Possibility of using acoustic emission method for testing load tap changers during normal operation of the transformer

High voltage power transformers are one of the most important devices in modern electrical grids. Power transformers are directly responsible for continuous power supply as they are located in crucial points of electrical energy transmission and distribution system. This fact makes maintenance of such a transformer especially important. In order to properly manage reliability of those significant devices proper routines are required but constant increase in power demand makes turning-off and inspection increasingly difficult. This causes that in many situations diagnostic procedures must be performed during operation of transformer.