Emerging Trends in Power Transformer Maintenance and Diagnostics: A Scoping Review of Asset Management Methodologies, Condition Assessment Techniques, and Oil Analysis

Abstract

The present study undertakes a scoping review of research on the methodologies and techniques used for the maintenance and condition assessment of power transformers, which are the main asset in the electrical power transmission sector. It addresses articles on asset management, monitoring and diagnostics, oil analysis, and insulation moisture, with these articles originating from twenty-five countries and being published in journals in the last fifteen years, with more than half of them published in the last five years. The aim of this research is to map the literature linked to the topic in a broader and more exploratory manner and to identify any existing gaps in knowledge. Guidelines such as eligibility criteria, sources of evidence, data charting, and result summaries are described. This study finds that data analysis methodologies related to identifying failures and aiding decision-making can add value to power transformer asset management and this scoping review was the basis for the development of an inedited methodology to aid decision-making regarding investments in the maintenance of power transformers.

Keywords

• Asset management
• condition assessment
• diagnostic techniques
• oil analysis
• power transformers