TROUBLESHOOTING TRANSFORMERS:ADVANCED DEVICES HELP CREWS KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON INSIDE THE TANK

摘要

Whether in a substation, hanging from a pole, or sitting in a subdivision, stout, sturdy transformers are the hinge on which entire electric systems turn. But their rugged, workaday appearance can mask a raft of white-knuckle questions for utility line crews and their managers.The uncertain status of a transformer can leave line-workers who are trying to repair an outage wondering just how seriously compromised the unit may have become. A visual scan for physical damage, followed by releasing the relief valve to check for a pressure buildup, and a final sniff for the smell of burning oil has long been standard operating procedure. But linemen know there are still risks when re-energizing.