Transformers are the backbone of power systems, requiring robust maintenance strategies to ensure their reliability and longevity. Industry leader Martin Robinson, CEO of IRISS Inc., advocates for a proactive approach integrating safety and reliability through the Monitor, Inspect, and Manage (MIM) strategy.

The MIM method emphasizes real-time monitoring of transformer conditions, allowing operators to address potential issues before they cause disruptions. Advanced monitoring systems, combined with inspection windows for infrared, ultrasound, and partial discharge technologies, enable safe, efficient inspections without exposing technicians to energized equipment. These measures reduce risks, enhance operational efficiency, and minimize unplanned downtime.

By incorporating condition-based reliability technologies during the design or retrofitting process, transformer performance is optimized, and the mean time between failures (MTBF) is significantly extended. Robinson also underscores the importance of workforce training to maximize the benefits of these innovations, especially as the industry faces labor shortages and increasing demand.

This holistic strategy ensures that transformers remain reliable, safe, and ready to meet the evolving needs of the power systems industry.

This article was originally published in the November 2024 issue of the Power Systems Technology magazine, which you can access here.

To download the PDF version of this article, click here.