Fast heat detection for fires on transformers

Electrical transmission and distribution systems are the heart of every economy. Demand for electricity rapidly increases as a country becomes more developed and industrialised. Transformers are an essential part of the power grid that supplies electricity to homes, offices and factories. However, you may look at them as “potential weak links” in the grid. If one fails, the network is rendered vulnerable. If a power surge occurs across the network, knocking out a number of transformers, the electrical grid could be crippled for months, even years and will have a significant impact on the business continuity of the provider.

SecuriHeat ADW is a unique linear heat detector which uses a sealed metal tube as the sensing element. It is extremely robust and tamper proof, while also offering high sensitivity and algorithms that distinguish fire from natural heating around transformers that are typically situated in the open.

Causes for transformer fires

• Defective oil impregnated paper bushings
• Failure of air/oil insulated cable boxes
• Deteriorated insulations
• Mechanical damage (cracks in the porcelain body of insulators)
• Arcing

Challenges for the fire protection of transformers

• Harsh outdoor environment
• High voltage
• Obstructed accessibility for maintenance and inspection

Key benefits of protecting transformers with heat detectors

• Ultrafast responding rate-of-rise detection with 2’000 samples per second at 0.2°C resolution
• Copper or stainless steel sensing tube is maintenance free over the life span of the transformer
• Simple Lightning protection by earthing the sensing tube
• Detection unit mounted in an easily accessible location