What is Online Condition Monitoring?
Online Condition Monitoring is the process of gathering data of a specific event or type of machine, in our case power transformers via our Electronic Temperature Monitors and using that data to interpret the existing condition of the equipment as well as make maintenance and replacement related decisions based on expected longevity.
This allows a forward thinking and preventative approach when it comes to maintenance instead of a routine or even a reactive based approach.
Instead of routine maintenance of a transformer at certain intervals you can now use a condition-based maintenance model by utilization of the information that was collected by your Online Condition Monitoring program.
Why is Online Condition Monitoring Important?
With the advanced notice of a potential failure, an electric utility could take the necessary steps to prevent unexpected events, such as power outages, fires and environmental disasters while keeping personnel safe. The ability to do these things is a benefit for the utility and their customers.
Online Condition Monitoring is essential for any asset management program, so that assets can be used longer, safer and more reliably than ever before.
Maintaining current legacy assets while handling new technologies such as Renewable Energy, Online Condition Monitoring remains vital for a safe and cost-effective way to mitigate risk along the entire power grid.
Online Condition Monitoring within the Industry
Online Condition Monitoring is especially useful when used at isolated locations, where getting a crew on site is not cost effective, difficult to get to quickly or even dangerous while providing a reliable and constant flow of data without having onsite personnel or scheduling any downtime.
Renewable Energy Sources such as Wind Farms, Solar Power Farms and Hydro Electric Plants become more and more prevalent within the industry, it is just as important to understand that Online Condition Monitoring is not just for existing and older plants that may require additional attention and care.
Even new power plants with state-of-the-art equipment must be properly monitored from the start, especially when these Renewable Energy locations are subjected to the harsh outside elements and abnormal loading patterns which can seriously reduce the lifespan of a transformer.
If not properly maintained, operating these assets can be a costly endeavor. But with Online Condition Monitoring you can assure that your assets are in an ideal working condition with a data backed maintenance schedule, providing a safe work environment and happy customers.
