TMS-UHF System
Comprehensive Transformer PD Monitoring System
Power Diagnostic Service’s TMS-UHF system offers a continuous, real-time, early warning partial discharge monitoring system for HV/MV power transformers. This system can transform time-based maintenance to condition-based maintenance. Advances in digital technology now make it possible to detect the presence of partial discharge (PD) in a transformer effectively.
PDS’s on-line transformer monitoring system offers 24×7 partial discharge monitoring of high voltage transformers. The state of the art UHF sensors, along with a high performance data acquisition system, make it possible to detect partial discharge and enable users to take necessary action before it’s too late. The PDS TMS-UHF system has been developed based on over 15 years of experience in monitoring transformers on-line for partial discharge.
The CTM-UHF is an IEC TS 62478 compliant on-line partial discharge (PD) diagnosis and monitoring system designed for early warning of partial discharge. The system provides continuous on-line monitoring of the insulation condition of a transformer. Each monitoring channel is updated every minute enabling the user to review trending data. The system uses advanced noise and PD source separation techniques to ensure reliable PD detection. It is designed to sense the presence of partial discharge which can occur due to voids in the paper and oil insulation of a transformer.
The system provides early warning detection of PD events giving users the opportunity to take corrective action to prevent failure. The two stages of threshold coupled with PDS’s Smart algorithm prevents false alerts of the early warning system. The relevant data from PDSimply can be transmitted to the local computer as well as a remote computer running the PDCare software system.
The TMS-UHF system can be configured to operate in stand-alone, local or network mode, provididing maximum operational flexibility based on the user’s choice. PDSimply acquires , process and stores the data for analysis. In stand- alone mode, users can access PDSimply from a computer to analyze the stored data following an alert.
In local mode, PDSimply transfers the data to the local computer on a continuous basis via an ethernet connection. The local computer can be accessed locally or remotely via WAN for data transfer and analysis.
In network mode, the local computer communicates via WAN to remote devices. The alerts can be configured to be sent via email or SMS to smart devices. The PDCare software system enables users to remotely access the system for data analysis.
Installation of the system is very simple. It comprises of UHF sensors connected to a data acquisition system such as PDSimply which provides 6 monitoring channels. More PDSimply units can be added if more monitoring channels are required. PDSimply has a built in self-monitoring function and 5 output contacts which can be configured for status indications for local/SCADA communications. Also, in cases where a permanent installation of PDSimply is not required, sensors can be installed and PDSimply Portable can be used to check for the presence of PD.
For comprehensive transformer monitoring, the following sensors can be installed on the transformer:
- BMS sensor for monitoring PD in the entire transformer
- UHF DN 50 drain valve sensor for monitoring PD inside the transformer tank
- TM sensor type for monitoring PD in the transformer, as well as the cable termination
- TN hatch sensor for monitoring PD inside the transformer tank for situations where a drain valve sensor cannot be installed
The complete monitoring system has two main components – appropriate sensors and the PDSimply six channel data acquisition system. All PDS sensors work in UHF frequency range as it provides high signal to noise ratio. PDSimply’s advanced noise suppression and multiple partial discharge source separation techniques ensure that only relevant PD data is evaluated so that faults are detected quicker.
The PDCare software system from PDS enables users to review data over time for fault diagnosis. The system allows users to configure the system for two levels of alarm thresholds and view real-time data and trends locally or remotely. The PDCare system can send instant alerts to remote smart devices via multiple methods such as SMS, email, or web server notification. The system can be accessed over WAN to download the data for timely action.
- Easy installation
- Front-end processing for better performance and more detail
- 24 x 7 on-line monitoring of transformers with one-minute resolution
- UHF sensor for high signal to noise ratio
- Local/Remote indication of alerts
