Diagnostics of the technical condition of transformers according to the color characteristics of transformer oil

This paper presents the results of a research of transformer oil in a visual way. The high information content of the optical radiation scattered and transmitted through the oil is shown. By the color of the radiation, it is possible to determine such characteristics of the oil as acid number, dielectric loss tangent, the presence of colloidal particles, their concentration and size, as well as the presence of aromatic compounds in the oil, changes in their molecular composition and concentration. By the presence of aromatic compounds and colloidal particles, it is possible to visually state the development of thermal and discharge defects in a transformer. This diagnostic system allows to assess the condition of power transformers without shutting them down, make decisions on their further operation without the use of expensive equipment and at the initial stage to identify the changes that are significant and necessary. This is due to the high cost of the transformer, its importance in terms of the reliability of power supply to consumers, the complexity of determining damages and defects at an early stage of development.