ADVANCED GAS DETECTION IN TRANSFORMER OIL USING MICROCONTROLLERS: A CUTTING-EDGE APPROACH
Abstract
The growing significance of electricity in modern society, driven by rapid technological advancements, has amplified the need for a reliable electrical energy distribution system. Transformers, integral components of this system, facilitate the transmission of electrical energy between circuits using magnetic-electric induction. Within transformers, transformer oil plays a critical role as an insulating medium and coolant in the central region. This oil acts as a cooling agent, crucial in regulating the temperature rise within the transformer. However, excessive temperature fluctuations can damage the paper insulation on the coil, leading to potential insulation failure.
The variation in temperature load or ambient temperature in the power transformer can negatively impact the insulation, and rising transformer windings' temperature can further exacerbate the situation, altering the composition and properties of the transformer oil. Such changes can significantly reduce the insulating value of the oil, posing a risk of insulation breakdown. Therefore, it becomes essential to monitor the working capacity of the insulation used to prevent potential failure.
The insulating ability of the transformer oil can also be compromised by excessive loading, causing the oil to expand and emit gases dissolved within it. This contamination of the oil with gases can further diminish its insulating properties. Moreover, different loading levels lead to the generation of dissolved gases in the transformer oil, some of which are combustible. If these gases exceed the solubility limit, they can interfere with the transformer's operation.
Given these challenges, there is a pressing need to develop effective methods for assessing and maintaining the quality of transformer oil to ensure the seamless operation of power transformers. This research aims to investigate the impact of temperature variations and loading levels on transformer oil's insulation capacity and the presence of dissolved gases. By understanding these factors, strategies can be devised to optimize transformer performance and prevent undesirable consequences.
