The Transformer and Electrical Energy
In any segment of society’s activity, whether in industry, commerce, hospitals, or even homes, the use of electricity is necessary to keep things running. This electrical energy depends on a transformer, which is part of a circuit that interconnects the source (power generation) to the final consumer.
As the main generator responsible for ensuring the supply of electrical energy, the transformer requires great care in its operation and maintenance. An incident with this type of equipment can leave an entire city or state without power, causing losses and damage to services, consumption, and the population in general.
In view of the importance of a transformer, regular maintenance of this equipment is extremely necessary to reduce the risks of incidents and failures, prolonging its useful life.
How does a transformer work?
The equipment responsible for converting the voltage that comes from the energy companies and reaches our homes is called a Power Transformer. It delivers energy at a higher or lower voltage according to the needs of the electrical installations.
Its operation is quite simple: it works by means of alternating electric currents; if the transformer lowers the electric voltage, it increases its electric current, and vice versa. For physics fans, Power Transformers operate under the electromagnetic principles of Faraday’s Law and Lanz’s Law.
But beware: Power Transformers are usually located in power plants and substations. They are responsible for conducting the power to the distribution network – another substation in an urban district. The transformers that stay on poles in the streets are called Distribution Transformers, which are responsible for converting the high voltages (coming from the generations) to low voltage, which reaches our homes.
How Power Transformer maintenance is done
There are three main types of maintenance: predictive, preventive, and corrective. Below we will briefly discuss them:
Predictive Maintenance:
This is an analysis using devices that diagnose the condition of the transformer. This analysis is carried out while the equipment is still in operation, in certain cases it can even be done online (gas monitoring, partial discharges, for example) depending on the resources and investments available in the transformer.
Preventive Maintenance:
It is done based on the diagnostics performed in predictive maintenance. Because it is a scheduled technical stop, the total or partial interruption time of the transformer is shorter, which avoids losses in the final energy distribution.
Corrective Maintenance:
It is carried out in emergency cases or to solve problems found in advance in the other types of maintenance.
Data Engenharia carries out all three types of maintenance and also manufactures power transformers up to 230kV, furnace transformers and rectifiers up to 50MVA. With more than twenty-five years in the market, we have modern equipment capable of performing tests and advanced diagnostics in our workshop or in the field. Among our main services in transformers are: Diagnostics and inspections, standardized tests, design and manufacturing, refurbishments, modernizations, rewinds, repowering, electromechanical redesigns, various kinds of maintenance, specialized field engineering, assemblies, and commissioning.
Upon arrival at our workshop, the transformer goes through evaluations that detect the main causes of failure, as well as a list of all detailed activities to be performed for perfect functionality and operational reliability.
After undergoing all repair procedures, the transformer is fully submitted to the electrical testing laboratory, which meets all the testing requirements according to the applicable NBR, for voltage class up to 230kV, where the quality is tested and approved. After passing the tests, the equipment is released for shipment to the customer to continue its operation.
If your company needs specialized technical assistance in transformers, talk to our technicians: comercial.trafo@data.com.br