Loadability of power transformer under regional climate conditions: the case of Turkey

This paper presents an accurate methodology and examines the effects of long-term ambient temperature changes on the power transformer loadability and its service life loss considering regional climate characteristics. The daily ambient temperature variation is modeled on yearly basis for different climate regions according to historical records. For this purpose, four different regions are selected in Turkey. Thermal and service life loss models are tested under two loading conditions for selected climate projections. Models used in the study, are created in accordance with IEEE C57.91-95 and IEC 60076-7 standards. Calculations are made in high resolution as the basis of second distinct from related standards, for mineral oil-immersed power transformer parameters. In this way, the impact of regional climate conditions on power transformer loadability is determined more accurately. The results show that the power transformer loadability is a function of the regional climate conditions. In addition, the result of the analysis, some coefficients are recommended for power transformer loadability to complete a normal service life range (20.55 years) under selected regional climate conditions. This methodology is applicable to the different climate regions and power transformers outside scope of this study.