Method and apparatus for monitoring transformers

A method of on-line monitoring of transformer performance comprising the steps of:

• monitoring at least one parameter related to transformer load;
• collecting periodic load data in response to the monitoring of at least one parameter related to transformer load;
• monitoring a plurality of parameters related to transformer condition;
• collecting periodic condition data in response to the monitoring of said plurality of parameters related to transformer condition;
• establishing a threshold hierarchy having a plurality of levels, wherein each level includes predetermined load threshold values and predetermined condition threshold values;
• comparing said periodic load data with said predetermined load threshold value in each one of said plurality of levels;
• comparing said periodic condition data with said predetermined condition threshold value in each one of said plurality of levels;
• and
• providing a predetermined response in response to the comparison steps, wherein said predetermined response is based on the level of said predetermined load or said predetermined condition threshold values exceeded.

A method of on-line monitoring of transformer performance comprising the steps of:

• monitoring at least one parameter related to transformer load;
• collecting periodic load data in response to said monitoring of at least one parameter related to transformer load;
• monitoring a plurality of parameters related to transformer condition;
• collecting periodic condition data in response to said monitoring of said plurality of parameters related to transformer condition;
• establishing an alarm threshold value for each parameter related to transformer load;
• establishing an alarm threshold value for each parameter related to transformer condition;
• comparing, on site, said periodic load data with said established transformer load alarm threshold value;
• comparing, on site, said periodic condition data with said established transformer condition alarm threshold value;
• activating an on-site alarm when said periodic load data exceeds said established transformer load alarm threshold value or when said periodic condition data exceeds said established transformer condition alarm threshold value;
• sending said periodic load data and said periodic condition data to a central computer;
• establishing, in said central computer, a threshold hierarchy having a plurality of levels, wherein each level includes predetermined load threshold values and predetermined condition threshold values;
• comparing said periodic load data with said predetermined load threshold value in each one of said plurality of levels;
• comparing said periodic condition data with said predetermined condition threshold value in each one of said plurality of levels;
• and
• providing a predetermined response from said central computer, in response to the comparison steps, wherein said predetermined response is based on the level of said predetermined load or said predetermined condition threshold value exceeded.

A transformer monitoring system for on-line monitoring of transformer performance, wherein the transformer includes a cooling system, said transformer monitoring system comprising:

• sensor means for periodically collecting load data representative of at least one load related parameter;
• sensor means for periodically collecting condition data respresentative of a plurality of condition related parameters;
• means for establishing a hierarchy of predetermined load thresholds, wherein said hierarchy includes a plurality of levels such that each level includes a load threshold value for each load related parameter;
• means for establishing a hierarchy of predetermined condition thresholds, wherein said hierarchy includes a plurality of levels such that each level includes a condition threshold value for each condition-related parameter;
• first comparator means for comparing said load data with said predetermined load threshold value in each level, and for indicating when a load threshold value is exceeded;
• second comparator means for comparing said condition data with said predetermined condition threshold value in each level, and for indicating when a condition threshold value is exceeded;
• and
• means responsive to said first and said second comparator means for providing a predetermined response dependent on the level of the exceeded load threshold value or condition threshold value.