Assess transformer health with FLIR thermal imaging

If a load tap changer (LTC) fails, the entire transformer will shut down and that can cost a utility company millions of pounds, adding overtime pay for workers and additional expenses to expedite repair.

If a load tap changer (LTC) fails, the entire transformer will shut down and that can cost a utility company millions of pounds, adding overtime pay for workers and additional expenses to expedite repair. The outage will also adversely affect numerous distribution circuits and the remaining power grid as the load will need to be re-routed to supply the affected circuits.

In a new technical application note, FLIR explains that a thermal imaging sensor is a valuable tool for preventing such failures. It is designed to record or monitor temperatures in real time. The use of fixed thermal imaging cameras for regular condition monitoring can plot the temperature trends of an LTC and make critical decisions on the health of the transformer before it fails.

Application spotlight link:

https://www.flir.com/instruments/utilities/application-spotlight-load-tap-changers/

FLIR realtime image: load tap changers