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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_SHET_0018
Title	Transformer Intrascope Phase 2
Status	Completed
Energy Categories	Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution) 100%;
Research Types	Applied Research and Development 100%
Science and Technology Fields	ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) 50%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 50%;
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation	Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator	Project Contact No email address given Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc (SHEPD)
Award Type	Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source	Ofgem
Start Date	01 December 2015
End Date	01 December 2017
Duration	24 months
Total Grant Value	£700,000
Industrial Sectors	Power
Region	Scotland
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc (SHEPD) (100.000%)
Web Site	http://www.smarternetworks.org/project/NIA_SHET_0018
Objectives	The objectives of the project will aim to provide: 1. An imaging system that: a) Has a working distance capability from a few centimetres to a couple of metres with controlled field of view and magnification. b) Allows for the attenuation, scatter, and shading of the oil on at least a semi-automatic basis to yield true colour images. 2. A delivery system that: a) Can be introduced through a single top entry plate (or valve) and provide access to the bottom of the tie rods. b) Has an intuitive guidance system that can be used by relatively untrained engineers. c) Has sufficient flexibility and control to manoeuvre the tip to otherwise inaccessible locations in the tank. 3. An optimal inspection procedure that: a) Determines and documents the best practices for using the inspection probe. b) Documents, stores and presents inspection findings in an easily understandable format. 4. A business case that: a) Demonstrates if the system will have value and relative priority compared to alternative initiatives. The project will be deemed as successful if the items in the methodology are met and the TRL level is increased to TRL 9; or if the project clearly shows that this methodology is not suitable for full scale deployment.
Abstract	SHE Transmission, and the other GB Transmission Network Operators (TOs), have an ageing infrastructure presently in use on the GB transmission network which means that asset management is becoming an ever-more important factor for the continued operation and maintenance of the network. Many operational transformers are approaching the latter part of their lives so it is important to be able to monitor their condition and accurately estimate how much longer these units can be reliably and safely operated. A useful measure of a transformer’s estimated remaining life in service is through the assessment of its internal winding insulation. The condition and rate of deterioration of the transformer’s internal insulation can be used as a factor to assess its remaining life which can then be used in making optimum asset replacement decisions. Presently, the only non-invasive method of assessing insulation condition available to SHE Transmission as Business as Usual practise is through regular analysis of oil samples using Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA). This method is important but has limitations including its level of accuracy and its reliance upon an up-to-date history of the transformer oil being assessed. SHE Transmission does not have any other tools or systems at present which allow us to directly access and analyse the internal insulation of a transformer without the need to dismantle ("de-tank") the transformer in a factory off site. This is an expensive and time consuming option especially for larger transformers along with the major inconvenience and cost of a lengthy outage time required to inspect the transformer; as a result, a project was recently completed in which a prototype spectral analysis scope was developed which started to address some of the aforementioned challenges. The device managed to provide valuable learning about the viability of establishing internal asset condition through in-situ inspection. However, the device is currently limited due to inadequate image quality, lack of in tank manoeuvrability and a limited scope length due to the need to capture both images and spectral information without introducing signal attenuation. The trial activities for the closed phase of the project have demonstrated that the aforesaid limitations make accurate positioning of the prototype at the specimen rather cumbersome. This project aims to address these limitations. This project is a continuation of the development of the technical method which investigated the possibility of using an in-situ electrical insulation analyser. The project, with particular application to power transformers, is based on the technical development and demonstration of an in-situ electrical insulation analyser. GnoSys Global Ltd (GnoSys) has previously developed a methodology based on wide-wavelength spectroscopy which has been incorporated into a hand-held tool. It is however currently limited due to inadequate image quality and a lack of in tank manoeuvrability. During the project, SHE Transmission will work with GnoSys to conduct further development of the intrascope probe system based on the concept of a clinical endoscope construction whilst employing the wide-wavelength spectroscopy methodology. This system will be designed to be much more suited to the end user practical requirements, permitting the in-situ testing of transformers on-site. The system aims to improve the imaging available by utilising a tip mounted camera and the use of "snake arm" technology or motion control to improve overall manoeuvrability of the system.Note : Project Documents may be available via the ENA Smarter Networks Portal using the Website link above
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	17/12/18