Research Capabilities

The Centre comprises the following three fully dedicated research laboratories, located at Monash University Clayton:

• Transformer Testing Facility (built 2006)
• Power Transformer Monitoring and Diagnostics Research Laboratory (built 2003)
• EPRI Project Research Laboratory (built 1994, relocated into new premises in 2006).

Currently, the Centre conducts on-line monitoring of three power transformers operating at the Sponsoring Victorian and NSW utilities:

• 150 MVA mineral oil filled large power transformer (operational since 2003)
• 10 MVA mineral oil filled underground distribution transformer (operational since 1952)
• 10/16 MVA vegetable oil filled distribution transformer (operational since 2005).

A number of important developments of the Centre, following comprehensive laboratory studies and tests, were tested and validated at the local manufacturing plant of Wilson Transformer Company on numerous new transformers during the factory dryout procedures and temperature rise tests.

Research activities of the Centre include, but are not limited to, studies into transformer new and aged transformer oil (both mineral and vegetable), thermal performance, moisture assessment, and winding looseness detection. Results of the research and consulting services are offered to the end users. The Sponsors are given preferential access to the research capabilities of the Centre.

One of the primary objectives of the Centre is to develop new technologies, computer algorithms and equipment for monitoring and diagnostics of transformers. To exploit the technologies developed, the outcomes of this work will be licensed by Monash University to WTC, DR and TJ|H2b.

The EPRI Project research activities involve laboratory research into transformer paper-oil-air physical complexes and monitoring and diagnostics of transformers operating in EPRI-member utilities. The outcomes of the EPRI-Monash research are licensed by EPRI to commercial companies worldwide.

Training of the industry workforce nationally and internationally via seminars, workshops and tutorials is another important activity of the Centre.