INL to Seismically Test Operational 230-kV Transformer
The U.S. Department of Energy’s CESER and Office of Electricity are working with Idaho National Laboratory (INL)to conduct seismic testing on an operational 230-kV power transformer.
Testing at the University of California San Diego’s Large High-Performance Outdoor Shake Table will assess transformer performance under simulated earthquake conditions and provide data for future equipment design and seismic specifications.
Researchers will evaluate transformer bushings, which are commonly damaged during earthquakes, and test a new decoupler retrofit designed to reduce stress on bushings. The program will also assess base isolation, a method intended to reduce seismic forces on vulnerable transformer components, at full transformer scale.
“Securing the U.S. electric grid against all hazards, including extreme seismic events, is fundamental to national security,” said CESER Director Andrew McClure.
Results will support transformer modeling, equipment design and earthquake mitigation strategies, while contributing data to DOE’s Simulated Ground Motion Database.
Source: energy.gov
