On November 1 and 2, 2016, the workshop “Transformers—Operation and Diagnostics” took place at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, organized by the Institute for Process Engineering, Process Automation, and Measurement Technology (IPM) ( Prof. Kästner) and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (Prof. Kornhuber).

Twenty-seven experts from energy companies and the university gathered for a professional exchange. Over the course of these two days, participants presented and discussed current topics and challenges related to the safe operation and monitoring of transformers.

The following companies and energy utilities participated:

· LEAG Lausitz Energie Kraftwerke AG

· LEAG Lausitz Energie Bergbau AG

· Vattenfall Europe Wärme AG

· Vattenfall Wasserkraft GmbH

· Vattenfall Kraftwerke Moorburg GmbH

· VPC GmbH

· Stromnetz Hamburg GmbH

· Stromnetz Berlin GmbH

· 50Hertz Transmission GmbH

· Lausitzer Analytik GmbH

The first day focused on overview presentations and a tour of the exhibition booths of General Electric, Starke & Sohn, ABB, and Gatron/EMB. ABB’s mobile surge generator attracted particular interest. In addition, the university campus was presented to the guests from the perspective of teaching and research. The focus was on the R&D activities of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (EI) and the IPM. Finally, the group toured the high-voltage laboratory and the power plant laboratory. The students’ keen interest in the exhibition booths and the presentations was also particularly gratifying. The workshop thus offered an excellent opportunity to establish contacts with future employers.

On the second day, technical presentations covered specific aspects of the transformer as a large electrical component, which sparked lively discussions. The EI faculty and the IPM presented two scientific lectures on the topics of silicone elastomers in transformer bushings (Prof. S. Kornhuber) and a diagnostic tool for condition assessment and prognosis of power transformers (Diplom-Inf. J. Hänel).

The workshop was launched as part of a project on the topic of “Diagnosis of Machine Transformers.” Lausitz Energie Kraftwerke AG (LEAG, formerly Vattenfall Europe Generation AG) and the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) have been working closely together on this topic for some time. The project focuses on the development of a diagnostic tool for assessing the condition of transformers.

At the end of the event, the participants expressed interest in continuing the scientific exchange next year.