Course coordinator
Dr Chandima Ekanayake
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Elec Engineering & Comp Science School
(Offered in odd years only.)
Transformers are an essential component in any electrical system. Correct specification, installation and maintenance determine the viability of the system in which the transformers are installed. This course explores the construction, operation and maintenance of power transformers, including the best practice of condition monitoring techniques.
This course focuses on key aspects to consider throughout the transformer lifecycle. It is delivered through a combination of lectures and lab sessions. To enhance students' understanding of practical issues, several industry experts also share their experiences during lectures. Lab sessions are designed to provide hands-on training in condition monitoring measurements for transformers. Students will have the opportunity to visit the Transformer Innovation Centre lab, where they can explore online monitoring systems used in real transformers. As sustainable operation becomes increasingly important for the power industry, the course also offers insights into the use of biodegradable materials in transformers to reduce environmental impact.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students are required to have general understanding of transformerﾠprinciples, equivalent circuits and operation.
Introduction to electrical engineering course and an electrical machine course or its equivalent will be essential to understand the advance level course materials in transformer design and operation.
Course contact
Course coordinator
Dr Shawn Nielsen
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Chandima Ekanayake
Dr Shawn Nielsen
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
There will beﾠ3 Pracs for ELEC7051ﾠfrom Week 4 to Week 9. Some of these Prac sessions will be conducted at Long Pocket Transformer Innovation Centre Lab. More information about these lab sessions will be available through Blackboard.
Aims and outcomes
Synopsis:
Transformers are essential components in electricity transmission and distribution systems. Correct specification, installation and maintenance determine the reliability of the system in which the transformers are installed. This course explores the construction, operation and maintenance of power transformers, including the best practice of condition monitoring techniques.
Aims:
- Recognise construction and operation of various components in transformers.
- Understand general operational issues associated with transformers.
- Explain the different types of failure mode for power transformers.
- Identify the different condition monitoring techniques available for transformers.
- Analyse test data from power transformers to determine if operation is normal, or if a fault is suspected.
- Understand main considerations for maintaining vegetable oil filled transformers.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Describe the operation of various components attached to power transformers
LO2.
Evaluate the requirement of different condition monitoring techniques for the proper operation and maintenance of power transformers
LO3.
Identify factors to be considered when maintaining transformers with sustainable material
LO4.
Perform at least 3 different condition monitoring measurement techniques on transformers
LO5.
Identify challenges and current developments in power transformers.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | A comprehensive report | 25% |
17/04/2025 3:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection | Reflection report based on lab demonstration | 15% |
9/05/2025 3:00 pm
More information is available through Blackboard |
| Presentation |
Oral presentation with slides
|
10% |
19/05/2025 - 26/05/2025
Presentation slides are due by 16/05/2025 15:00 hrs More information about presentation schedule will be available through Blackboard |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
A comprehensive report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
17/04/2025 3:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
In this assignment students will review several publications related to a given topic and prepare a critical literature review. The following topics will be available:
1. Transformer failure mechanisms
2. Online condition monitoring of transformers
3. Offline condition monitoring of transformers
4. Effect of renewables on transformer operation and maintenance
5. Data analytics for transformer life cycle management
6. Sustainable material for transformer insulation systems
7. Moisture estimation in Transformers as a diagnostics tool.
This is an individual assessment and more information about the topic allocated to each student will be available through Blackboard. Each student is allocated to one of these topics.
More information about the report structure will be available through Blackboard. Marks for this assessment item will be moderated based on the performance at a Q&A session during the presentations. Marking criteria will be available through Blackboard.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
This course uses progressive assignment approach where feedback and/or detailed solutions will be released to students in 14 days.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Reflection report based on lab demonstration
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
9/05/2025 3:00 pm
More information is available through Blackboard
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
In this course 3 laboratory demonstrations on condition monitoring of transformers will be performed. After attending all labs students should submit a reflection report covering the content covered in the laboratory demonstrations. All students must go through the laboratory induction and risk assessments before attending the lab sessions and are required to follow the set safety guidelines such as wearing covered shoes, tied back or confined long hair, wearing suitable clothes that are not easily tangled with lab equipment.
More information about the laboratory activities, Safety requirements and report structure will be available in Blackboard.
After each lab session a question and answer session will be conducted to provide feedback on student understanding about the conducted laboratory demonstration.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Through Turnitin link provided in Blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Reflection report is completed outside the scheduled prac class and are marked and returned to students within 14 days.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Oral presentation with slides
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
19/05/2025 - 26/05/2025
Presentation slides are due by 16/05/2025 15:00 hrs
More information about presentation schedule will be available through Blackboard
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
In this assessment students are required to make a 5 min presentation based on the report they have submitted for "comprehensive report" which is followed by 5 min Q&A. More information about the presentation structure will be available on the Blackboard site. Presentations will be scheduled in weeks 12 and 13. Marks allocated to the report will be moderated based on the performance in the Q&A session. Questions are based on the content provided in the comprehensive report. More information about the marking criteria is available through Blackboard. All presentation slides should be available in Blackboard by 15/05/2025 3:00 pm.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Presentation slides have to be uploaded to Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Oral sessions scheduled with multiple markers. Max extension may be limited by feedback timeline.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L05
Task description
Short answers and short essays will be asked in the exam covering the full course. This will be an invigilated on-campus exam. Students are allowed to bring an A4 sheet with any handwritten content in both sides.
Hurdle requirements
To pass this course students must achieve at least 45% for the final exam. To achieve grade of 3 students must achieve at least 35% for the final exam.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten notes, double sided, is permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Conditions to pass this course:
To pass this course students must achieve at least 45% for the final exam and 50% of the overall course marks. Even though total marks are over 50, the course grade is capped at 3 when the final exam mark is between 35% - 45%.
If final exam mark is less than 35% final grade is capped at 2 even total marks is above 47%.
Your overall mark will be rounded to the nearest whole number. Half marks will be rounded up.
Your overall mark will be rounded to the nearest whole percent.ﾠFor example, 84.9 will be rounded to 85 and will receive a grade of 7 and 74.4 will be rounded to 74 and will receive a grade of 5.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Any handouts including tutorial sheets, lecture notes and laboratory instructions will be available on the course Blackboard site (https://learn.uq.edu.au).
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introduction Introduction to Transformers and course outline. Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Review of Transformer Operation Principles Transformer operating conditions are discussed in this lecture. Learning outcomes: L01, L05 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Transformer Construction Transformer consists of number of different components including windings, core, tap changer and tank made out of different material. In this part of the course construction of these components are discussed in detail. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 9 |
Practical |
Pracs on condition measurement (Week 4 - Week 9) In this course 3 laboratory demonstrations on condition monitoring of transformers will be performed. After attending all labs students should submit a reflection report covering the content covered in the laboratory demonstrations. All students must go through the laboratory induction and risk assessments before attending the lab sessions and are required to follow the set safety guidelines such as wearing covered shoes, tied back or confined long hair, wearing suitable clothes that are not easily tangled with lab equipment. More information about the laboratory activities, Safety requirements and report structure will be available in Blackboard. After each lab session a question and answer session will be conducted to provide feedback on student understanding about the conducted laboratory demonstration. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Transformer Ageing and Failures Transformer Ageing mechanisms and Failures statistics are discussed in detail. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Transformer Condition Monitoring Condition monitoring techniques, field application, new developments. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Dielectric Response Measurements Dielectric Response Measurements Theory and Case Studies. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Partial Discharge Measurement Partial Discharge Measurement of Transformers, application and different techniques. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Transformer Winding Monitoring Transformer Winding Faults and Condition Measurement; Vibro-Acoustic Measurement-based Condition Monitoring of Transformer Windings and Tap Changers. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L05 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Vegetable Oil Filled Transformer Vegetable Oil as Transformer Insulating Fluids, changes associated with vegetable oil. Learning outcomes: L03 |
Multiple weeks From Week 10 To Week 12 |
Lecture |
Data Analytics for Condition Monitoring Data Analytics for Transformer Condition Monitoring. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L05 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Guest Lecture 1 More information will be available through Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 12 To Week 13 |
Workshop |
Student Presentations and Q&A Student individual presentations and Q&A sessions. More information about the time is available through Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Guest Lecture 2 More information will be available through Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Guest Lecture 3 More information will be available through Blackboard. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: