INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMERS

Instrument transformers are critical components of the substations and are used to measure voltage and current in the system. External contamination (ozone, water) are the main factors causing degradation on the surface of this equipment. Partial discharge can develop either internally or superficially. Acoustic Emission testing is used to detect partial discharge on line before they reach critical levels without taking the equipment out of service or manipulating its operating conditions.

Recently, Acoustic Emission wireless sensors have been deployed to monitor 765 kV Current Transformers. The use of these sensors avoids the need to run cables over very long distances with all the labor and cost involved on that approach. The wireless sensors communications schemes can be point-point or wireless mesh. The AE sensor has the capability of monitoring up to 8 analog inputs offering a multi-sensor monitoring capability under the same platform. View related publications for more information on these installations.