Research Status and Deliverables

Task: EPRI Power Transformer Guidebook (Copper Book) 2024 update
Task Description: Each year EPRI publishes updates to the Copper Book to keep up-to-date with the latest research, technology developments and transformer standards. The guidebook has been written with the utility engineer and field staff as the audience and covers the entire range of topics from specification to end-of-life assessment. A valuable addition to the Copper Book is a growing list of quick-reference single page summaries of key topics. They have been designed to be conveniently printed for a pinboard or used electronically for quick guidance.
Update:

• 2024 updates include significant new material on alternative fluids and optimal DGA sampling techniques

Task: Technical webinars on the Transformer Guidebook.
Task Description: Multiple technical webinars based on chapters in the Transformer Guidebook are hosted each year. The webinar material is published for continued and convenient future access. Topics are selected to accelerate learning on key topics in the Transformer Guidebook (Copper Book).
Update:

• Two webinars are already complete (On-line DGA monitoring and Transformer Fundamentals).
• Three more are coming up: Novel fluids and materials, Optimal oil sampling practices and non-invasive transformer condition monitoring.

Task: Transformer online monitoring technologies: Laboratory testing to help members in specification development. Task Description: A full 138-kV EPRI research substation has been commissioned and energized to support this research. EPRI laboratory test results are executed against a well-defined test protocol for online DGA monitors, online bushing monitors, on-line Partial Discharge monitors and on-line temperature monitors. The results provide valuable assistance in monitor specification, interpretation and adoption.
Update:

• Two new on-line DGA monitors are being added to the research laboratory and a new test setup for on-line bushing monitors is being commissioned in the EPRI Charlotte laboratories.

Task: Alternative transformers fluids for increased ratings, extended service life, and reduced environmental impact.
Task Description: Although hypotheses have been proposed, it is unknown why ester fluids extend the life of cellulose compared to naphthenic mineral oil. This research provides further insight into the dynamics of the interactions between thermally upgraded kraft (TUK) paper with insulating fluids and water. Enhanced imaging and sorption forces of different insulation fluids with TUK winding paper, as well as the kinetics of water formation from paper, will be studied to provide understanding into some of the insulating fluid-solid dynamics in transformers. The results will aid in determining what oil quality limits should be set for in-service equipment with some esters, as well as what conditions a transformer owner should use or avoid, so as to not lose the life extension properties of esters compared to naphthenic mineral oil. Additionally, studies concerning the precision and accuracy of using on-line DGA monitors to assess the properties of different alternative fluids in different environmental and operational conditions will be performed.

Update:

• Fluids to test have been selected and experimental program design set.
• On-line DGA monitors continue to be evaluated.

Task: Membrane technologies for online, low-maintenance dry-out of transformers.
Task Description: EPRI research has developed novel concepts for continuous on-line dry-out of transformers without the need for cartridge replacement. In 2024, research will enhance the on-line dehydration technology using Peltier cooling. The results will be a smaller and more efficient technology. Field pilots in utility substations will continue to validate the technology and refine the concepts.
Update:

• Two new pilot units are being assembled for field deployment.
• The field deployments will allow for even greater learning beyond the laboratory.

Planned Deliverable for 2024

2023 Deliverables