Cut Costs with Transformer Monitoring

Network overloading, supply chain disruptions, and financial constraints are just the tip of the iceberg when considering the numerous factors that impact electrical assets. Emerging energy technologies are placing new demands on transformers’ traditional load. Supply chain limitations have led to extended lead times, and maintenance expenses continue to rise annually. While utilities strive to develop and sustain a resilient power infrastructure, resource constraints and scheduling pressures can hinder the process.

More companies are recognizing the growing importance of network resilience and are actively seeking strategies to improve asset reliability while minimizing the risks that reduce transformer lifespan. Condition-based monitoring provides a cost-effective solution, empowering utilities to adopt a proactive approach to monitoring their assets.

Monitoring, diagnosing, and expertise define our approach to creating a holistic asset management strategy. We understand that installing a monitor is one component of a broader, long-term strategy. That is why we partner with our customers to best guide and support a successful asset management strategy throughout the entire life cycle of an asset.

LIFESTREAM Support Services recognizes that effective asset management is more than just installing a monitor. That is why we are dedicated to ensuring end-to-end monitoring success through a process flow of planning, designing, managing, implementing, verifying, and supporting – all at a sustainable cost.

The Financial Implications of Transformer Management

Transformers are essential to power distribution and represent substantial capital investments. Their cost varies by design complexity and capabilities, whether it is a small 10kV transformer or a large 420kV transformer. However, the replacement of a failed transformer is significantly more expensive than its initial purchase and installation.

Challenges of Replacing Aging Equipment

Before you can install a new transformer, the aged or failed asset must be safely removed. After this, the brand-new transformer can be reconnected and installed into the network. The cost is further affected by whether work is carried out in energized or de-energized environments. Energized environments will have slower work rates and heightened safety precautions. On the other hand, de-energized substations must have power re-routed or a scheduled outage, resulting in a faster installation but larger logistical and financial implications  when rerouting power.

Labor additionally impacts the overall repair and restoration process. Inspection rates increase for O&Ms because of the higher failure rate due to the equipment’s age. A good rule of thumb is that a total replacement of a transformer costs 2 to 3 times more than its original installation, and as we have seen time and time again, costs will continue to rise as inflation increases.

In the power area, millions of dollars are exchanged each day based on the transmission of electricity. Even one failure or outage can significantly impact the cost and quantity of power purchased and sold. By combining online condition-based monitoring with our reliable LIFESTREAM Support Services, utilities are able to save money and time when managing aging assets. The cost of implementing monitoring equipment is far less than the cost of replacing the entire transformer. With access to real-time data on transformer components, utilities can extend the life of the asset and identify any inefficiencies that could lead to failure. This positions the utility to act proactively rather than reactively when disruptions occur.

By: Katie Garland, Dynamic Ratings

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