Smart power transformer maintenance

OMICRON’s Primary Test Manager™ (PTM) software was optimized for initial screening, diagnostic testing and condition assessment of power transformers with the release of software version 4.00. All common chemical, electrical and dielectric tests on power transformers are now supported by one software.

Smart testing

With proper testing and maintenance, the lifetime of a power transformer can be extended by identifying and fixing defects before they can cause severe failures. A smart combination of an initial screening, e.g. by performing dissolved gas analysis (DGA) and power/dissipation factor tests, and focused diagnostic testing is often utilized to keep the lifecycle management process more cost efficient.

A variety of other electrical test methods, such as transformer turns ratio, DC winding resistance, short-circuit impedance as well as advanced methods such as dielectric response analysis or sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA), can be used to diagnose different problems within the power transformer.

Condition diagnosis in the past and nowadays

In the past all test data had to be transferred manually from the individual test devices to one common file. Comparisons and reports also had to be prepared manually. Since the software release 4.00, PTM supports all common diagnostic tests performed with various OMICRON test systems as well as the corresponding condition assessment, such as the assessment of DGA test data.

Thus, all data can be collected in one database, resulting in advantages such as overall assessment, easy data management, data comparison, trending, one comprehensive report and less training effort for employees. Combined with the time-saving advantages of new OMICRON test systems such as the TESTRANO 600 three-phase power transformer test system and the DIRANA for dielectric frequency response analysis, power transformer testing can be done in a fraction of the time needed in the past.

Ideal software for medium- and high-voltage asset testing

In addition to diagnostic testing and condition assessment of power transformers and associated equipment such as bushings and on-load tap changers (OLTC), PTM can also be used for circuit breakers, current and voltage transformers, and rotating machines.