Monitoring Transformers in Transit IEEE Power Engineering Society

Transformer Committee Transportation Solutions

Kraig Nunn Technical Manager ShockWatch, Inc.

Presentation Overview
Monitoring Transformers in Transit Why Monitor? Transportation Modes & Risks Benefits of Transit Monitoring Mechanical and Electronic Recorders GPS Recorders Product Options Software Setup Monitoring Considerations Review of Transit Monitoring

Protecting Transformers in Transit

During transit, a primary concern of transformer manufacturers is proper handling of the valuable equipment To ensure proper handling, monitor equipment in transit Hidden damage can result in reduced product life & increased warranty costs Monitoring solution must deliver information about the transportation environment

Why Monitor?
Damage to a transformer means trouble at installation or in the future! Slipped schedules Increased labor costs Increased warranty / repair costs Decreased product life Decreased customer satisfaction Decreased profits!

Transformer Modes of Transportation

Transformers travel by: Ocean Truck Rail Each Mode of Transportation Carries Inherent Risks Ocean: Impact and Tilt/Roll Truck: Impact Rail: Impact and Vibration Transition Points: Impact

Tilt & Roll for Ocean Transport

Example: Ocean Transport Environment

Truck / Container Transport Considerations

X, Y, and Z axes monitoring Grms analysis Environmental Condition monitoring Battery life of recorder Tilt & Roll

Example: OTR Transport Environment

Rail Transport Considerations

Filtering of the recorder 10Hz recommended Vibration monitoring with extended battery life Knowledge of the coupling systems in use Test data to understand mechanical relationships

Example: Rail Transport Environment

Standard Draft Cars Inflexible coupling Most damaging impacts End Cushioned Rail Cars Hydraulic cushioned couplers at the end of the car Medium reduction of impacts Hydro-Cushioned Rail Cars Entire rail car is cushioned Car floats during coupling Higher reduction of impacts

G Force Response

Benefits of Transit Monitoring

Decreases costs related to damage incurred during transit Provides visible deterrent to improper handling Allows for corrective action in cases of potential impact, vibration, or environmental extremes Pinpoints potential areas for improvement in transit process Isolates when and where unacceptable conditions occur and identifies accountable parties Identifies potential product design issues resulting from equipment transport Alerts recipient to inspect equipment for possible damage

Mechanical, Electronic, GPS Recorders

Mechanical Stylus & Paper used to record impacts Unreliable due to paper jams, etc. Records have to be stored as paper files Difficult to read and interpret Accuracy is + 10% Requires special paper Delicate instrument sensitive to impacts Manual entry of date information onto paper Electronic Software based to view information graphically Data is stored in non-volatile FLASH memory; stores data even if power is lost Files can be stored in software data folder Simple output graphs show XYZ impacts; each can be turned on / off in the graph Accuracy is + 2% of scale No paper or other recurring costs required Can withstand a 1m drop onto concrete Uses an internal electronic clock to record time/date stamps

Mechanical, Electronic, GPS Recorders cont.

Mechanical Battery life 1 3 months Requires unknown quantity of batteries Mechanical device Multiple moving parts Scale Ranges modified at factory Calibration recommended after every journey Electronic Battery life 1 9 months Requires 1 alkaline or lithium Electronic device No moving parts 5 programmable scale ranges: 1-100G Calibration recommended yearly

Mechanical, Electronic, GPS Recorders cont.

GPS Monitoring of cargo relative to position Limitations related to GRMS/GPS signal Event notification available during transit via e-mail or SMS messaging Mapping features available

Mechanical Impact Recorders

Electronic Impact Recorders

Record date and time of impact Measure magnitude and duration of impact Capture vibration-related information Monitor tilt and roll Deliver clear, easy to interpret reports Reusable and programmable for multiple shipments Provide easy set-up and operation Rugged enough for years of operation

GPS Monitoring Systems

Product Options Available

Modular Impact Recording Solutions Records multiple events in detail Records all maximum events during a trip Pass band filter selection matched to specific application requirements One year battery life with Lithium cell Optional AC / DC power via remote indicator Optional temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure sensor Optional remote impact detection with external accelerometer Standalone Impact Recording Solutions Captures 10 most significant events Records all maximum events during a trip Records Temperature as well as impact Six month battery life with Lithium cell Unique memory keys for easy information gathering

Monitoring Considerations
Filtering of the Impact Data Software Set Up pertaining to Transformer Shipments Graphical Data Output Ability to export Data

250 Hz Pass Band Filtering

Standard electronic recorder pass band filter

90 Hz Pass Band Filter

Detailed Impact & GRMS Recording

40 Hz Pass Band Filter

Focused Impact Monitoring for Large Structures

10 Hz Pass Band Filter

Limited to impact damage identification

Setup Example

Samp le Setup

Graphical Scientific Data

Graphical Scientific Data

Graphical Scientific Data

Exportable Data

Review of Transit Monitoring

Monitoring Transformers in Transit Why Monitor? Transportation Modes & Risks Benefits of Transit Monitoring Mechanical vs. Electronic Recorders GPS Considerations Product Options Available Software Setup Monitoring Considerations

Conclusion
Thank you for your attention and if you have additional questions or comments please contact:

Kraig Nunn ShockWatch Technical Manager [email protected]

Benefit from the Power of Knowing!