A manufacturers contribution to life management of transformers

Power transformers have a long expectation of life, but transformers do eventually fail. It is important to appreciate that if the average life of a family of transformers is 40 years, half of that family will have failed within 40 years. Whereas many transmission transformers are operated at only half load for much of their life, generator transformers in power stations usually operate at or near full load for more than 80% of their lives. The determination of the remnant life of transformers is a goal pursued by many researchers, but it is unlikely to be achieved in the near future. However, it is possible to determine the probable condition of transformers, and this information can provide useful guidance in the life management of transformers. In the past the majority of life management decisions have been made by the purchaser, but the manufacturer has an important part to play and judgements made based on inputs from both parties will be more informed. A new understanding between manufacturer and purchaser would provide a synergy to improve commercial inter-relationship