Dynamic moisture diffusion in transformer winding insulation

Wind power production is intermittent due to varying wind conditions. This leads to frequent temperature changes in the wind farm transformers, which in turn affects the lifetime of the transformer winding insulation. To extend the lifetime through prediction of effects from dynamic loading, new models for degradation of insulation systems are needed. This article is laying the foundations of a model for dynamic moisture migration in the winding insulation of wind farm transformers. Relevant equations and approximations are presented and an experimental setup for laboratory testing of transformer insulation ageing related moisture migration under dynamic loading is described. The demonstration experiment clearly shows moisture migration through paper layers in a simple physical winding insulation model. As the ageing of cellulose is very moisture-dependent, the migration should clearly be included in models of ageing under dynamic load.