A relevant condition monitoring of corrosive sulphur deposition on the windings of oil-filled electrical transformers

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the currently applied condition monitoring (CM) techniques are sufficient and effective for early detection of copper corrosion fault in transformers and to establish a more relevant CM technique for early detection of such fault. In this study, experimental work is carried out by applying appropriate methods on different commercial insulating mineral oils for the detection and identification of additional related by-products of copper corrosion process, if any. The major finding of this experimental investigation includes identification of additional by-products, which could be useful to establish a more effective CM technique. Furthermore, the role of sulphur compounds in copper corrosion fault is considered, and a relevant reaction mechanism of formation CSD is developed based on the findings of the related by-products. It is concluded that, the application of a relevant CM technique is necessary for establishing a cost-effective condition based maintenance (CBM) to minimize the economic losses, hazardous effects on human life and the environment.