Report for Nomination of FSP - 2024 Award
In 1979, WAPDA Authority established a setup “Transformer Reclamation Power Transformer Engineering Service Unit (PTESU) Workshop” at Lahore for attending the faults developed in Power Transformers
In 2001, the workshop was given under the administrative control of Pakistan WAPDA Foundation. PTESU has rendered valuable services to the Power sector of Pakistan which ensured continuity of Power in the country on the one hand and saved huge foreign exchange through repairs /rewinding of the defective transformers on the other hand.
In first week of FSP 2024 program, I attended Power Transformer Oil Testing Lab where I worked on various instruments which are used for oil testing. Following tests were performed in this lab:
1. Oxidation stability
2. Dissolve gas analysis
3. Dissipation factor
4. Resistivity
5. Dielectric Strength
6. Flash point tester
7. Viscosity Meter
8. Inter facial surface tension
9. Water content test set
In second week of FSP 2024 program, I attended Power Transformer Electrical Testing Lab where I worked on various instruments which are used for electrical testing. Following tests were performed in this lab:
1. Transformer Turn Ratio
2. DC Winding Resistance
3. Sweep Frequency Response Analysis
4. Insulation Resistance
5. Capacitance & Dissipation Factor
6. No Load & Load Loss
7. Double Frequency with Stand
8. Hi Pot Voltage with Stand
Consider the following points on the basis of which I may please be nominated for FSP-2024 award;
Point No. 1: Engagement with the industry with respect to duration
Here are some suitable activities for such a short-term engagement:
• Enhanced understanding of the fundamental physics that can lead to better transformer performance and optimization.
• Evaluated the materials used in transformer cores, windings, and insulation, also recommended ways to improve energy efficiency, reduce losses, and enhance reliability by selecting optimal materials.
• Increased understanding of the challenges and opportunities in transformer usage in renewable energy systems.
• Solutions strategies based on scientific principles, potentially enhancing transformer longevity and performance.
• A proposal for a long-term research partnership that can lead to innovative solutions for PTESU and create research opportunities for UMT.
Point No. 2: Valuable work performed for the benefit of the host company
Here are some activities performed for the benefit of the host company during the two-week engagement:
• Immediate suggestions for minimizing losses, reducing energy consumption, and lowering operational costs, potentially leading to significant long-term savings.
• Improved material usage can lead to longer transformer life, reduced failures, and better handling of higher loads, ultimately improving PTESU’s operational efficiency.
• PTESU would be better prepared to handle renewable energy integration, which is critical for future grid stability and efficiency as the energy landscape evolves.
• PTESU would benefit from cutting-edge innovations that could enhance the reliability and efficiency of their transformer systems, positioning them as leaders in the power industry.
Point No. 3: Research conducted that significantly improved the performance of the company
Here are some research initiatives that were completed within this short duration:
• Reduced core losses would lead to lower operational costs, enhanced transformer efficiency, and decreased heat production.
• Enhanced cooling would result in better transformer performance under high loads, reduce the risk of overheating, and extend the operational life of the equipment.
• Load optimization would lead to more efficient transformer operation, reduced maintenance requirements, and improved overall system performance.
• Prolonging the life of transformer oil would reduce the frequency of oil replacements, lower operational costs, and improve transformer reliability, contributing to enhanced overall performance.
• Material research could position PTESU as an industry leader in sustainable energy solutions, reducing environmental impact while potentially lowering costs and improving long-term transformer durability.
• Improved transformer performance in handling renewable energy would enhance grid stability, contributing to better overall efficiency.
Point No. 4: Valuable learning or experience brought back for students
Here are some key areas of student learning:
• Students will gain a deeper understanding of how theoretical physics is directly used in the power industry, bridging the gap between classroom concepts and real-world applications.
• Students will learn how to approach energy efficiency challenges in electrical systems, understanding both the physics behind the losses and the industry’s solutions to mitigate them.
• Students will be exposed to cutting-edge technologies and research areas, inspiring them to pursue advanced studies or careers in power systems and engineering.
• This knowledge will help students, how the industry is moving towards more sustainable energy practices, which is increasingly important in today’s world.
• These case studies will offer students hands-on experience in tackling complex engineering problems, developing their analytical thinking and practical application of physics concepts in industry-relevant situations.
• Students will learn the importance of collaboration across disciplines, preparing them for future roles in multidisciplinary teams in the industries.
• This information will help students better understand the career opportunities in the power and energy sectors, motivating them to pursue internships, projects, or further studies.
Point No. 5: Valuable changes or improvements made in the curriculum and teaching methodology
Here are some key suggestions for curriculum enhancement and teaching methodology improvements:
• Use problem-based learning (PBL) techniques where students analyze and propose solutions to real PTESU case studies.
• Use project-based learning, where students research and develop strategies for improving transformer efficiency or explore how transformers can support renewable energy grids.
• Implement project-based learning where students are mentored by industry experts (such as PTESU engineers) while they work on real problems, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Integrate the workshops into the course structure as part of a professional development series, encouraging active participation and interaction with industry experts.
• Implement team-based learning approaches where students from different fields work together on transformer-related projects, simulating industry environments.
• Assign pre-class readings or video lectures based on PTESU’s operational challenges, followed by in-class collaborative exercises that solve these problems.
? Outcomes:
1. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been drafted and shared for further necessary action
2. COOP program and Internship/Training opportunities for students and faculty
3. Research collaboration to enhance the performance of the Power Transformers by altering the various parameters
4. Analysis of the power transformer data through artificial intelligence (AI) and latest research tools
5. Exchange of knowledge through guest lectures, seminars and workshops