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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R01637/01
Title: Condition Assessment of Power Transformers Using Spectroscopic Optical Probes & Multivariate Methods
Principal Investigator: Stevens, Professor GC
Other Investigators:
Herman, Dr H
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
National Grid
Department: Health and Medical Sciences
Organisation: University of Surrey
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 27 August 2001 Ends: 26 August 2004 Value (£): 123,409
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Power Sys Man, Prot & Control Power Systems Plant
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Electronics Energy
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
This programme builds from earlier work on the ageing mechanisms of paper-in-oil insulation in power transformers and on recent exploratory work on the spectroscopic determination of paper ageing. We seek to develop robust optical-fibre spectroscopic probing methods linked with multivariate statistical (chemometric) models for non-destructive condition assessment of transformer winding insulation. This includes the spatial determination of aged condition of the insulation across the windings and elucidation of other ageing variables to predict remaining life and probability of winding failure for defined engineering end-points. The first step will focus on the development of novel probes and novel analysis methods that allow the separation of the oil and paper spectral information and the development of chemometrics models that can reliably predict aged condition. We expect the work to lead first to the development of ex-situ condition assessment methods and eventually to development of probes for the analysis of tanked windings for in-situ condition assessment. This novel development, in collaboration with National Grid, will for the first time connect the non-destructive measurement of whole-winding aged conditions with engineering predictions of aged condition and the experience will support the development of a new generic approach to the condition assessment of electrical insulation systems.
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Organisation Website: http://www.surrey.ac.uk