The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is taking strides in transforming the utility industry with its latest initiative aimed at enhancing the monitoring of power transformers. Through a pioneering study, NYPA aims to validate a cutting-edge technique that could potentially revolutionize the way transformers are monitored, without the need for them to be taken out of service.

In collaboration with the New York University Tandon School of Engineering (NYU Tandon) and supported by a substantial grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the research will focus on developing a prototype detector. This detector will be tested in NYPA's Advanced Grid Innovations Laboratory for Energy (AGILe), a state-of-the-art simulation facility dedicated to advancing energy technologies.

The study, titled "Online Detection of Winding Deformations in Large Power Transformers," aims to bridge the gap between academic research and industry adoption. By leveraging computer simulations and bench testing on small transformers, NYPA aims to validate the effectiveness of the new technique in real-world settings.

Central to the study is the development of a prototype detector by NYU Tandon, which will undergo rigorous testing in NYPA's AGILe lab. The detector will continuously monitor voltage and currents of the transformer, calculating the leakage impedance based on these measurements. This innovative approach enables early detection of deformation in transformer windings, potentially preventing costly equipment failures and downtime.

Alan Ettlinger, NYPA's senior director of Research, Technology Development, and Innovation, emphasizes the importance of industry validation, stating, "We believe power utilities will be more open to adopting this technology if the concept is tested in an industry lab." If successful, this transformative technology could not only save significant costs associated with transformer maintenance but also ensure the reliability and longevity of power systems for years to come.

Source: power-grid.com