MIT International Journal of Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering Vol. 1, No.

2, Aug 2011, pp 80-86

ISSN 2230-7656 MIT Publications

80

Condition Monitoring of Power Transformer

Using Sweep Frequency Response Analysis
Yog Raj Sood
Prof. (EED)
NIT, Hamirpur

email: yrsood@gmail.com

Raj Kumar Jarial

Associate Prof. (EED)
NIT, Hamirpur

email: jarial0@gmail.com

Abstract Transformers are a critical part of an electrical

utilitys asset base. Loss of a transformer in a utility,
generation plant or process can cost many millions of
dollars, depending on how long it is out-of-service. Online monitoring and diagnostics is a useful tool to help
operators to manage their assets and make decisions on
continuing operation, maintenance or replacement. To
condition monitoring of larger power transformers, a
practical method is to use the available bushing tap
connection, which is called SFRA. Sweep Frequency
Response Analysis (SFRA) is an established tool for
determining the core deformations, bulk winding
movement relative to each other, open circuits and short
circuit turns, residual magnetism, deformation within the
main transformer winding, axial shift of winding etc. . In
this paper, we will discuss a custom high-power signal
generator that injects high-frequency signals on the
bushing tap of the transformer under investigation, as well
as a circuit to replace the bushing tap short and allow
online operation of the system.

Kapil Gandhi
PG Student (EED)
NIT, Hamirpur

email:kapilkiet@gmail.com

steel plants, transformers are also a critical part of the process.

Loss of a transformer in a utility, generation plant or process
can cost many millions of dollars, depending on how long it
is out-of-service. Replacing a transformer is a costly and timeconsuming process. Demand for transformers and raw
materials has increased in recent years, so the cost and leadtime for delivery of a new transformer has increased. [1]
Applications of condition monitoring (CM) into power station
and development of new CM techniques have be-come one of
the most important tasks for most energy companies since the
beginning of 1990s. The need can be seen from two sides.
First, the health and safe operation of electrical equipment in
power stations is so important that unexpected fault and
shutdown may result in a great accident and get a high penalty
in lost output cost, particularly under an ever-increasing
competition environment. At the same time, the machines
themselves are the expensive assets of the power stations
and cost lot for maintenance. It is of no doubt that energy
companies have to find some ways to avoid sudden breakdown,
minimize down-time, reduce maintenance cost, and extend
KEYWORDS condition monitoring, frequency response the lifetime of machines. CM is just the answer to these
problems with the capability to provide useful information for
analysis, power transformers, resonance frequency.
utilizing the machines in an optimal fashion. The coming of
free competition in electricity business has made the application
I. INTRODUCTION
of CM not only necessary but also urgent. [2-3]
Power Generation Industry is the most important in any
Second, the development of computer technologies,
country all over the world. By and large entire economy of the transducer technologies and signal processing techniques
country depends upon its capacity to generate power. In the together with artificialintelligence (AI) techniques has made
past accidents took place in the industry and causes of these it possible to implement CM more effectively on electrical
accidents / explosions remained unexplained. Recently with equipment. It is expected to make CM systems more reliable,
the advent of latest hardware and software technology in the more intelligent and cheaper, so that they can be widely
field of analysis, it has been possible to pin point the possible employed in power systems. However, CM is still under
cause of explosions/interruptions in the power stations.
developing in a number of areas. Research works are now
Transformers are a critical part of an electrical utilitys asset accumulated with great attention on sensitivity, reliability,
base. Many utilities have an ageing fleet of transformers that automation with consideration of cost. [7]
were installed as the system developed and expanded. In
Sweep frequency response is a major advance in transformer
numerous instances, transformers are being operated for many condition analysis, allowing you to see inside transformers
years beyond their predicted useful life of 25 or 40 years.
without costly detanking. The standard definition of frequency
As electricity demand has increased, transformers in some response analysis (FRA) is the ratio of a steady sinusoidal
regions are being loaded beyond their rated capacity in order output from a test object subjected to a steady sinusoidal input.
to cope with the demand. Generator transformers are heavily Sweeping through the frequency range of interest gives rise
loaded as operators wish to maximize their profits and meet to the S in SFRA, to distinguish it from impulse methods,
the demand. In some industries, e.g., aluminum smelting or which estimate the response rather than measure it. [15]

MIT International Journal of Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering Vol. 1, No. 2, Aug 2011, pp 80-86
ISSN 2230-7656 MIT Publications

81

1976: Frequency Domain Analysis of Responses from

L.V.I. Testing of Power Transformers by A.G.
Richenbacher presented at the 43rd Doble Intl Client
Conference.
1978: Transformer Diagnostic Testing by Frequency
Response Analysis, published by E.P. Dick & C.C.
Erven, Ontario Hydro in IEEE Transactions of Power
Delivery.

Fig. 1 Frequency Response Sample

1978: Ontario Hydro develops the FRA test.

1988 - 1990: Proving trials by European utilities, the
technology cascades internationally via Euro Doble and
CIGRE.

1991 to Present: Results and Case Studies are published

Frequency Response Analysis technique involves basically
and presented validating the FRA method.[8]
measuring the impedance of the windings of the transformer
with a low voltage sine input varying in a wide frequency range.
The transformer can be considered like a linear system due to III. INSTRUMENT DISCRIPTION
the application of a low voltage signal and it is possible to
Sweep Frequency Response Analyzer (SFRA) detects
know how the transformer behaves when the frequency is
potential
mechanical and electrical problems that other
changing because the measure of the system represents the
methods
are
unable to detect. Major utilities and service
behaviour of the machine.
companies have used the SFRA method for more than a decade.
The actual measurement is compared to a reference and gives
a direct answer if the mechanical parts of the transformer are
unchanged or not. Deviations indicate geometrical and/or
electrical changes within the transformer. This technique is a
major advance in transformer health analysis.[10]

Fig. 2. Graphical comparison of FRA measurements in

different states.
How a fault is detected using FRA is explained, (Fig. 2):

Dobles M5000 series uses sweep frequency response

analysis to detect mechanical failure or movement of windings
from short circuits, mechanical stresses, or transportation. The
instruments send an excitation signal into the transformer and
measure the returning signals. Comparing this response to
baseline and other results (such as from similar units) allows
you to identify deviations and confirm internal mechanical
problems. The SFRA Analyzer identifies the following
abnormalities in the transformer before they lead to failure-

A measurement in the healthy state of the transformer is

made.
Then, another measurement is carried out in the supposed
fault state.
The two responses are compared.
Any difference between them means that the system
(made up by the internal parts of the transformer) has
been modified and therefore a fault has occurred. [16]

II. HISTORY
1960: Low Voltage Impulse Method was first proposed
by W. Lech & L. Tyminski in Poland for detecting
transformer winding deformation.
1966: Results published as Detecting Transformer
Winding DamageThe Low Voltage Impulse
Methodby Lech & Tyminski in The Electric Review,
ERA, UK.

Fig. 3. Sweep Frequency Response Analyzer

a. Core movement.
b. Winding deformation and displacement

MIT International Journal of Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering Vol. 1, No. 2, Aug 2011, pp 80-86
ISSN 2230-7656 MIT Publications

82

c. Faulty Core ground

d. Partial winding collapse

measurements. It covers the full dynamic range and maintains

the same energy level for each frequency, providing accurate,
consistent results. A high signal-to-noise ratio across the entire
e. Hoop buckling
20 Hz to 2 MHz frequency range ensures valid measurements.
f. Broken or loosened clamping structures
[9] But, although the fault detection method is easy, the FRA
g. Shorted turns and open winding
technique could show two difficulties:
Use of M5100/M5400 Sweep Frequency Response Analyzer
An accurate and objective diagnosis method is not
ensures transformer performance, reduce maintenance cost,
developed so it is difficult to know exactly which part
and increases service life. Both instruments perform the same
of the transformer has failed.
functions, but the M5100 has a built-in PC and visual display
No quantitative limits are fixed in order to establish how
and comes with a laptop keyboard. The M5400 requires an
a difference in the measurement represents a real fault
external laptop for operation.
or only a discrepancy between measurements. [6, 7]
It has following main features:
Wide frequency rangeProvides frequency-response
measurement from 10 Hz to 25 MHz; the default range
(20 Hz to 2 MHz) covers the most important diagnostic
areas: core and magnetic properties; winding movement
and deformation; and interconnections (leads and tap
changers).

High resolutionMeasures frequency response at

logarithmically spaced intervals of 1.2% with a constant
excitation level and can auto-scale each measurement,
providing an overall dynamic range of 80 dB with 1
dB accuracy, for the highest combination of dynamic
range and accuracy.
Repeatable testsFrequency response measurements
are highly repeatable; even subtle changes can be used
for diagnosis.

Fig. 4. Diagnosis Procedure by means of the proposed

Rugged and portableRugged construction provides
model.
the accuracy of a laboratory instrument with the ability
to withstand harsh field conditions and robust test leads
One of the reasons of the difficulty in the diagnosis procedure
to handle the rigors of site testing. [16]
is the complex connections among the different parts inside
the transformer which are reflected in the frequency response
and make difficult to distinguish the different parts that make
IV. PURPOSE OF SFRA
up the transformer (core and windings).
SFRA measurement is required for following reasonsThis paper tries to explain how the diagnosis method based
After short circuit testing of Power Transformer.
on SFRA is carried out. The diagnosis procedure is based in
After Impulse testing of power transformer.
the proposed model as shown in Fig. 4. [7]
Quality assurance during manufacturing.
The response in dBs is calculated by the following equation:
Assess Mechanical Condition of Transformers
Response in dBs,
(mechanical distortions).
V
Detect Core and Winding Movement.
dB 20 log10 out
(1)
Vin
Due to large electromagnetic forces from fault currents.
Winding Shrinkage causing release of clamping pressure.
The output voltage, Vout is referenced via a 50co-axial
Transformer Relocations or Shipping.[14]
cable to ground. This means we have:

V. SFRA MEASUREMENT

Vout
Vin

50
50  Z

(2)

SFRA is a proven technique for making accurate and

repeatable measurements. As compared to the impulse
Where Z is frequency dependent impedance function for an
technique, SFRA is preferred for frequency domain Inductor or Capacitor or a combination of the two. [4,5]

MIT International Journal of Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering Vol. 1, No. 2, Aug 2011, pp 80-86
ISSN 2230-7656 MIT Publications

83

VI. TRANSFORMER DESCRIPTION

Table 1. Transformer Data
S. No.

Detail

01.

Company

Crompton Greaves Ltd.

India

02.

Year of manufacturing

1971

03.

Serial No.

23422

04.

KVA Rating

7500

05.

Phase

06.

Frequency

50 Hz

07.

HV

132 KV
32.8 Amp

08.

LV

33 KV
137.2 Amp

09.

Impedance Volts

9.78%

10.

Core Winding tonnes

12.7

11.

Total weight in tonnes

32

12.

Tertiary winding is designed for a short time rating

of 27.5 MVA for 5 second.

Fig. 6 Response of pure resistance using SFRA

An ideal inductor at low frequency behaves as a short circuit,
as frequency increases, the impedance increases, heading
towards an open circuit. The response of an ideal inductor is
shown in Figure 7. It starts at 0dB and then shows a
characteristics roll off, on the log scale, as the frequency
increases.

VII. FREQUENCY RESPONSES OF INDUCTOR, CAPACITOR

AND RESISTOR
Individual passive components- R,L,C have identifiable
and distinct frequency responses. In practice, however, there
is no such thing as an ideal inductor, an ideal capacitor or an
ideal resistor; each has elements of the other components.
Consequently their responses contain elements of each
component.[3]
Fig. 7 Response of pure inductance using SFRA
A ideal capacitor behave like an open circuit at low
requencies but at high frequencies it behaves like a short circuit
& its response climbs towards zero as frequency rises, as
indicated in Figure 8.[7]

Fig. 5. Frequency response of ideal resistor, inductor and

capacitor.
We have tested the 350 Ohm resistance using SFRA, its
results appears to be around -18db, shown in Figure 6. It clearly
indicates that, as the resistance of the system goes on
increasing, the dB level of response decreases.[5]

Fig. 8. Response of pure capacitance using SFRA

MIT International Journal of Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering Vol. 1, No. 2, Aug 2011, pp 80-86
ISSN 2230-7656 MIT Publications

VIII. TRANSFORMER MODELING

84

Good grounds are key to good high frequency responses

make sure ground connections are not hampered by loose.

In a FRA measurement, a transformer is measured with

a small signal sine wave. In this case, the electric and magnetic
field coexist inside the transformer. The distribution and X. STANDARD INTERPRETATIONS
value of these fields depends on the characteristics of the
Experience has shown that different frequency bands of the
components of the transformer and the internal layout. These SFRA trace relate to different elements within a transformer.
fields are distributed all around the internal parts of the A general overview is given in Table 2 for open circuit
transformer. Consequently, the effects of the different measurements. [7]
parts in the response are completely mixed and would be
necessary an infinite number of Rs, Ls and Cs to
Table 2. Frequency Bands And Possible Sources Of Variation
reproduce perfectly these fields distribution and therefore the
behaviour of the machine. As soon as a group of cells represents
Band
Likely Causes of Variation
a general component (core and winding), a unique cell inside
<2kHz
Core Deformation, Open
these groups will represent a specific bandwidth of the
Circuits, Shorted Turns &
frequency response and a specific part inside these components.
Residual Magnetism
[12-13]
2kHz to 20kHz

Bulk Winding Movement

Relative to Each Other, clamping
structure

20kHz to 400kHz

Deformation Within the main

and tap windings

400kHz to 2MHz

Movement of main and tap

winding Leads; axial shift

XI. RESULT
Fig. 9. Classic model of the transformer.

IX. TEST CONNECTIONS

The frequency response reveals very interesting

characteristics of the transformer, with the open-circuit and
short circuit test results containing the most complete
information. We observed two main parallel resonances or
valleys, which are caused by two component groups: the
excitation components and the leakage reactance components;
respectively called excitation resonance (valley) and leakage
reactance resonance (valley). The first resonance occurs at
lower frequencies and the second happens at medium
frequencies. This means that each group of components
alternately dominates the circuit in ascending frequency
sequence.(Figs.11 & 12)

Fig. 10. Connection of Transformer with SFRA Analyzer

(LV- Short and HV & TT are interconnected
Make sure good electrical connections are made at bushing
terminals and at the base of bushings; clean, file or wire brush
connection points if necessary. Test connections are given here
for some common transformer designs; the red lead is first of
the two named terminals. (Table 3)[10].

Fig. 11. Curve shows shorted turn

MIT International Journal of Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering Vol. 1, No. 2, Aug 2011, pp 80-86
ISSN 2230-7656 MIT Publications

85

Fig. 12 Sweep Frequency Response Analysis of Power Transformer

Table 3. Test Connection of Transformer
Test Type

Test

3 Phase
--

3 Phase
--

3 Phase
--

3 Phase
--

1 Phase

HV Open Circuit (OC)

All other terminal floating
LV Open Circuit (OC)

Test 1
Test 2
Test 3

H1-H3
H2-H1
H3-H2

H1-H3
H2-H1
H3-H2

H1-H3
H2-H1
H3-H2

H1-H3
H2-H1
H3-H2

H1-H2 Or (H1-H0)

All other terminal floating

Tertiary Open Circuit (OC)
All other terminal floating

Test 4
Test 5
Test 6

X1-X3
X2-X1
X3-X2

X1-X3
X2-X1
X3-X2

X1-X0
X2-X0
X3-X0

X1-X0
X2-X0
X3-X0

X1-X2 Or (X1-X0)

Short Circuit (SC)

High (H) to Low (L)
Short [X1-X2-X3]

Test 7
Test 8
Test 9

Y1-Y3
Y2-Y1
Y3-Y2

Y1-Y0
Y2-Y0
Y3-Y0

Y1-Y3
Y2-Y1
Y3-Y2

Y1-Y0
Y2-Y0
Y3-Y0

Y1-Y2 Or (Y1-Y0)

Short Circuit (SC)

High (H) to Tertiary (T)
Short [Y1-Y2-Y3]

Test 10
Test 11
Test 12

H1-H3
H2-H1
H3-H2

H1-H3
H2-H1
H3-H2

H1-H3
H2-H1
H3-H2

H1-H3
H2-H1
H3-H2

H1-H0 Short [X1-2]

Short Circuit (SC)

Low (L) to Tertiary (T)

Test 13
Test 14
Test 15

H1-H3
H2-H1
H3-H2

H1-H3
H2-H1
H3-H2

H1-H3
H2-H1
H3-H2

H1-H3
H2-H1
H3-H2

H1-H0 Short [Y1-2]

HV Open Circuit (OC)

Test 16
Test 17
Test 18

X1-X3
X2-X1
X3-X2

X1-X3
X2-X1
X3-X2

X1-X0
X2-X0
X3-X0

X1-X0
X2-X0
X3-X0

X1-X0 Short [Y1-2]

MIT International Journal of Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering Vol. 1, No. 2, Aug 2011, pp 80-86
ISSN 2230-7656 MIT Publications

XII. CONCLUSION
The present paper covered an exhaustive details about FRA
technique being implemented for assessing mechanical
integrity of a transformer. A core effects model based on the
frequency response of transformers is presented. It has the
facility of offering a physical meaning of the different effects
in the transformer. Therefore, an internal knowledge of winding
and core movements after occurance of any Short circuit fault
or after a transit for a power transformer can be achieved by
means of an external measurement (as is the Frequency
Response) through the proposed model by conducting Offline
SFRA tests. It has been explained that basic R, L, C elements
responses are helpful for modeling a power transformer which
can be considered as a two port network. The application of
this technique has proved very effective in diagnosis of the
core and windings present in power transformers.

86

and Dielectric Phenomena, 2004. CEIDP 04. 2004 Annual

Report Conference on 17-20 Oct. 2004, pp. 186 189.
[6]

Jorge Pleite, Carlos Gonzalez, Juan Vazquez, Antonio Lazaro,

Power transformer core fault diagnosis using Freq.response
analysis, IEEE MELECON 2006, May 16-19, Benalmadena,
Spain, pp. 1126-1129.

[7]

Jashandeep Singh, Yog Raj Sood, Piush Verma and Raj Kumar
Jarial, Novel method for detection of transformer Winding
faults using Sweep Frequency Response Analysis, IEEE
Transactions Vol. 1, PESGM 2007- 001023, 2007.

[8]

D.M.Sofian, Z.D. Wang, S.B. Jayasinghe, Frequency

Response analysis in diagnosing transformer Winding
movements-fundamental understandings; Universities Power
Engineering Conference, 2004. 39th International Volume 1,
6-8 Sept. 2004 pp. 138-142 Vol. 1.

[9]

S.A. Ryder, Diagnosing transformer faults using frequency

response analysis, Electrical Insulation Magazine, IEEE
Volume 19, Issue 2, March-April 2003, pp. 16 22.

[10] Tony Mcgrail, SFRA Basic Analysis, Vol. 1, Version 1.0,

2003 Doble Engineering Co., pp. 4-13.

REFERENCES
[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[11] Tony McGrail, SFRA Basic Analysis, Vol. 2, Version 1.0,

2003 Doble Engineering Co., pp. 3-5

Y. Han, Y. H. Song, Condition Monitoring Techniques for [12] J.A. S.B. Jayasinghe, Z.D. Wang, P.N. Jarman, Warwick, A.W.
Electrical Equipment A Literature Survey. IEEE
Darwin,Investigations into Sensitivity of FRA Technique in
Transactions on Power Delivery, Vol. 18, NO. 1, January 2003.
Diagnosis of Transformer Winding Deformations. IEEE
Simon Ryder, Frequency Response Analysis for Diagnostic
International Sympo-sium on Electrical Insulation ISEI 2004.
Testing of Power Transformers, Electricity Today Magazine,
1922 September 2004. Indiana Convention Center,
Issue June 2001.
Indianapolis, Indiana USA.
Charles L. Sweetser , Patrick Picher, A Report on activities [13] J. Pleite, E. Olas, A. Barrado, A. Lzaro and J. Vzquez.
by IEEE WG Pc57.149 and CIGRE WG A2.26 On Frequency
Transformer Modeling for FRA Techniques. IEEE-PES
Response Analysis (FRA) Testing, 2005 Doble Engineering
Transmission & Distribution Conference and Exhibition 2002
Company.
Asia Pacific.
Ashok Kumar Yadav, Subash C. Taneja, Transformer [14] Carlos Gonzlez, Jorge Pleite, Rosa Ana Salas, Juan Vzquez,
diagnostics testing by SFRA, The Journal of CPRI, Vol.2,
Transformer Diagnosis Approach using Frequency Response
No.2, September 2005, pp 177-185.
Analysis Method IEEE Transactions on Transformer, Vol. 2,
no.1, march 2007.
P.M. Nirgude, B. Gunasekaran, Channakeshava, A.D.
Rajkumar, B.P. Singh, Frequency response analysis Approach [15] Doble digital library, www.doble.com and http:// www.doble.
for condition monitoring of transformer, Electrical Insulation
com /products/m5400_sfra.html