Bruckner Power Station Utilizes Infrared Technology to Monitor Transformer Temperature

The transformer of the Bruckner power station in the United States has installed more than 300 on-load tap-changer monitors to monitor the temperature rise of the tap-changer. With the monitor, the cooling characteristics of the transformer without circulating pumps can be analyzed. The infrared camera records the temperature profile of the heat sink set.
For transformers in substations, the main components of the cooling system are cores and windings. Heat losses caused by iron cores and windings can affect transformer efficiency and life. Temperature rise can increase conductor resistance and can cause insulation degradation, resulting in transformer failure.
Many transformers in substations are equipped with radiators. Although natural air cooling is used to cool the air, some of them are cooled by pumps and radiators. In addition, some departments use water-spraying transformers to keep the transformers cool during hot weather.
The infrared camera can function as a video camera for the transformer, and can also show changes in temperature and color (dark in the hot spot area). It can directly provide visual analysis of transformer hot spots.