Creep life assessment of distribution transformers

The life of distribution transformers depends on creep phenomenon of winding conductors especially in power deficient areas and poor power distribution networks. The creep strain in winding conductors more than the specified clearance between adjacent windings causes fault hence failure of the distribution transformer. In this paper, the creep life of both aluminum and copper wound distribution transformers is calculated using experimental creep results of winding conductors. The effect of frequent switching is also calculated and observed experimentally on the creep life of the distribution transformers.