Design and evaluation of a hybrid system for detection and prediction of faults in electrical transformers

Transformers are the vital parts of an electrical grid system. A faulty transformer can destabilize the electrical supply along with the other devices of the transmission system. Due to its significant role in the system, a transformer has to be free from faults and irregularities. Dissolved Gas-in-oil Analysis (DGA) is a method that helps in diagnosing the faults present in an electrical transformer. This paper proposes a hybrid system based on Genetic Neural Computing (GNC) for analyzing and interpreting the data derived from the concentration of the dissolved gases. It is further analyzed and clustered into four subsets according to the standard C57.104 defined by IEEE using genetic algorithm (GA). The clustered data is fed to the neural network that is used to predict the different types of faults present in the transformers. The hybrid system generates the necessary decision rules to assist the system's operator in identifying the exact fault in the transformer and its fault status. This analysis would then be helpful in performing the required maintenance check and plan for repairs. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.