The power transformer is a critical primary device in the power grid, and the verification of its winding mechanical stability is of paramount importance in ensuring the safe and stable operation of the power grid. In the conventional numerical calculation methods for verifying the mechanical stability of power transformer windings, the influence of temperature variations at the winding hot spots on winding mechanical stability has not been taken into account. In reality, factors such as the transformer’s operating load rate, ambient temperature, and the duration of short-circuit fault currents passing through will affect the mechanical stability margin of the transformer windings. Under conditions such as winding aging, deformation, or other reasons, the transformer windings may become unstable due to material parameter degradation, leading to insufficient mechanical stability margin. This paper analyzes the mechanical stability of power transformer windings considering the impact of the temperature field. Initially, a numerical model for calculating short-circuit currents in transformers was established to compute the short-circuit current under three-phase short-circuit-to-ground conditions as an excitation. Subsequently, a 3D electromagnetic force finite element calculation model was developed to determine the electromagnetic forces experienced under this condition. The results of the calculated electromagnetic forces were then used in a numerical calculation method to assess the mechanical stability of the windings. Furthermore, a 3D transformer electromagnetic–thermal flow finite element model was created to calculate the steady-state temperature rise under various operating conditions of the transformer. This model is validated through transformer temperature rise tests, and transient temperature rises under different operating conditions are calculated. The obtained data are fitted using the nonlinear least squares method to derive a fitting function for the winding hot spot temperature concerning load rate, ambient temperature, and short-circuit time. Taking into consideration the influence of temperature on the yield strength and modulus of elasticity of transformer winding materials, the variation in mechanical stability margin of transformer windings due to temperature effects is analyzed. Additionally, the operating domain for preventing the transformer from becoming unstable under three-phase short-circuit impacts is calculated for different degrees of material parameter degradation. This method provides an effective reference for transformer design and operation, demonstrating clear practical value.

This paper presents research on an online preload detecting method for power transformer windings that is highly sensitive, survivable and repeatable. Traditional frequency response analysis methods exhibit limitations in sensitivity, accuracy, and interference resistance, making it difficult to detect small loosening. Although the FBG offer superior performance, quartz optical fibers exhibit limited deformation capacity and are susceptible to damage from short circuit impacts. To identify FBG placement locations with minimal impact exposure, this study compared FBG sensors at different installation positions through 42 short circuit impacts. Results confirmed that the FBG positioned at the top of pressure board experienced the least impact damage. Subsequently, a transformer equipped with this online preload detecting system underwent 12 short circuit impact tests. Simulation results and hoisting cover findings aligned with the FBG online detecting data. This study proposes an experimentally validated online preload detecting method, providing a reliable and reproducible technical pathway for transformer condition assessment.