Defining a transformer´s aging factors in the future

Environmental factors used to have a major contribution to a transformer´s aging process. Heat and humidity were the main reasons for the degradation of the insulation layer and caused corrosion to the oil tank. With power electronics being introduced into the grid, repetitive transients are becoming an influential player in shortening of the transformer´s life span. This paper will discuss the major aging factors affecting the transformer and it will also propose how a predictive health model can be applied to judge the state of this very important component.