Transformatorbewakingssystemen: Optische vezel voor het meten van de wikkeltemperatuur

Transformatortemperatuurbewaking: Optical Fiber vs. Other Methods

Why Is Transformer Monitoring Essential?

Transformers are the backbone of power transmission and distribution networks. They operate under high voltage and heavy loads for many years. Na verloop van tijd, issues such as insulation aging, overbelasting, and cooling system failure can occur. Monitoring transformers is essential to:

• Detect faults early and prevent catastrophic failures.
• Extend transformer service life by enabling timely maintenance.
• Optimize load management and improve operational efficiency.
• Ensure personnel and equipment safety, avoiding fire or explosion risks.
• Meet regulatory and insurance requirements for critical infrastructure.

Without effective monitoring, minor problems can quickly escalate, leading to costly downtime or even transformer replacement.

Which Parts of a Transformer Need Monitoring?

A transformer is a complex device with several critical components that require continuous monitoring:

• Wikkeling: The copper or aluminum coils where electrical energy is transferred. Overheating here is a leading cause of failure.
• Transformator olie: Acts as both coolant and insulation. Monitoring oil temperature and quality is vital for insulation health and cooling efficiency.
• Kern: The magnetic core can develop hot spots or faults due to eddy currents or insulation breakdown.
• Bushing: Bushings insulate conductors passing through the transformer tank; failure can result in severe accidents.
• Cooling System: Fans, pompen, and radiators are monitored to ensure effective heat dissipation.

By monitoring these areas, operators get a full picture of transformer health, enabling data-driven maintenance and safer grid operation.

Where Are Hotspots Inside a Transformer?

Hotspots are areas where the temperature is locally higher than the surrounding regions. Bij transformatoren, the main hotspots typically include:

• Winding Hotspot: Usually located deep inside the winding, where the highest current density occurs.
• Core Hotspot: Caused by localized magnetic losses or shorted laminations.
• Lead and Tap Connections: Junctions and connections in the winding; loose connections can generate significant heat.
• Bushing Base: Where bushings enter the transformer tank.
• Oil Return Path: If cooling oil circulation is insufficient, local overheating can develop.

Hotspot temperature is the most critical indicator of transformer health, directly affecting insulation aging and overall lifespan.

Main Types of Transformer Monitoring Devices

There are several types of monitoring devices for transformers, each targeting specific risks and parameters:

• Temperatuurbewakingssystemen: Includes RTDs, thermokoppels, and fiber optic sensors for winding and oil temperature.
• Analyse van opgeloste gassen (DGA): Detects gases in transformer oil indicating arcing, oververhitting, of kapotte isolatie.
• Bewaking van gedeeltelijke ontlading: Identifies early-stage insulation failures, especially in high-voltage units.
• Moisture and Oil Quality Sensors: Monitors water content and dielectric strength of transformer oil.
• Bushing-monitoren: Detects emerging faults in bushings by measuring leakage current or capacitance changes.
• Cooling System Monitors: Tracks operation of fans, pompen, and radiators to ensure adequate cooling.

Among these, temperatuurbewaking is the fundamental and most widely deployed technology, forming the basis for predictive maintenance and risk management.

What Is Optical Fiber Temperature Monitoring?

Optical fiber temperature monitoring uses advanced fiber optic sensors, especially fluorescent fiber probes, to measure temperature at critical transformer locations like winding hotspots, olie, en bussen. A typical system consists of a main temperature measurement unit with up to 64 kanalen, each channel connected to a dedicated fluorescent fiber sensor. Each fiber sensor monitors a single point, ensuring precise and reliable temperature tracking.

Compared with traditional electrical sensors, fiber optic probes are immune to electromagnetic interference, are safe for high-voltage environments, and offer excellent long-term stability. The fluorescence decay method provides high accuracy and is ideally suited for transformer windings, where electrical noise is high and installation space is limited.

Why Is Accurate Temperature Monitoring Essential?

Overheating is the main cause of transformer aging and failure. Accurate temperature monitoring allows operators to:

• Detect abnormal heating before insulation is damaged.
• Optimize transformer loading for improved energy efficiency.
• Schedule maintenance based on real condition, not fixed intervals.
• Comply with industry and safety standards.
• Minimize the risk of downtime and unexpected outages.

In the era of smart grids and digital substations, real-time temperature data from fiber optic sensors can be integrated into SCADA and IoT systems, supporting automated alarms, trendanalyse, en diagnose op afstand.

Vergelijkingstabel: Optical Fiber vs. Other Temperature Measurement Methods

Key Parameters of FJINNO Fiber Optic Temperature Monitoring Devices

FJINNO is a global leader in fiber optic temperature monitoring solutions for transformers. Their main products feature:

• Kanaaltelling: Configurable from 4, 8, 16, tot 64 kanalen (one fiber per channel, one hotspot per fiber).
• Sensortype: Fluorescerende glasvezelsondes, excellent for transformer winding hotspot monitoring.
• Temperatuurbereik: -40°C tot +200°C (some models up to +250°C).
• Nauwkeurigheid: ±1°C or better.
• Interfaces: RS485, Modbus, IEC61850, Ethernet, relaisuitgangen.
• Alarm and Display: LCD/LED display, real-time alarms, dataregistratie, remote communication.
• Betrouwbaarheid: Designed for 24/7 use in harsh transformer environments.

FJINNO’s devices are widely used by utilities and industry worldwide, known for their reliability, rich features, and ease of integration.

Global Top 10 Optical Fiber Temperature Monitoring System Manufacturers (with Company Profiles)

1. 1. FJINNO (China)
      Bedrijf: Fuzhou Innovatie Elektronische Wetenschap&Tech Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specializing in optical fiber sensing for power, industry, and new energy.
      Producten: Full range of multi-channel fiber optic temperature monitoring systems (4~64 channels), fluorescent fiber probes, IEC61850/Modbus integration, remote alarm, and cloud platform options.
   2. Lumasense (Geavanceerde energie, USA/Germany)
      Bedrijf: Originally Lumasense, nu onderdeel van Advanced Energy, a global leader in precision measurement.
      Producten: Luxtron series fiber optic temperature monitors, Immuun voor EMI, used worldwide in transformers and medical equipment.
   3. Robuuste bewaking (Canada)
      Bedrijf: Canadian company focused on robust fiber optic sensing solutions for harsh environments.
      Producten: Rugged Monitoring T301/T501 multi-channel systems, modular design, real-time web interface, and extensive industrial approvals.
   4. Neoptix (Canada)
      Bedrijf: Pioneers in fiber optic temperature sensing, part of Qualitrol Group.
      Producten: T/FOx and Oasis systems, field-proven in transformer and generator monitoring, ondersteunen tot 48 kanalen.
   5. Yokogawa (Japan)
      Bedrijf: Global automation and measurement giant.
      Producten: DTSX-serie gedistribueerde glasvezel temperatuur sensoren, suitable for transformers, stroomkabels, and pipelines.
   6. Opens-oplossingen (Canada)
      Bedrijf: Focuses on oil & gas, industrieel, and medical fiber optic sensors.
      Producten: OTG series fiber optic temperature probes, multi-channel monitoring units, high accuracy and advanced reporting.

1. Weidmann elektrische technologie (Zwitserland)
   Bedrijf: Established transformer insulation and monitoring specialist.
   Producten: InsuLogix T glasvezel temperatuurbewakingssysteem, integrates with DGA and bushing monitors.
2. Micronor (USA/Switzerland)
   Bedrijf: Specializes in industrial fiber optic measurement solutions.
   Producten: MRI-safe fiber optic temperature sensors, custom solutions for challenging environments.
3. Bandwever (VK/China)
   Bedrijf: Fiber optic sensing for security, stroom, en industriële infrastructuur.
   Producten: Gedistribueerde temperatuurdetectie (DTS) and multi-point transformer monitoring, slimme netwerkintegratie.
4. Sumitomo Electric (Japan)
   Bedrijf: World leader in optical fiber technology and cable systems.
   Producten: Fiber optic temperature and strain sensors for power transformer and cable monitoring, known for quality and reliability.

Aanbeveling: For users seeking the most advanced, betrouwbaar, and widely deployed fiber optic temperature monitoring for transformers, FJINNO stands out as the top choice, offering robust products, comprehensive technical support, and global references.

Tot slot, transformer temperature monitoring is vital for safe and efficient power system operation. Tussen alle technologieën, multi-channel fluorescent fiber optic systems offer the best performance for detecting winding hotspots and ensuring long-term transformer health. Choosing a reputable manufacturer guarantees system reliability and service support for years to come.