Question

Thermographic cameras may be used to perform electrical transformer condition monitoring tasks. What are the faults that an infrared camera is likely to detect? There may be more than one correct answer to the question.​

Answer 1

Some of the most common faults that an infrared camera is likely to detect include the following:

• Overheating: One of the primary functions of a transformer is to convert electrical energy from one voltage level to another. This process generates heat, typically dissipated through cooling systems such as fans or radiators. However, if the transformer becomes overloaded or has a malfunctioning cooling system, it can overheat and become damaged. An infrared camera can detect this overheating by measuring the temperature of the transformer's surface and comparing it to normal operating levels.
• Partial discharge: Partial discharge, also known as corona discharge, is a phenomenon that can occur in electrical equipment when there is a breakdown of the insulation between two conductors. This can cause a small amount of current to leak, which can cause damage to the equipment over time. An infrared camera can detect partial discharge by detecting the heat and light produced by the discharge, which may be visible as small sparks or flashes on the surface of the transformer.
• Loose connections: Electrical connections in a transformer, such as those between the primary and secondary windings, can become loose over time due to vibrations or other mechanical stresses. This can cause a loss of electrical contact and an increase in resistance, which can cause overheating and damage to the transformer. An infrared camera can detect loose connections by detecting the hotspots produced by the increased resistance, which may be visible as areas of higher temperature on the surface of the transformer.

These are just a few examples of the faults that an infrared camera will likely detect when performing electrical transformer condition monitoring tasks. Other types of faults may also be detected, depending on the transformer's specific condition and the camera's capabilities.

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