Transformer failures happen often quietly and slowly over time

Transformer failures are rarely sudden. Most failures are caused by gradual internal degradation due to operating conditions that have not been taken into consideration during design. The biggest and most overlooked risks are that transformer behaviour and supply disturbances are not monitored. Without real-time monitoring, a transformer may seem healthy until it fails.

Modern grids introduce complex stresses: switching events, harmonics, and voltage sags. These factors create silent electrical and mechanical stress that standard protection systems may miss.

✅Some benefits of real-time monitoring:
- Early fault detection: detects early warning signs such as partial discharges, voltage stress, harmonic issues, and core saturation
- Improved reliability: Minimizes unplanned outages by allowing operators to take corrective actions before a failure occurs.
- Extended lifespan for transformers: Helps avoid overloading and overheating, two major contributors to transformer aging
- Reduces maintenance costs: Enables condition-based maintenance, reducing the need for frequent manual inspections.
- Facilitates coordination with smart grid systems and distributed energy resources (DERs).

All of these benefits together support real-time decision making at the substation and control center level, and create better data for root cause analysis to help solve problems before damage occurs.

EcoPhis QMU 800 can monitor transformer performance in real time and without sensors, by means of ultra-high sampling (up to 2MHz) of current and voltage data.

With our smart and scalable systems, it is possible to detect issues early and prolong the lifespan of transformers.

Transformers operate in increasingly demanding environments and need continuous oversight. They should no longer be treated as “install and forget” assets.

🚀Start monitoring your transformers now. Contact us for more information: https://www.ecophi.com/contact_form