To prevent transformer explosion and fire, SERGI developed a prevention method called TRANSFORMER PROTECTOR (TP). Experiments and computer simulations are performed to prove its efficiency. Two experimental test campaigns were carried out by Electricite de France in 2002 and by CEPEL, Brazil, in 2004 on large scale transformers equipped with the TP. These 62 tests consisted in creating low impedance faults in oil filled transformer tanks. The tests showed that the arc first creates a huge volume of gas that is quickly pressurised, generating one high pressure peak that propagates in the oil and activates the TP within milliseconds before static pressure increases, thus preventing the tank from exploding. Beside the experiments, a compressible two-phase flow numerical simulation tool has been developed. Comparisons between experiments and simulations validate the model that can thus be used to study depresssurisations of large transformer tanks.
展开▼
