NIA SSEPD 0022 Ester Fluid Transformer Re-Design

Key Activities

During this project Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) propose to carry out the development of a 33/11kV power transformer using IEC 60076-14 limits to allow for using an ester-based fluid as an insulating medium at higher running temperatures.

The project will include the following stages;

Business representatives liaising with the manufacturer to investigate a range of potential designs

SSEN will undertake a process of assessing and selecting the most suitable designs for a Continuous Maximum Rated (CMR) unit and a Continuous Emergency Rated (CER) unit based on potential operational and financial requirements

The selected supplier will then be tasked with the manufacture of selected designs

A complete unit will then be subject to enhanced transformer type testing processes before being deemed suitable

Once testing is complete we will re-assess the potential impact on the business and re-visit initial cost benefit analysis

Online dissolved gas analysis and fibre optic monitoring of winding temperatures will be installed for a period of 3 years

The new design, if suitable, will be proposed to relevant departments for use in business as usual

Expected Outcomes

Phase 1 will seek to investigate the cost and operational implications of re-design and use of transformers built to IEC 60076-14 limits for use of ester-based fluids as an insulating medium.

Phase 2 will seek to investigate any detrimental affects on transformer performance over a 3 year monitoring period.

The success of the project will be to understand the implications of transformer re design to allow for running at higher temperature limits.

Progress

The current project has been halted by SSEN due to the appreciation that the updated costs benefit analysis (undertaken after changes in the operational environment of SSEN and learning from the project) shows that the innovative transformer will not achieve the financial benefits forecasted. There are no plans for implementing this technology. Should the costs of the primary materials reduce significantly, SSEN would be revisiting the innovative transformer unit.