Power Transformer Phase 2 (Leader: ENGIE)

The end of a power transformer’s service life is closely linked to the condition of its insulation paper. Traditionally, the concentrations of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and furan compounds (such as 2-furfuraldehyde) have been used as diagnostic indicators. However, these methods have inherent limitations. In recent years, methanol has emerged as an additional ageing marker for assessing insulation paper, attracting considerable industry attention and prompting active research worldwide.

The objective of this project is to analyze a collection of specific winding insulation paper material extracted during post-mortem dismantling of selected power transformers and to establish a robust degradation model by correlating the concentrations of temperature-corrected methanol-in-oil with the real winding paper degradation.

June 2021：Annual technical status meeting

Sept. 2019：MeOH Collaborative Research Phase 2 project flyer (updated June 2023)

May. 2019：MeOH Collaborative Research Phase 2 Kick-off meeting

Jan. 2017：MeOH Collaborative Research Phase 1 report

IERE is carrying out a 4 year joint Collaborative Research on power transformer life diagnosis. The objective of this project is to analyze a collection of specific winding insulation paper material extracted during post-mortem dismantling of selected power transformers and to establish a robust degradation model by correlating the concentrations of temperature-corrected methanol-in-oil with the real winding paper degradation. Six members are participating to this project now.

Newsletter No. 120: Progress Report Meeting on Transformer Life Diagnosis Joint Research