Thermal Intelligence: Advanced Thermal Monitoring Techniques for Power Transformers

Thermal Intelligence: Advanced Thermal Monitoring Techniques for Power Transformers

by Roger Eli, Brad Boness, Alan Ross

Applied Sciences & Engineering Energy THEnergy technology and engineeringTHRElectrical engineering
🎙 Roger Eli, Brad Boness, Alan Ross 👥 556 📅 November 26, 2025 ⏱ 60 min 👁 57 📄 expert opinion 🧭 2026-08-16
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

thermal monitoringpower transformerscondition-based monitoringIoT sensorsasset management

Summary

This webinar, hosted by APC Media, features Roger Eli from Georgia Power and Brad Boness from Systems with Intelligence, discussing advanced thermal monitoring techniques for power transformers. The presentation covers the evolution from manual IR inspections to continuous thermal monitoring using IoT devices. Roger Eli shares his 40-year experience at Georgia Power, detailing the implementation of a comprehensive monitoring program that includes dissolved gas analysis, bushing monitoring, and thermal monitoring. The system uses fixed-mounted thermal and visual sensors (IM500) that are magnetically attached to transformers, providing real-time data via LTE to a cloud platform. The data is integrated into Georgia Power’s PI system for trend analysis and alerts. Key benefits include early detection of hotspots, preventing transformer failures, and extending asset life. Real-world examples illustrate how the system identified overheating connections and a missing draw lead nut, saving transformers from potential failures. The webinar also addresses industry challenges such as supply chain issues and the need to maximize existing asset utilization. The presenters emphasize the importance of condition-based monitoring and the value of touchless solutions for utilities.

177 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The webinar provides valuable insights into practical applications of thermal monitoring in power transformers. The argumentation is based on real-world case studies and expert experience, which adds credibility. The presenters effectively demonstrate the benefits of continuous monitoring over traditional manual inspections, highlighting early fault detection and asset life extension. However, the presentation is largely anecdotal and lacks quantitative data or comparative analysis with other monitoring technologies. The argumentation is persuasive but could be strengthened with more rigorous evidence and independent validation.

90 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on advanced thermal monitoring techniques for power transformers.

Quality & Reliability

7/10

The webinar presents practical case studies and expert insights from utility and vendor perspectives, but lacks peer-reviewed sources and independent verification.

Key Moments

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

Cited Sources

Concurring Sources

Contribution & Novelties

The webinar provides a practical overview of implementing thermal monitoring on power transformers, with real-world examples from Georgia Power. It highlights the benefits of continuous monitoring over manual inspections, including early fault detection and asset life extension. The presentation also discusses the integration of IoT devices with existing utility systems, such as PI, and the use of solar power for remote installations.

Pour aller plus loin :

99 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows high scores in quantity of information and technical level, indicating a content-rich presentation. However, the quality of information and global reliability are slightly lower, reflecting the reliance on anecdotal evidence and promotional content.

Reliability 7/10

💬 No comments were provided for analysis.