Automatic Analysis System for Monitoring and Diagnosing the Condition of Transformer Insulating Oils

Valquíria Cristina Farias da Rosa, Simone de Fátima Pinheiro Pereira, Alan Marcel Fernandes de Souza, Pedro Moreira de Sousa Junior, Adrianny da Silva Sodré, Ronaldo Magno Rocha, Davis Castro dos Santos, Thiago de Melo Silva

Abstract


Mineral insulating oil degrades over time due to oxidation, accelerated by metallic compounds, oxygen, water, and heat. This degradation leads to color changes, acidic compound formation, and, in advanced stages, sludge precipitation. Monitoring these changes requires periodic chemical, physical-chemical, and chromatographic analyses, which can be time-consuming and costly. This work presents a pilot unit that simulates transformer conditions and enables real-time, automated measurement of oil color, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and pH, allowing for reliable degradation diagnostics. The results indicated an upward trend in analyzed parameters, showing that degradation begins quickly. The obtained values provided a more precise diagnosis of oil condition. The statistical correlations further justify the findings, demonstrating the effectiveness of automated monitoring. Implementing this automation can significantly reduce equipment downtime and unnecessary laboratory analyses, with chemical tests serving as confirmation.


Keywords


analytical automation; electrical equipment reliability; oil degradation; sensors; transformer maintenance

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References


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15180710

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