Title: Investigating High Voltage Transformer Performance in Moisture-Prone Areas: A Case Study of Brass, Niger Delta Region
Authors: Gabriel Ebiowei Moses, Sunday Ugemuge
Volume: 9
Issue: 10
Pages: 68-74
Publication Date: 2025/10/28
Abstract:
High voltage transformers are critical components in power distribution networks, yet their performance and lifespan are significantly influenced by environmental factors, particularly in moisture-prone coastal regions. This study investigates the impact of high humidity, saline atmospheric conditions, and rainfall on transformer reliability in Brass, a coastal settlement in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Field inspections, oil moisture content analysis, Breakdown Voltage (BDV) testing, and Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) were conducted on transformers under the jurisdiction of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED). The results revealed that transformers situated within 0-3 km of the coastline exhibited elevated moisture content exceeding 50 ppm, with corresponding BDV levels dropping below 30 kV, indicating severe insulation deterioration. Increased levels of CO and CO? were also detected, signifying cellulose degradation within the insulating paper. Maintenance and fault records further indicated a higher rate of transformer failures during peak rainy months, confirming a correlation between moisture exposure and operational disruptions. The study concludes that moisture ingress and saline corrosion are primary contributors to insulation breakdown and accelerated aging of transformers in Brass. To address these challenges, engineering interventions such as nitrogen blanketing systems, advanced dehydrating breathers, anti-corrosion coatings, and online moisture-in-oil monitoring systems are recommended. Additionally, a climate-responsive maintenance schedule and a proposed Coastal Transformer Reliability Framework (CTRF) tailored for PHED operations in moisture-prone environments are suggested to enhance asset longevity and system stability. The findings provide a strategic reference for grid asset management in coastal regions and contribute to the formulation of environment-specific maintenance policies for power utilities in the Niger Delta.