Development of Vapochromic Coordination Polymer Materials as Sensors for Electrical Transformer Diagnostics

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Canadian Society is highly dependent on the stability of the electrical power grid. Transformers are a critical component of the power system and the research in this Strategic Project grant aims to increase their efficiency, stability and lifetime. This can greatly increase overall power grid stability by maintaining consistent transformer operation, with the goals of avoiding catastrophic power failures and minimizing costs to the utility company. Powertech Labs (a BC Hydro subsidiary) has been a leader in researching techniques for transformer diagnostics, condition assessment and life extension. In particular, the degradation of the insulating paper at the windings of the electrical transformers is a key determinant of the technical end of life of a power transformer. This degradation generates specific marker compounds that can be used to diagnose the transformer's status. Ideally, these markers should be detected online, in the transformer during operation. However, this is currently not possible because there are no appropriate sensor materials that can detect the marker compounds.