Red Tie 2018 - Kansas City
 
Here are the potential topics for this event. During the registration process, you will be able to vote on the topics you are most interested in learning about. The highest rated topics will be presented during the event.  

Topic ID

Session name

Description

Transformer design

D-1

Design review process of power transformers

Power transformers are part of the complex grid system. The system has been built over decades and constantly evolves. New transformers have to fulfill requirements that are very specific for their place of installation. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve a high level of product standardization and repeatability. The standards establish the fundamental performance expectations related to the electrical design and specification builds on this by adding site specific requirements. These become a typical set of documents that are used to purchase transformers. With a lot of effort put into standard development and specification writing, the last step of interpreting the requirements is still very critical. It is therefore vital that utility service conditions and system requirements are translated into a design that will meet or exceed requirements.

D-2

Designing transformers to withstand systems faults and high transportation accelerations

Power Transformers are constantly subjected to dielectric and thermal stresses in service. Together with mechanical forces these are the dimensioning factors for any design. Contrary to constant thermal and dielectric, the mechanical stresses, while being infrequent during transformer life still present significant challenge. These needs to be properly considered in the specification, design, manufacturing and shipping. The transformer withstand to short circuit and transport forces are the vital elements of in service reliability. This presentation will briefly outline critical aspects of short circuit theory, design, manufacturing and testing. The impact of high acceleration on transformer parts will also be discussed.

D-3

Designing transformers to withstand HV lighning and switching surges

Power transformers are subject to various electrical disturbances taking place on the network such as equipment switching operations and/or natural climatic events (lightning). Such events are well defined in the international standards and subdivided into different categories based on their shape. They are known to be fast events with short duration and high frequency content. Electrical equipment needs to be designed and tested for such transients. Transient calculations are fundamental for power transformer design and measure the voltage distribution in the windings. Resulting electrical stresses are then compared to the material limits and design criteria. This presentation gives a complete overview of transient calculations and teaches the basics of the transient control means and main insulation design

D-4

Designing power transformers for applications requiring low noise levels

Strict noise ordinances in many metropolitan and residential areas around the world require power transformers to have low, even ultra-low noise levels with the transformer fully loaded. This presentation reviews sources of transformer noise, design considerations for low and ultra-low noise transformers, development of ABB’s ultra-low noise technology, the advantages of low noise transformer designs over using sound barriers and enclosures, methods of measuring transformer noise and revisions in IEEE noise testing Standards.

Components & accessories

C-1

Condenser bushings: design, application and field issues

Increase operating safety and reliability, while reducing the cost of outages, maintenance and collateral damage, with the next generation of oil-free and paper-free condenser bushings. Learn about type O Plus Dry bushings, the most reliable technology available for bushings.

C-2

Load tap changers: design, application and maintenance

Beginning with the fundamentals of load tap changers, this tutorial will equip the audience with an understanding of the life of an LTC from the basic theory to its final operation. There will be a special focus on the key failure modes of LTC’s and modern solutions to prevent them from occurring on your transformer.

Maintenance, diagnostics & protection

M-1

Processing and relocation of power transformers

The processing and relocation of power transformers covers the hauling, receiving and unloading of power transformers from receipt inspections to methods of movements and precautions to ensure safe and efficient transportation. The processing section covers transformer assembly, dewpoint, dryness, vacuum levels and duration, oil filling, electrical testing and energization procedures for safe operation of power transformers

M-2

Low frequency drying: field condition of power transformers

Performing field dryouts of power transformers using traditional vacuum & hot oil circulation is efficient for removing surface moisture but has very limited results for removing deep moisture, for very wet transformers, if the transformer core & coils have been exposed for a long period of time (i.e. to repair the transformer on site). A new technology is available called Low Frequency Heating (LFH) that dries the transformer at higher temperatures (110C) for a quicker and more efficient dryout. The background for moisture ingression, dangers of high moisture and the method of LFH will be presented along with case study dryouts. ABB has successfully performed over 50 dryouts in North America on transformers up to 500kV and 750 MVA in size with final moisture in cellulose of less than 1% achieved.

M-3

On-site repair options for power transformers

Traditionally, when a large power transformer reaches end of life and the organic material is exhausted, it is either replaced, sent to a remanufacturing facility. With the aid of significant mobile processing and test systems, ABB has developed a process that allows rebuilding of the transformer at, near the installation site. Windings are built at an ABB factory and then carefully installed in a temporary, permanent clean room near the station. This session provides examples of the hundreds of transformers that have been successfully returned to begin a new life of service.

M-4

Transformer life extension options and considerations

This discussion will explain the factors that cause a transformer to age and describe the analytical tools and techniques to determine the condition of a transformer and its remaining life expectancy. We will then explore different options to extend the life of the transformer and potentially increase its rating. The discussion will include examples of transformers that have gone through these processes.

M-5

Remanufacturing vs. repair of power transformers

Traditionally, when a large power transformer reaches end of life and the organic material is exhausted, it is either replaced or sent to a remanufacturing facility. With the aid of significant mobile processing and test systems, ABB has developed a process that allows rebuilding of the transformer at or near the installation site. Windings are built at an ABB factory and then carefully installed in a temporary or permanent clean room near the station. This session provides examples of the hundreds of transformers that have been successfully returned to begin a new life of service.

M-6

Shell type universal spare recovery transformers

As a critical element in the transmission grid, at the power plants, power transformers are possibly the most valuable asset within the system. Quick recovery strategy for main power transformers is critical to guarantee long term grid reliability. Learn how shell form Universal Spare transformers can be a solution by overcoming traditional size and transport limitations, and providing multiple voltage ratings on high voltage (HV) and low voltage (LV) for operation flexibility.

M-7

Preventing long-term outages due to loss of key transformers

The loss of a key transmission, step-up transformer can cause a loss of significant power to the grid. Depending on the circumstances this loss of power could cause other cascading effects resulting in long-term outages. Equipment hardening is a cost-effective way to provide an additional layer of security. The equipment hardening mainly focuses on the protection of the active part, which is the most valuable part of the transformer and requires a much longer time for replacement, repair in case of catastrophic damage and includes
— Resilient Tanks: Hardening the tank walls to protect the “core” of the equipment.
— Dry bushings: Avoiding the catastrophic consequences of the bushing failure.
— Protecting the externals components: Protecting the functions and alarms.
— Resilient cooling: Preventing failures and planning smart cooling replacement.

M-8

Fast switching transient protection for distribution transformers

When a vacuum or gas-insulated circuit breaker cycles, reignitions can create fast transient over-voltages inside of the transformers on the system. There is also the chance of voltage amplification due to harmonic resonance from the wide range of voltage frequencies that occur during the event. A single over-voltage can be fatal but winding damage can also build over time. This presentation displays recent testing that has broken down the aspects of the event and new, comprehensive methods to protect transformers

Industry specific applications

I-1

Transformer efficiency for wind farms today

Wind energy projects have special transformer requirements, affected by site conditions and power variability. Harmonics, sizing, current, losses and safety are critical design considerations for these renewable generation sites. This session studies the issues unique to wind applications and offers solutions and examples that improve reliability and reduce lifetime costs.

I-2

Transformer for oil & gas and other challenging environments

Environments such as those encountered in the oil and gas industries pose challenging transformer reliability and safety concerns. During this session, the most recent possibilities for transformer safety and environmental hardening are reviewed.

I-3

Renewable application system considerations that impact transformer design

Both solar and wind energy projects have special transformer requirements, affected by site conditions and power variability. Harmonics, sizing, current, losses and safety are critical design considerations for these renewable generation sites. This session studies the issues unique to wind and solar applications and offers solutions and examples that improve reliability and reduce lifetime costs.

I-4

Oil & gas: Industrial power transformers

The petrochemical industry presents many unique challenges for designing power transformers in harsh environments. This session will review requirements and design considerations of the industry, such as:
— Area classification and operating environment
— Fluid options
— Radiator options
— Ambient temperature and temperature rise
— Terminations
— Special operating requirements

I-5

Oil & gas: distribution transformers

Environments such as those encountered in the oil and gas industries pose challenging transformer reliability and safety concerns. During this session, the most recent possibilities for transformer safety and environmental hardening are reviewed.

I-6

Solar applications for distribution transformers

Solar energy projects have special distribution transformer requirements, affected by site conditions and power variability. Harmonics, sizing, current, losses and safety are critical design considerations for these renewable generation sites. This session studies the issues unique to solar applications and offers solutions and examples that improve reliability and reduce lifetime costs.

I-7

Wind applications for distribution transformers

Wind energy projects have special distribution transformer requirements, affected by site conditions and power variability. Harmonics, sizing, current, losses and safety are critical design considerations for these renewable generation sites. This session studies the issues unique to wind applications and offers solutions and examples that improve reliability and reduce lifetime costs.

I-8

Network applications for dry type transformers

As Network Transformer applications occur in highly populated areas, the importance of balancing the safety, reliability, and environmental impact in network asset management is more recognized than ever before. Even though transformer designs are safer than ever, industry experts continue to work on eliminating the source of harmful or even catastrophic events. In this session we will discuss the challenges associated with putting safety first utilizing real life applications of a safety conscious network that drastically reduces life cycle costs and considers environmental impact.

Special Transformers

S-1

Adjustable Frequency Drive (AFD) transformer short circuit issues

Energy efficiency is top of the agenda for many businesses. Using Alternate Frequency Drives (AFDs) or Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) has the potential to deliver huge improvements to the overall energy efficiency of a process by providing a higher degree of process control. AFDs are fed power by transformers, which must also be designed to handle a variety of issues, such as the harmonic pattern; local hotspot; a special multi-circuit design for multi-circuit drives to handle phase shifts; short-circuit withstand capability; and differential protection of large transformers. This session covers issues unique to transformers in AFD applications, and provides solutions to improve reliability.

S-2

Special transformers for mass transit and railway systems

Mass transit and rail systems are economical, efficient modes of transport that can potentially deliver operations at even higher speeds. The signing of the FAST Act* makes the future look promising for railway and high-speed rail development. Transformer technology is pivotal in rail applications, contributing to overall the efficiency and reliability of the network. This session focuses on railway systems, varieties of transformers used and key parameters in terms of technical specifications and transformer designs for rail applications, such as overloading requirements; temperature rise and short-circuit withstand capability.

*FAST (Fixing America's Surface Transportation) Act.

S-3

Transformers for offshore and subsea operations

Ever-growing power needs and technology developments support the oil and gas and mining sectors, enabling them to explore and operate in challenging offshore regions. This puts great demands on power distribution systems, as well as power requirements of equipment like drives, pumps and compressors. One solution is a specially designed subsea transformer capable of operating at depths of 3,000 meters below MSL (Mean Sea Level). This session focuses on unique of subsea transformers, and examines integrated solutions and the challenges of designing the cooling system; internal leak protection; corrosion protection; and pressure compensators that make it possible to operate safely at great depths.

S-4

Key features and technical requirements for furnace and rectifier transformers

Furnace and rectifier transformers have certain unique features and key requirements that relate to harsh, intense industrial usage. It is important to understand the operational issues and design considerations support this technology, including the high current and hotspots in the windings; regulations; busbar arrangement and local overheating; intermittent loading cycle and the harsh, demanding industrial environments. In this session, we discuss various technical configurations and essential key requirements every customer should have in their specifications to ensure safe operations.

Additional topics

A-1

Transformer failure modes

Failures of power transformers can be costly and disruptive. Many monitoring options are available for owners of power transformers, giving detailed operational insight into the condition of the transformers. The session reviews the modes of failure, the drivers of those events and the monitoring options that are available to detect problems as they emerge.

A-2

Power transformer production processes

Transient calculations are fundamental for power transformers design and consist in the calculation of the voltage distribution in the windings and different active part ducts.

A-3

Application considerations for ester-filled power transformers

This session will review the application of natural ester fluid to distribution transformers and provide participants an opportunity to discuss the possibilities for their system requirements.

A-4

Phase shifting transformers: applications and technology

Phase-shifting transformers (PST) are a cost-effective means to ensure reliable and efficient power flow control in the transmission system. They are improve AC network efficiency, boost power flow, protect transmission lines from overloads, reduce operating cost and increase the utilization of existing transmission lines.

A-5

Shell type large power mobile transformers

Smaller and lighter are not terms usually associated with large power transformers but can be important when faced with replacing aging units. This session will show how the weight and footprint of large power transformers can be significantly reduced using high temperature insulation. Reduced size offers benefits such as fast-deployable transformers that are mobile, easily shipped, and quick to install and operate.

A-6

Voltage stabilization in transmission grids by shunt reactors

The market interest in shunt reactors is constantly increasing as a low cost solution to con­sume reactive power. Even more, with the Variable Shunt Reactor is possible to control fluc­tuations in reactive power that require too many switching actions for a switched reactor, capacitor but where the advanced control possibilities of a static var compensator (SVC) are not needed. This session presents the transmission system benefits and applications, like improved power quality, optimized grid operation and even the possibility of interaction with other regulation devices to maximized the dynamic capacity of the network at network failures.

A-7

Impact of GIC (geomagnetically induced current) on power transformers and power grids

Understanding the impact of geometrically induced currents (GIC) on power systems is a key requirement to ensure system stability. GIC studies identify key areas of concern and options for magnetic and thermal evaluation. Most power transformers would not experi­ence significant overheating, damage from high levels of GIC. However, the system impact must be considered, including causes of GIC, effect of DC and GIC on power transformers, impact of a GIC event on power systems, mitigation of GIC effects, GIC capability of a transformer design and system impact.