16th NATIONAL POWER SYSTEMS CONFERENCE, 15th-17th DECEMBER, 2010 716

Experimental Investigations to Identify SFRA

Measurement Sensitivity for Detecting Faults in
Transformers
Prameela M.
1 2
G. Radhakrishna Murthy 3
Pradeep Nirgude 3
B. Gunasekaran
1
Vignan’s Institute of Management & Technology for Women, Hyderabad
2
Vignan University, Guntur
3
Central Power Research Institute, Hyderabad-500 098

analysis using sweep frequency voltage source called Sweep

Abstract— The paper presents experimental studies carried out Frequency Response Analysis (SFRA) measurements for
on a three phase transformer to investigate the sensitivity of detecting winding deformation/ displacements. Sweep
Sweep Frequency Response Analysis (SFRA) measurements for frequency method is preferred over TF method for detecting
detecting faults in transformers. Number of test conditions were winding deformation/displacements due to the advantages of
applied to obtain the frequency responses of a transformer for
better signal to noise ratio, better resolution, repeatability and
different type of faults simulated in a particular phase. The
frequency responses were analyzed for the sensitivity of different
reproducibility of test results [6]. In the present work
test conditions to detect and identify the fault. It is observed that frequency response measurements were made in frequency
the different test conditions need to be employed to identify the domain using Sweep Frequency Response Analyzer (SFRA).
type of fault and faulty winding. The experimental results FRA results are sensitive to a variety of winding faults and
presented in the paper will help in understanding the sensitivity are presumed to be less dependent on previous reference
of SFRA measurements in detecting various types of faults in the measurements. However, there are no systematic guidelines for
transformer. interpretation of the FRA results and more needs to be studied,
collect field data by conducting measurement at site and
I. INTRODUCTION analyze them for an objective and systematic interpretation

L arge power transformers belong to the most expensive and

strategically important components of any power
generation and transmission system and their failure is a
methodology.
However, sensitivity of frequency responses to detect the
problem may depend on the method of obtaining the
very costly event. Deformation / displacement of winding responses. Experimental work to investigate the sensitivity of
assemblies are caused by stresses originating from mechanical frequency responses that can be obtained from a transformer is
vibrations during transport or by magnetic forces evoked by being carried out for various types of faults in transformers.
external short-circuit currents and ageing [1]. Prediction of This paper gives details of the experimental measurements
winding movement/deformation is very valuable for the safe carried out on a three phase transformer. Number of test
operation and better planning of maintenance of transformer in conditions were applied to obtain the frequency responses of a
service and to improve its reliability. In IEC 76-5 standard [2] transformer for different type of simulated faults. The
short circuit reactance measurement is described as a frequency responses were analyzed for their sensitivity to
diagnostic method to check the mechanical integrity of the detect and identify the faulty winding and the results are
winding. Many researchers [3-7] have been suggesting the
presented in this paper.
FRA method to recognize the deformation in a transformer.
These methods are based on the consideration of transformer
as linear, complex and passive network that allows defining II. DETAILS OF TEST EQUIPMENT, TEST SPECIMEN
one input force and several output gates and according to the AND TEST PROCEDURE
network theory one transfer function describe a network FRA measurements were carried out using Sweep
completely. Some researchers [3-5] use the time domain Frequency Response Analyzer (SFRA) instrument. The
frequency response analysis called Transfer Function (TF) experimental setup to carry out FRA measurements is shown
method using a low voltage impulse source to investigate the in Figure 1. In order to study the various aspects of FRA, core
deformation. Whereas, others [6, 7] use frequency domain and coil assembly of a 1000 kVA, 11kV / 433V, Three phase,
Delta/star with was selected.

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 16th NATIONAL POWER SYSTEMS CONFERENCE, 15th-17th DECEMBER, 2010 717

configuration. In the mid frequency range, inductive followed

by capacitive components of the winding determine the
frequency response. At higher frequencies beyond 1MHz, the
lead connections/stray capacitances influence the most. This
test connection examines each winding separately.

b) End-to-end (short-circuit) measurement

In end-to-end (short circuit) test configuration, the input
signal is applied to one end of the winding and the transmitted
signal at the other end of the same winding is measured, but
Figure 1: Experimental set up with a winding on the same phase/or all secondary windings
being short-circuited. This test configuration removes the
Figure 2 shows a view of the test specimen used in this influence of core below about 20 kHz. Irrespective of the
study. Different type of test conditions with tested and non asymmetry of the core in three phase transformers, the
tested terminals are applied to obtain various frequency responses obtained are similar up to at least 5-10 kHz. The
responses in order to detect the faulty winding and type of low-frequency response is characterized by the leakage
inductance. Variation in response below, say 5 kHz, indicates
fault.
winding movement/deformation. Beyond about 20 kHz, the
response will be similar to the one obtained in end-to-end
(open) measurement.

c) Capacitive inter-winding measurement

In this test configuration, input test signal is applied to one
end of a winding and the response is measured at one end of
another winding on the same phase. All other terminals of the
transformer left floating. This test configuration is intended to
check the response due to the influence of space between two
windings in a particular phase. For frequencies up to about 100
kHz the inter-winding capacitance dominates the frequency
response characteristics.
Figure 2 A view of test specimen
d) Inductive inter-winding measurement
Some work has been done to compare the relative In this test configuration, input test signal is applied to a
terminal on the HV side and the response signal is obtained on
sensitivities of different connection techniques [8]. It is
the corresponding terminal on the LV side. Other end of both
important to note that the variation in FRA responses is
windings being grounded as it is done to measure the single
introduced by different type of faults which are detected by
phase turns ratio.
certain type of measurement with greater sensitivity. There are
varieties of measurements that can be made viz., Voltage Fifteen frequency response measurements with the above
transfer between windings, impedance /admittance or mentioned type of terminal connections are possible for a two
attenuation across windings. Some of the common types of test winding transformer. Magnitude response (dB) has been
connections, which are found to be very sensitive to different plotted for the frequency range of 20 Hz to 2 MHz. Various
type of faults in a transformer, employed in SFRA types of faults are created to study the sensitivity of these test
measurements are listed below [8]. configurations to detect and identify the fault. Six types of
a) End-to-end (open) measurement simulation faults are created to study the sensitivity of various
b) End-to-end (short-circuit) measurement
test conditions to detect the faults in the transformers. The
c) Capacitive inter-winding measurement.
faults that are simulated are 1) one turn short in U phase of HV
d) Inductive inter-winding measurement
winding and 2) Disc short fault in U phase of HV winding 3).
a) End-to-end (open) measurement 2500 pF capacitor connected across 1st and 2nd disc of U phase
In end-to-end (open) test configuration, the input signal is of HV winding. 4) Radial clearances reduction in W phase
applied to one end of the winding and the transmitted signal at limb of HV winding 5). Axial clearances change for HV and
the other end of the same winding is measured. All other LV windings and 6). Improper core earth. Fifteen frequency
terminals of the transformer are left open. The magnetizing responses were obtained for each of these six cases. The
inductance of the transformer is the main parameter results for each of the case are presented in the following
characterizing the low-frequency response using this section.

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 16th NATIONAL POWER SYSTEMS CONFERENCE, 15th-17th DECEMBER, 2010 718

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In all the case studies, terminal designations indicated in the

figures are uniformly indicated as: H for HV, X for LV. s
denotes short circuit (end to end short circuit response) and E
denotes earthed (inductive inter winding response). Similarly 1
denotes for U phase, 2 for V phase and 3 for W phase terminal
designations. In all the figures, first response is the base
reference response and the second gives the response for the
same test connection but with a particular fault designated with
letter extension to indicate the type of fault.

Case 1: Shorted turns

One turn fault was created by shorting two adjacent turns in Figure 4: End to end (short-circuit) frequency responses with one turn fault in
the U limb of HV winding. Figure 3 gives end to end (open) U phase of HV winding.
measurement frequency responses for base response & with
one turn fault. It can be observed that the frequency response responses with end to end (open) & end to end (short)
with turn fault deviate largely from the base response at low responses fairly match beyond 40 kHz. This indicates that end
frequencies up to about 40 kHz indicating certain fault. to end (open circuit) measurements are sensitive to turn faults
Lowering of inductance due to shorting of turns, there by case & end to end (short circuit) measurements does not give
reduction in inductive impedance, increases the amplitude any indication of turn faults in a transformer at frequencies
(lower attenuation of the signal) which resulted in variation in below 10 kHz. It is also observed that capacitive winding
frequency response at low frequencies. measurement & inter inductive winding measurement
Similarly it is also observed that, the frequency responses of responses with turn fault fairly match with their base response,
other two windings also resulted in deviation in frequency thus indicating the insensitivivity of these test configurations to
responses from the base response (These responses are not indicate small faults.
shown for limitation of space). This is due to the fact that HV Figure 5 gives end to end (open) frequency response
winding is connected in Delta and shorting of a turn in U – measurement for LV winding indicating base response & one
phase is also resulting in variations in response of other turn fault in HV winding. It can be seen from Fig.5 that, the
phases. However deviation in U- phase response with turn response in LV winding also deviates from its base response
fault was much higher from the other two responses from their largely at low frequencies up to about 40 kHz. By seeing the
base reference responses respectively. graph, it may be concluded that the fault is in LV winding
Fig (4) gives end to end (short-circuit) frequency responses which is not true. This is because of the delta connected HV
for base response & with one turn fault in U phase of HV winding resulted in corresponding deviation in frequency
winding. These two responses closely match up to 40 kHz. response for end to end (open circuit) responses of LV
However, it can be seen in Fig. 3 & Fig. 4 that for frequencies winding also. From above discussions it can be concluded that,
beyond 40 kHz, responses with fault deviate marginally from the fault in HV winding will also result in considerable change
their base responses. It was also observed that the frequency in corresponding phase of LV winding for a delta connected
transformer.

Figure 3: End to end (open) frequency with one turn fault in U phase of HV
winding. Figure 5: End to end (open) frequency responses for LV winding with turn
fault in HV winding

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 16th NATIONAL POWER SYSTEMS CONFERENCE, 15th-17th DECEMBER, 2010 719

Case 2: Disc faults

Figure 6 gives end to end (open) measurement frequency
responses for the reference & with one disc fault in U – phase
of HV winding. It is observed that, the frequency response
with one disc fault deviates largely from its reference at low
frequencies up to about 40 kHz. Similarly responses for other
test configurations were recorded and it is observed that, all
are similar to the case of turn faults. Hence, similar
observations as given for the case with one turn faults do hold
good for disc faults. Comparison of single turn fault response
& disc fault response with their base responses, it is observed
that there is no much large deviations. Hence difficulty in
identifying the extent of shorted turn fault.

Case 3: A Capacitor connected across two discs

A 2500 pF capacitor was connected across 1st and 2nd disc Figure 7: End to end (open) measurement for capacitor connected across I &
II discs of U-phase HV winding
of U phase of HV winding to simulate change in capacitance
values of the winding and study the influence on frequency
responses. Fig (7) gives end to end (open) measurement Case 4: Radial displacements
frequency response for reference and capacitor connected In order to simulate radial displacement of transformer
across I & II discs of U-phase HV winding. It is observed that, windings, an aluminum foil of about half round was wrapped
there is a small change in low frequency around 10 to 40 kHz around W phase limb of HV winding and connected to earth.
and considerably larger variations in the responses between This arrangement will reduce the radial clearance of W–phase
150 kHz to 650 kHz. The changes in low frequencies can be of HV winding to the ground. Figure 8 shows the view of the
attributed to shorting ie external connection of capacitor & transformer, showing the simulation of radial movement.
significant changes in high frequencies can be attributed to Figure 9 gives end to end (open) frequency response for the
capacitive changes in a transformer. It is also observed that, W-limb of HV winding indicating base response & response
the variations in response in other test connections are with radial movement. It can be observed that the frequency
insignificant. Hence, end to end (open) test condition is found response with fault largely deviates from its base response
to be more sensitive for the capacitive changes, with observed about 2 kHz up to 1 MHz uniformly throughout. However it
changes are more significant beyond 150 kHz, for the was observed that responses for other phases with other test
transformer winding as compared to other test conditions. conditions did not show major deviations from their base
reference responses.
Figure 10 gives the inductive inter winding measurements
response of W phase limb indicating the insensitivity of these
test conditions for radial displacement kind of faults. It can
also be said that radial displacement results in resonant
frequency shifts in winding throughout in a mid frequency
range for end to end (open) measurement responses.

Figure 6: End to end (open) measurement frequency responses with one disc
fault in U – phase of HV winding.

Figure 8: A view to show simulation of radial displacement.

Department of Electrical Engineering, Univ. College of Engg., Osmania University, Hyderabad, A.P, INDIA.
 16th NATIONAL POWER SYSTEMS CONFERENCE, 15th-17th DECEMBER, 2010 720

Figure 11: End to end (open) winding response of U phase HV winding for
Figure 9: End to end (open) frequency response for the W-limb of HV axial displacement.
winding with radial movement

Figure 12: Capacitive inter winding measurement for U-phase limb for axial
Figure 10: Inductive inter winding measurement response of W- phase limb displacement.
for radial displacement
Case 6: Improper core earth
Case 5: Axial displacements In order to study sensitivity of frequency responses for
Reduction in axial clearances for HV & LV windings was identifying the improper core earth of the transformer, copper
simulated by removing the earth connection to the clamping strip connection of core to earth was disconnected. Figure 13
rings. This will result in a small reduction in ground gives end to end (open) frequency response measurement for
capacitance. Figure 11 gives the end to end (open) winding U – phase limb with base reference and with core earth
response indicating small changes in the low frequency up to disconnection. A small shift in frequency responses throughout
30 kHz & relatively small changes between 400 kHz to 600 up to 10 kHz can be observed in Fig. 13. Beyond 10 kHz,
kHz frequency. Similarly Figure 12 shows capacitive inter there was absolutely no change in the responses up to 1 M Hz
winding measurement for U-phase limb. It can be observed indicating that, the core earth irregularities will result in
uniform shifting of frequency responses below 10 kHz in end
that, the frequency responses vary from its base response up to
to end (open) winding responses. Similarly end to end (open)
200 KHz. The variations for frequency responses for these test
of LV also resulted in similar shift. From the above discussion,
conditions for a small change in capacitance component
it can be observed that end to end (open circuit) measurements
resulted in a shift in certain resonant frequencies for these test resulting in shift of frequency response up to 10 kHz are
configurations. The end to end (open) responses are sensitive indicative of improper core earth or core related issue in
in medium frequency range and capacitive inter winding transformers.
responses are sensitive up to 200 kHz for axial displacement
type of faults in a transformer.

Department of Electrical Engineering, Univ. College of Engg., Osmania University, Hyderabad, A.P, INDIA.
 16th NATIONAL POWER SYSTEMS CONFERENCE, 15th-17th DECEMBER, 2010 721

physical verifications of the transformers to identify the

problem and validate the interpretation.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Authors wish to thank the management of CPRI to publish
this paper. Authors also thank Shri. Rajeshwar Rao for the
help in conducting experimental work. Thanks are also due to
M/s. Vijai Electricals Limited, Hyderabad, India for providing
the transformer to carry out the research work.

REFERENCES
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[4] J. Christian, K. Feser, U. Sundermann, t. Leibfried, “Diagnostic of
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Delta/star, three phase transformer core and coil assembly to [5] A.J. Vandermaar, “Transformer condition monitoring by frequency
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Engineering , Montreal, Quebec, Canada, August 1997.
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obtain the frequency responses of a transformer for different detection by frequency response analysis”, 66th Annual international
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[7] P.M. Nirgude, B.Gunasekaran, Channakeshava, A.D. Rajkumar and
obtained and analyzed for their sensitivity to detect and B.P. Singh, “Frequency response analysis approach for condition
identify the faulty winding. monitoring of transformers”, proceedings of IEEE Conference on
It was observed that, end to end (open) frequency responses Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena, CEIDP-2004, pp 186-
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are very sensitive to detect the faults within the windings. [8] CIGRE Working Group-A2.26 document on “Mechanical-Condition
Shorted turns and disc faults result in large variation in Assessment Of Transformer Windings Using Frequency Response
responses below 40 kHz with end to end (open) measurements. Analysis (FRA)”, 2008
For delta connected windings, the fault in HV winding will
also result in variations in LV winding responses. Change in
winding self capacitances in a transformer is found to have
resulted in significant changes in frequencies between 150 to
650 kHz. It is also observed that the frequency response with
radial displacement fault may largely deviates from its base
response uniformly throughout up to 1 MHz. It is also
observed that, end to end (open) responses are sensitive in
medium frequency range and capacitive inter winding
responses are sensitive up to 200 kHz for axial displacement
type of faults in a transformer. A small shift in frequency
responses throughout up to 10 kHz was observed for end to
end (open) test conditions indicating its sensitivity to detect
core earth irregularities. Hence, to identify the particular
winding, it is found essential to analyze all the traces of
frequency responses. The frequency response of the winding
giving higher degree of variation from the reference can be
confirmed as a faulty winding. The data and information
provided will be useful in the interpretation of FRA data that
in turn help in the condition assessment of the transformers.
However, more data on the onsite FRA measurements are
needed with different faulty conditions correlated with

Department of Electrical Engineering, Univ. College of Engg., Osmania University, Hyderabad, A.P, INDIA.