Abstract :
Summary form only given. Facing the aging of its large electric transformer assets, PJM, a regional transmission organization (RTO) in eastern US, is testing a new method to model and predict transformers´ service lives systematically and objectively. The approach is introduced in this panel session. A Bayesian probabilistic method is used to model the uncertainty in the three parameters of Perks´ distribution derived from a simplified form of Perks´ equation to represent the hazard function of transmission transformers. This method is a major improvement from traditional Iowa curves. It gives a continuous family of transformer life distributions as well as the likelihood rather than a limited number of distribution patterns. The Perks´ distribution can assume all the three distribution patterns of Iowa curves: right, left, and symmetrically modal. The method is illustrated in detail by applying to a single vintage data set of transformers. PJM is in the process of implementing this method to the statistics on hundreds of large electric transformers in PJM
Keywords :
Bayes methods; power transformers; remaining life assessment; transmission networks; Bayesian probabilistic method; EHV transformer retirements; Iowa curves; PJM; distribution patterns; regional transmission organization; transformer life distributions; transformers service lives prediction; transmission transformers; Aging; Bayesian methods; Equations; Hazards; Predictive models; Retirement; Statistical distributions; System testing; Uncertainty;
