– 10 – 60076-12 IEC:2008

b
L a exp( ) (2)
T

Although any time unit may be used in these formulas, the hour is used in this guide. The
constant a, given in Table 1 for the different insulation system temperatures, is based on this
time unit.

NOTE 1 The expected lifetime calculated according to this equation should not be perceived in a too literal sense.
The ability of the transformer to withstand high over-currents due to short-circuits in the power system and over-
voltages is, after this theoretically calculated lifetime, certainly weakened compared to a new transformer. In the
absence of such disturbances the transformer may still operate satisfactorily for many years. Taking precaution to
avoid short-circuit and installing adequate over-voltage protection may extend the transformer lifetime.

Table 1 – Constants for lifetime equation

Insulation Arrhenius' equation Rated hot spot

°C h K °C
105 (A) 3,10E-14 15 900 95
120 (E) 5,48E-15 17 212 110
130 (B) 1,72E-15 18 115 120
155 (F) 9,60E-17 20 475 145
180 (H) 5,35E-18 22 979 170
200 5,31E-19 25 086 190
220 5,26E-20 27 285 210

NOTE 2 The following formulas are used to determine the coefficients a and b for the rated hot-spot temperature
in the winding:
b
ln (180 000 ) ln ( a )
HS,r 273

b
ln (90 000 ) ln ( a )
HS,r 6 273

is the winding rated hot-spot temperature;

Ti is insulation system temperature (thermal index Ti ).

The Table 1 is calculated by doubling the ageing for each 6 K.

NOTE 3 Most power transformers operate well below full load most of their actual lifetime. Since a hot-spot
temperature of as little as 6 °C below rated values results in half the rated loss of life, the actual lifetime of a
transformer typically exceeds 20 years. Accordingly, the constants in Table 1 were developed based on 180 000 h
using a halving constant of 6 K.

5.3 Relation between constant continuous load and temperature

The constant hot-spot thermodynamic temperature T, in Kelvin (K), of the winding is given by:

T 273 a HSn (3)

where
a is the ambient temperature in degrees Celsius (°C);
60076-12 IEC:2008 – 11 –

HSn is the winding hot-spot temperature rise above the ambient temperature at the
considered load.

Note that the ambient temperature may not be independent of the loading, but may be a
function of the loading :

a f( current) (4)

This function may vary from one site to another. Knowledge of this correlation for the
particular site is necessary to make relevant estimates of the ageing rate and consumption of
lifetime. The correlation may be found by measurement at the specific site. If no such
information is available, indications regarding ageing rate and lifetime consumption can be
obtained by making alternative calculations at different ambient temperatures, for example
within the range 10 °C to 40 °C.

The formulas given in this standard consider eddy losses as ohmic losses in the windings.
Test data indicates that the formulas show higher loss of lifetime than expected. If harmonic
currents are present, the increased eddy losses during overloading may need additional
consideration in accordance with Annex A of IEC 61378-1.

5.4 Ageing rate

The normal lifetime of a transformer is in practice at least 180 000 h. In order to express the
ageing rate k as consumption of lifetime-hours per hour of operation time at a temperature T
in Kelvins (K), 180 000 h is used as a conservative reference in the following equation:

b
k 180 000 a 1 exp( ) (5)
T

The relative ageing rate kr at constant hot-spot temperature T, in Kelvins (K), expressed as a
percentage of the ageing rate that gives 180 000 h lifetime is calculated according to the
equation:

b
kr 100 t a 1 exp( ) (6)
T

a and b are be to taken from Table 1.

5.5 Lifetime consumption

The lifetime consumption Lc , expressed in hours (h), at a constant hot-spot temperature T, in

b
Lc 180 000 t a 1 exp( ) (7)
T

a and b are taken from Table 1.

5.6 Hot-spot temperature in steady state

For most transformers in service, the hot-spot temperature inside a winding is not precisely
known. For most of these units, the hot-spot temperature can be assessed by calculation.

The calculation rules in this document are based on the following: