Risk Assessment by Using Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) Based on Power Transformer Aging for Maintenance and Replacement Decision

Power transformers are critical assets of the grid due to their missions and economic values. Also, the failures in these equipment cause interruptions and economic losses. Therefore, prevention of these failures are highly necessary. In this study, it is proposed to prevent power transformer failures by using FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis). The FMEA is implemented to actual power transformer failure data of CIGRE (Conseil International des Grands Réseaux Électriques). Evaluation of failure criteria is divided into subdivisions to predict failures more accurately, different than the other studies in the literature. Also, aging is considered as a factor which affects the whole process. In this regard, the risks are prioritized according to their risk values. Thus, system operators can prevent the failures before they occur by using these prioritized risks. Consequently, supply continuity of the grid will be increased and high economic cost of the failures will be decreased.