Developing laboratory exercises to effectively teach transformer system monitoring and testing

High voltage auto transformers are regarded as one of the most important and expensive electrical power system devices. Thus, it is essential to remotely control and monitor their operating conditions. A key objective of autotransformer monitoring systems is to ensure continuity and reliability of autotransformer operation resulting in a reduction in costs and economic losses associated with the possible failures of autotransformers. This paper presents details regarding the laboratory equipment and the associated lab exercises used to teach transformer monitoring concepts to fifth-year electrical power systems engineering students at Warsaw University of Technology in Poland. These students develop a comprehensive understanding of high voltage autotransformer monitoring and protection through the use of an ADAM5510E/TCP microprocessor-based controller.