus, a cost-effective function has been developed that can be widely used for transformer monitoring systems.