A New Approach for Transformer Interturn Faults Detection Using Vibration Frequency Analysis

Interturn fault detection is a challenging issue in power transformer protection. In this paper, interturn faults of distribution transformer are studied and a new online detection method based on vibration analysis is proposed. Transformer electromagnetic forces are analyzed by time stepping finite element (TSFE) modeling of interturn fault. Since the vibration associated with inter-turn faults is caused by electromagnetic forces, axial and radial electromagnetic forces for various interturn faults are studied. Transformer winding vibration under interturn faults is studied through an equivalent mathematical model combined with electromagnetic force analysis. The results show that it is feasible to predict the interturn winding faults of transformer windings with the transformer vibration analysis method. Simulation and experimentation studies are carried out on 20/0.4 kV, 50 kVA distribution transformer. The results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.