Experience Wins Transformer Analysis
During a highly technical conversation about the life expectance of old and new electrical transformers, MIDWEST was asked by the Consulting Team what the most common failure mode for outdoor oil filled power transformers was. The discussion involved 1000 kva to 10 Mva power distribution transformers typically found in the outdoor substations of manufacturing plants. We were discussing Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and its value for reliability optimization. The consultant was using military data for failure mode and frequency of occurrence. There was poor connectivity between that data and our world of big old oil transformers used by industry. It was even less appropriate to use historical military data on the new oil transformers used today to replace those old tubs. The whole thing was rather ridiculous as every one struggled to find legitimacy in the analysis. The solution came with a twist from a reliable and too often forgotten source.
MIDWEST’s senior field service technicians and service engineers were asked what the most common failure mode was, based on their experience, experience that exceeded 100 years. Their one word answer was, “Raccoons.” After the technical minds recovered and realized the answer was more than just a little jab and a lot hilarious, they realized it was true. So now they asked what should be done to lower the probability of this critical failure mode. The answer, “No raccoons.” Problem solved.