Standard dissolved gas analysis (DGA) and bushing interpretation methods were developed under conventional loading assumptions that no longer fully match today’s grid conditions. We present three questions that illustrate key evolving relationships between current IBR operating conditions and transformer monitoring data.

Renewable power sources are attractive because they convert “free” environmental energy into electricity. However, their variable and weather-dependent nature creates operational realities that utilities must adapt to. This article explores the four primary mechanisms affecting transformers in high-IBR grids.

The fast growth of inverter-based resources (IBRs) such as wind and solar have introduced new operating conditions that are changing the stresses placed on our substation transformers. This article explores why IBRs are substantially different power sources than synchronous generators.