MAINTENANCE STRATEGIES FOR ON-LOAD TAP CHANGERS (OLTC) INSTALLED IN POWER TRANSFORMERS

Nowadays OLTCs of power transformers are vital components for the regulation of electrical networks. The service reliability of OLTCs is therefore of high importance and has to be kept on a constant high level during the whole operating life of the transformer. To ensure this, periodical maintenance of the OLTC is required. This paper deals with questions arising in connection with the maintenance-work on OLTCs for power transformers. A short introduction gives general information on maintenance procedures. Strategies are outlined which offer economical solutions for the performance of maintenance work. Service conditions and the personnel and professional situation existing in some countries are considered.