Power transformers and reactors

The technical field of activity of Study Committee A2 (SC A2) is:

• Power transformers, including industrial, dc converter, and phase-shifting transformers for distribution, transmission, and renewable energy applications,
• Reactors, including shunt, series, saturated, and smoothing,
• Transformer components including bushings, tap changers and accessories.

Within its technical field of activity, Study Committee A2 addresses topics throughout the asset management life-cycle phases; from conception; through research, design, production,

deployment, operation, and end-of-life. At all stages, technical, safety, economic, environmental, and social aspects are addressed as well as interactions with, and integration into the evolving power system and the environment. All aspects of performance, specification, testing, and the application of testing techniques are within scope, with a specific focus on the impact of changing interactions and demands due to the evolution of the power system. Life cycle assessment techniques, risk management techniques, education and training are also important aspects.

In its 2020-2030 Strategic Plan, SC A2 has introduced two new orientations and corresponding Advisory Groups on Digitalisation and Lower Voltage Applications in order to address emerging technologies and challenges.

It's wonderful that the A2 Study Committee is represented by 80 members and that more than 370 experts are active in Working Groups and Task Forces, as it shows the committee's commitment to inclusion and diversity. This is an important step in building a global association that reflects the wider community and will ensure a more equitable future for everyone.

For more details and regular updates on SC A2 activities, please visit our website.

2022 Highlights

Paris Session

The 2022 Group Discussion Meeting (GDM) of Study Committee A2 was held on August 30^th during a full day session. The GDM addressed the following three Preferential Subjects (PS):

A total of 55 written and presented contributions, as well as 56 spontaneous contributions, suggestions, and comments, provided many interesting aspects and stimulated interesting discussions. A total of 330 delegates attended fully or partially over the whole day. Participation was also very high in other SC A2 activities with 260 attendees to the tutorial on Transformer Life Extension, about 700 visitors to the Poster Session, and 70 members at the Study Committee meeting.

Green Book on Transformer and Reactor Procurement

The first Green Book issued by SC A2 was published in September 2022. This Green Book provides a comprehensive guide to the transformer and reactor procurement process, from identifying functional requirements to trial operation. It is intended to provide a reference for anyone involved in the procurement process. This includes not only users and purchasers, but also manufacturers and suppliers.

It was edited by a panel of experts from different countries – Gilson Bastos (Brazil), Tom Breckenridge (Great Britain), Michael Lamb (United States), and Tara-Lee MacArthur (Australia). The editorial panel was convened by Simon Ryder (Great Britain), the former chair of Study Committee A2.The editors gratefully acknowledge the contributions of all of the individual chapter authors, viz. Khayakazi Dioka (South Africa), Prof. Paul Jarman (Great Britain), John Lapworth (Great Britain), Asgeir Mjelve (Norway), Santhiago Montenegro (Brazil), Prof. Alvaro Portillo (Uruguay), Adesh Singh (South Africa), Craig Swindermann (United States), Tony Walsh (Ireland), Bert Wouters (Belgium), and Ross Willoughby (Australia). The editors and authors also gratefully acknowledge the contributions of the reviewers, drawn mainly from the Next Generation Network, and the editorial team at Springer Nature.

SC A2 LinkedIn Page

Since its creation in 2021, SC A2 LinkedIn page has proved very successful in connecting with members and, equally important, in promoting CIGRE activities outside of our community. The worldwide transformer community can now easily be reached and regularly informed of SC A2 activities through the announcements of new working groups, technical brochures, conferences, surveys and webinars. The page is maintained and frequently updated by Tara-lee MacArthur (Australia). In only its second year, it reaches already more than 1200 followers.

• SC A2 LinkedIn page

Working Groups and Task Forces

A total of sixteen Working Groups (WGs) have been supported by Study Committee A2 throughout 2022, of which:

• Two of them have completed their work in 2022 and published their brochure:

• Five new Working Groups were approved by the Technical Council:

• Nine Working Groups were ongoing in 2022, many nearing completion:

Finally, two new Task Forces have been assembled by SC A2 with the mission to prepare a reference paper on their respective topics:

Publications

In addition to the Green Book mentioned above, SC A2 has published two Technical Brochures in 2022:

This Technical Brochure produced by JWG A2/D1.51 proposes an improvement in the calibration procedure for UHF measurements to achieve comparable measurement results for a proposed frequency range while using different sensors, measuring devices, cables and amplifiers.

This Technical Brochure produced by WG A2.55 aims to answer the typical questions that Asset Managers face when considering life extension measures of power transformers and shunt reactors. Readers are guided through all the major technical and economical steps in selecting, justifying, and applying life extension strategies. With its extensive list of referenced technical documents, this technical brochure will also support readers who wish to dive deeper into some specific topics.

Moreover, two Electra articles were issued by SC A2 working bodies:

• A summary of the Reference Paper on "The Condition of Solid Transformer Insulation at End-of-Life" prepared by a special Task Force led by Christoph Krause (Switzerland) has been published in the February issue of Electra.
• A paper on "The advantage of members sharing data to leverage global networks" by Dan Martin (New Zealand) and Stefan Tenbohlen (Germany) on behalf of CIGRE Working Group A2.62 has been published in the October issue of Electra.

Tutorials

Tutorials are a great way to engage with our members and showcase the work of the Working Groups. In 2022, SC A2 delivered the tutorial on "Life Extension of Oil Filled Transformers and Shunt Reactors" during two events: the SEERC Colloquium in Vienna and the CIGRE Session in Paris.

SC A2 has also supported the Australian and New Zealand A2 power transformer and reactors panel for the webtutes series. As this format worked very well, SC A2 plans to organize regular webinars in the future, to offer tutorials and continue professional development opportunities to audiences outside of organized in-person events.

NGN

In 2022, SC A2 continued introducing NGN members to the world of CIGRE. During the Paris Session, the role of special reporter for two preferential subjects was assumed by two NGN members, each with the support of a senior CIGRE colleague.

The group discussion meeting showcased four NGN presentations related to the preferential subjects. It is worth noting that, for the preferential subject on transformer procurement, a contribution by NGN member Pablo Narvaez (Colombia) on "Experiences and Risks when Dealing with Remote Inspections of Factory Acceptance Tests on EHV Inductive Equipment" received the best paper award and that the keynote address "10 Tips in 10 Minutes: Transformer Procurement" was given by NGN member Tara-lee MacArthur (Australia).

 Finally, two other initiatives have been put forward by SC A2 by providing a contributing role to NGN members while giving them good exposure to technical content and professional contacts:

• In the formation of new Working Groups, conveners are encouraged and supported in recruiting NGN members to take on the role of secretary;
• In the final proofreading of Technical Brochures, NGN members are sought to act as reviewers.

The feedback from these initiatives has been very positive so SC A2 plans to introduce more in the future.

Contact

• Contact of the Chair and/or the Secretary of the Study Committee