Monitoring of transformers on-load tap changers (OLTC)

On-load tap changer (OLTC) is one of the important components that regulate the voltage level in a power transformer. Incipient fault detection can help prevent major power transformer failures. For several years, Hydro-Quebec’s Research Institute (IREQ) has been working on the development of a vibro-acoustic diagnostic tool for the continuous monitoring of OLTCs. The currently available tool proves the feasibility of the concept and provides a large database for further analyses. However, the development of sophisticated algorithms and finer analyzes are still necessary before its large-scale use.