Sensing load tap changer (LTC) conditions

摘要

A load tap changer (LTC) having a plurality of windings is coupled to one of the primary and secondary of a power transformer in order to regulate the output voltage of the transformer. The LTC includes a plurality of taps physically and electrically connected to and along the windings and a contacting element is selectively moved along the taps to increase or decrease the output voltage of the transformer. The power transformer and the LTC windings are placed in a main tank and the taps are placed in an LTC tank. The temperature in the main tank and the temperature in the LTC tank are monitored by means of first and second temperature probes whose outputs are used to sense the temperature differential (T_DIFF) between the main tank and the LTC tank and to determine if the LTC tank temperature exceeds the main tank temperature for a period of time exceeding a specified time period. Also included is circuitry for sensing the rate of change of T_DIFF and determining if it exceeds a predetermined value.