E-lesson

L2 TCA Course – e-lesson #2 – Vibration and sound analysis of oil filled power transformers

Provide an understanding of Vibration Analysis used to determine the clamping pressures (tightness) of an oil filled power transformer

Intermediate level
Vibration and sound analysis - L2 CA - Jon Giesecke - e-lesson #2
Intermediate level

Hosted by: Jon Giesecke / Intermediate level

Jon Giesecke, a renowned expert in transformer diagnostics, led this in-depth session on using vibration and sound level analysis to assess the internal condition of power transformers. Drawing on his extensive experience dating back to the 1970s, Giesecke shared real-world case studies demonstrating how vibration patterns can indicate loose or failing transformer components. He also covered the importance of establishing baseline vibration levels for cooling pumps, as pump issues can directly impact transformer health. Complementing the technical content, Giesecke engaged the audience with live demonstrations, providing a deeper understanding of this diagnostic approach. Overall, the lesson highlighted the value of vibration and sound analysis in preventing costly transformer failures and ensuring reliable power grid operations.

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This is the second lesson in the entire L2 Transformer Condition Assessment course, and the first one on the intermediate level.

In this lesson you will learn:

  • Frequencies used to determine looseness.
  • Core form vs Shell form; determining where to take readings and the importance of follow up readings.
  • Vibration Analysis of oil circulation pumps in the cooling system will also be provided.
  • Ultrasonic (acoustic emission) analysis of transformer main windings and pumps/motors.
  • Sound Level Analysis of oil filled power transformers and how the sound levels relate to core tightness.
  • A weighting vs C weighting
  • Determining where to take the sound level readings

About the author

Jon Giesecke

Jon Giesecke

Mr. Giesecke is one of the world’s leading experts in combining technologies used in the in-service inspection of high voltage oil-filled power transformers and substation diagnostics. He has been training personnel worldwide in these methods for over 20 years with great success.

Prior to forming JLG Associates LLC in 2006, Giesecke was employed by EPRI Solutions as a senior project manager in the Substation Predictive Maintenance business area.

As a Senior Project Manager, some of his responsibilities included: the development and implementation of the Substation Predictive Maintenance Program (SPdM) at numerous electric utilities in the U.S. and abroad; Developing and Instructing an EPRI Solutions’ SPdM course; instructed portions of the EPRI Transformer Performance Monitoring and Diagnostics course and the EPRI Substation/Switchyard Predictive Maintenance course; Providing training, services and consulting to evaluate maintenance responsibility and advanced programs applied to switchyard/substation components.

Along with vast knowledge in transformer and substation diagnostics, Mr. Giesecke is an ITC level III thermographer has instructed at the FLIR ITC training center. He also served on the board of directors of the International Society of Professional Thermographers, Inc. (ISPoT), and chaired the ethics committee. He has over 20 years of experience in transformer/substation predictive maintenance and over 25 years in substation electrical maintenance. He was also responsible for PdM template development for fossil and nuclear applications. He has been instrumental in the data acquisition and analysis of data at many nuclear facilities, aiding the nuclear power industry in creating a timely response to INPO’s SOER 99-01 and 2002-03.