In this session, Southern Company will explain how automated infrared monitoring will provide real time data on the condition of its transformers, helping the utility reduce onsite inspections. Southern Company has a fleet of over 1,400 transformers installed in 600 substations in southern Alabama. Sending crews to inspect these sites is a costly and time-consuming process.

Southern Company wanted to extend the inspection cycle by 200% by deploying a remote monitoring solution that could provide transformer health data on a continuous basis. Southern Company used thermal imaging to perform manual inspections and knew it could be used to detect defects in many transformer subsystems from bushings, arrestors and connection points to load tap changers and radiators. Hear how the utility found an automated system that could thermally monitor the condition of the transformer and subsystems, and provide the data to their APM system to ensure the success of the rollout.

Session Chair:

Ronald Chebra
CHebra Consulting Group, LLC
Executive Director