VCM Brochure
TRANSFORMER MONITORING – SECURE AND EXTEND TRANSFORMER LIFE
Comprehensive monitoring of transformer’s key operating parameters provides control outputs and diagnostics for the long life of the transformer. With integrated intelligence and analysis of the transformer’s condition from Virginia Transformer, maintaining the transformer in prime operating condition is made easier and the life of the transformer is extended. The VCM provides additional protection for the transformer to ensure optimal performance and service life.
VCM KEY BENEFITS:
While the VCM2 monitors all the essential operating parameters of the transformer, VCM3 adds additional protection by enabling:
- Detects Moisture in Oil
- Evaluates Moisture in Insulation
- Loss of Life Algorithmic Projection
- Measures H2 Dissolved Gas
- Records Short Circuit
Occurances - SCADA Compatible, DNP3 or Modbus Protocol
VCM2
A second-generation, PLC-based transformer monitoring and diagnostic module developed by Virginia Transformer Corp. This device monitors all essential transformer operating parameters, providing actual and online diagnostics with SCADA output.
VCM2 provides transformer monitoring and protection
The VCM2 is an integrated module for all essential transformer parameters with accurate monitoring, control, and data collection.
Virginia Transformer Corp. offers VCM2 state-of-the-art technology to provide comprehensive monitoring and protection for Class I power transformers.
FEATURES
- VCM2 uses solid state devices for best reliability
- Unlike other ETMs, VCM doesn’t require any external RTDs and other components. VCM2 includes sensors for measurement
- Sensors used in the VCM2 are more accurate compared to conventional mechanical gauges
- Contacts generate messages if exact set points are fixed, but the user can change the set points locally on the VCM2 screen or remotely from the customer’s computer or laptop
- Set points can be changed through the wired connection with a secure user ID and password
- Output contacts can be tested (locally) in the field using the screen
- SCADA compatible: DNP3 or Modbus protocol
- Lifetime data is available for download anytime
- Analyze transformer performance based on saved measurements and data
- Capability to communicate the data between the VCM2 and the user through wired connection
- 110/220 VAC 50/60 cycle power
- No maintenance required
Output Controls
Based on the measurements, the following set points are activated.
Winding Temperature:
- Fanstage 1
- Fanstage 2
- Alarm
- Trip
Outputs and Measurements:
- Oil Temperature
- Tank Oil Level
- Tank Pressure
- Winding Temperature
- Ambient Temperature
Oil Level:
- Low Level
- Low-Low Level
- High Level
Pressure:
- High Tank Pressure
- Low Tank Pressure
Other Controls and Outputs:
- PRD Activation
- SPR Activation
- Fan Control Alarms
Display/Reporting:
All measurements and alarms are displayed locally on a screen. Set points for fan operation and alarms can be changed locally for start-up and testing. The measurements and historical data are available locally and through SCADA connection.
VCM2 Package Components:
- 1. Sensor box
• Top oil temperature sensor
• Liquid level sensor
• Pressure sensor
• Ambient temperature - 2. Current Transmitter Sensor
• To measure the load current - 3. SCADA Connection
• Modbus or DNP3 Protocol
Provides all the functions of VCM2 plus loss-of-life analysis, dissolved H2 gas analysis, moisture in the oil, moisture in paper insulation, LTC tap position, LTC differential temperature, LTC off tap, and low N2 pressure alarm.
VCM3 provides the ultimate in transformer monitoring and protection
For the first time in the industry, all the values of measurements can be charted and analyzed for abnormal heating and gassing condition to schedule maintenance and achieve an extended life of the transformer, providing an early warning of impending failure. When integrated into the smart grid intelligence, this feature will protect the transmission system against a brownout or a blackout.
Only VTC transformers offer VCM3 state-of-the-art technology to provide comprehensive monitoring and protection of Class II power transformers with or without LTC, essentially making an intelligent transformer. Service interruptions are avoided with status reports of operating parameters. In the event of a potential condition, the VCM3 displays a warning locally on screen and sends an alarm to the user’s computer when connected.
FEATURES
Solid-State Sensors and Set Points, 25-Point Annunciator
- Moisture in oil and paper insulation
- Measures H2 dissolved gas
- Low nitrogen pressure alarm
- Loss-of-life evaluation
- LTC monitoring
- Detects, displays, and records the number of short circuit fault current events on the transformer, magnitude and time of occurrence
- Fast response pressure sensors detect the rapid pressure rise to latch the rapid pressure relay contact
- Failsafe operation - fans will turn on
- All data is compatible to SCADA through Modbus/DNP3 protocols
- Solid-state sensors with analog outputs and comparator circuits replace the mechanical gauges
- Output contacts can be tested (locally) in the field changing the set points on the screen
- Should any sensors become disabled, an alarm message is sent and displayed locally
- A touch screen annunciator provides a local display of all parameters
H2 Gas, Moisture, Loss-of-Life Monitoring
- VCM3 performs online dissolved gas analysis (DGA) for hydrogen utilizing a state-of-the-art gas detector module. It measures the moisture in the oil in PPM, evaluates the percentage of moisture in paper insulation using a VTC proprietary algorithm to determine loss of life in the transformer.
LTC Monitoring
- For transformers with an on-load tap changer, VCM3 includes the feature of monitoring LTC position, number of operations, LTC differential temperature, and provides contacts for 16L, 16R, N, and off-tap position indicators.
Display/Reporting
- All measurements and alarms are displayed locally on a touch screen monitor. Set points for all monitored parameters and alarms can be changed locally or from a connected laptop/computer. The measurements and lifetime historical data are available locally and downloadable to a computer; SCADA compatible, DNP3 or Modbus options.
VCM3 Package Components:
- 1. Sensor Box
• Top oil temperature sensor
• Liquid level sensor
• Pressure sensor
• Ambient temperature - 2. Current Transmitter Sensor
• To measure the load current - 3. Short Circuit Fault Current Detector
- 4. Gas & Moisture Sensor
- 5. LTC Oil Temperature Sensor
- 6. LTC Tap Position Sensor Assembly
- 7. N2 Pressure Switch
- 8. SCADA Connection
Modbus or DNP3 Protocol
The VCM is a proprietary PLC based monitoring and diagnostic module developed by Virginia Transformer Corporation, fitted exclusively on VTC Transformers and a single point service provided by VTC.
VCM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A: There are four levels of protection provided in VCM3:
- The solid-state sensors in the VCM3 are made with a semiconductor quality control system similar to phones and TVs for superior performance.
- If the PLC is not receiving a signal from any sensor for any reason, the VCM3 displays an error message on the local screen and on the remote monitoring device that the sensor is disconnected. An inactive sensor alarm is also activated. All sensors can be changed without draining oil.
- In the event the VCM3 fails to show the "sensor failed" alarm, the transformer is still protected by the mechanical pressure relief device (PRD) set to open at 10 psi.
- In the event of a sudden pressure buildup from gas generation, the sudden pressure relay will latch. This event will be registered by the dissolved gas sensor and an alarm condition 1, 2, 3, 4 (depending on the amount of gasses) is displayed on the monitor via SCADA.
A: Yes, all components in VCM3 are UL listed.