The Global Machine Condition Monitoring Market is expected to be worth USD 5246.8 million by 2026, with a CAGR of 9.4 per cent during the forecast period of 2021-2026. All businesses worldwide holding crucial assets for manufacturing goods and machine condition monitoring services have been undergoing an immediate drop in profits due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Process

Machine condition monitoring is the method of monitoring the condition of a machine to forecast mechanical wear and failure. 

Condition Monitoring For Transformers

Condition monitoring for transformers is the procedure of monitoring the conditions of the transformer (moisture, temperature, etc.), with an intent to find out any alteration in its performance. It aims to detect any developing fault. The main goal condition monitoring of transformers is to maintain safety from breakdowns by detecting potential faults that may lead to failures and then eliminating them. Periodic transformer maintenance will guarantee several years of trouble-free operation. Advanced condition monitoring techniques will automatically identify the critical and non-critical changes and differentiate between process upsets/faults, to predict when it will fail. 

Frequency

The inspection and maintenance frequency depends on the size and type of transformer and the atmospheric conditions at the site. Usually, the powerful transformers require more frequent inspection than the other smaller transformers. Once the schedule is set for a particular transformer, it should be followed, and the important events must be noted. And most importantly, before commencing any maintenance work, proper safety regulations must be strictly followed. 

Approach

Practicing engineers have been operating various chemical approaches for evaluating the overall condition of transformers. The most effective chemical approaches include: (i) Dissolved Gas in Oil Analysis, (ii) Conclusion of Degree of Polymerization of Paper and (iii) Furan in Oil Analysis. Earlier, these methods have helped power utilities to predict developing problems and plan maintenance activities accordingly. In the recent past, new non-invasive diagnostic techniques have been proposed that complement classical electrical measurements. These methods are based on the size of the dielectric response of transformer insulation in the time domain, viz. measurement of polarization and depolarization currents and recovery voltage measurement, or in frequency domain, viz. frequency domain spectroscopy (FDS). 

Determine the Age of the Transformer

Naturally, the ageing of cellulose insulation defines the most eminent life of a transformer. It has been confirmed that thermal degradation of cellulose insulation like paper and pressboard eventually determine transformer life duration. In order to develop a model for the forecasting life expectancy of oil-immersed transformers, it is crucial to comprehend the ageing mechanism of cellulose insulation.