IEEE Power and Energy Society

Chicago Chapter 2011-2012

Transformer Bushing Failures

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

 

Larry Kriege

Waukesha Electric Systems

About the Topic

Over the past several years, several bushings equipped with draw lead cable have failed in service. These bushings are not isolated to a single transformer manufacturer and all of them have passed standard routine and type tests. A common characteristic of each failure is the arcing marks found between the draw lead cable and the tube in the center of the bushing. Most of the bushings also failed violently, in that the bushing exploded and in some cases caused a fire. The presentation addresses the following topics:
  1. Extensive investigations have already been conducted on aspects of certain failure mechanisms, and the findings will be reported.
  2. Other possible, but as yet uninvestigated, failure modes are given.
  3. It is hoped this report will draw the interest of others in the industry who will add to the knowledge surrounding this subject.
  4. Suggestions are made to prevent or alleviate the problem. It is not known exactly what causes the arcing in the first place, but it is currently thought that it is initiated by a transient of some kind, and then sustained by the power frequency service voltage. Possible transient generators and the ensuing failure mechanisms are described.

About the Speaker

Larry Kriege has a BS in Electrical Engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee WI. Larry has been in the transformer industry for over 25 years and started as a Field Engineer installing and commissioning complete substations. He also was a Project Manager in sales marketing and a Product Manager for HLT breakers. Currently, Larry is Manager of Transformer Service at Waukesha Electric Systems in Waukesha Wisconsin.

Location       Time  
       
S&L Employees Services, Suite 2709   11:30 AM   Social
55 East Monroe St   11:45 AM   Lunch (optional)
(Enter from Monroe or Adams, near Wabash)   12:00 PM   Presentation
Chicago, IL 60603   1:00 PM   Adjourn
312-269-2000      

Reservations

Please make your reservation by noon on Monday 9 Apr 2012 via the Online Reservation Form.

Directions to Luncheon Location

You can reach the 27th floor of 55 East Monroe Street from two different elevator banks: one on the South end (Adams Street entrance) and one near the North end (Monroe Street entrance). There is NO need to sign-in at the Building Security console near the middle of the 1st floor (Wabash Street entrance).

There are NO vending machines on the 27th floor, so please bring your lunch with you. If you would like to purchase lunch, then the Under 55 dining room, in the basement on the North end of the building, is recommended. There are public restrooms in the basement corridor just south of the Under 55 dining room.

Take the elevator to 27 and go the the S&L Employees Services Suite 2709 on the East side of the building. Press the door bell adjacent to the entry door. The S&L Receptionist will buzz the door latch and ask you to sign in.

As you sign in, you may request a Discount Parking coupon. When you depart, you must pay for parking at the Automated Pay Station in the Parking Garage elevator lobby on the floor where you parked. First insert the parking ticket, then insert the discount coupon, then make payment. If you pay at the Garage Exit, then the discount is NOT available. With the discount, parking is $13, without $29.

Continuing Education

IEEE technical meetings may be acceptable as continuing education where required for maintenance of professional engineering licensure. Refer to the individual state's requirements for details. A receipt for one Professional Development Hour (PDH) will be provided.

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Updated 11 Feb 2012