Comparative Study of Worldwide Standards for Interpreting Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) Results of Distribution Transformers

Abstract

Distribution transformer in Malaysian electricity network is categorized as major element on delivering electricity throughout the nation. Advanced diagnostic tools are used to monitor any technical problem of transformer to sustain its capability in the long run. One type of it which is currently being used in worldwide is Frequency Response Analysis (FRA). The reliability from this method is proven worldwide in diagnosing transformer condition especially a mechanical movement. FRA technique is done by comparing the response result in transformer initial condition to its current condition. The interpretation of transformer condition from the response is based on frequency sub-bands. Each frequency sub-bands are indicating any movement parts of transformer and electrical faults. Currently, there are three worldwide standards established for interpreting the FRA results but both of them are different in frequency sub-bands range. Up to now, there are no research papers comparing the fault detection capabilities from frequency sub-bands range for both standards. In this paper, comparative study is done to visualize and interpret the capabilities from three standards (IEEE Std C57.149 2012, DL/T911-2004 and Cigre WG A2/26); by focus on the frequency sub-bands range.