WO2015183297A1

WO2015183297A1 - Systems for monitoring power transformers and method of operating the same

Info

Publication number: WO2015183297A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/040147
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sachin Narahari Dekate; Renato Guida; Boon Kwee Lee; Gerardo TAMEZ TORRES; Omar MENDEZ ZAMORA; Enrique Betancourt Ramirez
Original assignee: General Electric Co
Current assignee: General Electric Co
Priority date: 2014-05-30
Filing date: 2014-05-30
Publication date: 2015-12-03
Anticipated expiration: 2016-11-30

Abstract

A system (200) for monitoring a transformer (100) includes a fiber optic accelerometer (202) and a processor (206, 212) coupled to the fiber optic accelerometer. The transformer includes a plurality of structural components including a frame (122), an end block assembly (130), and a plurality of intermediate structural components (124, 126, 128, 134) therebetween. The plurality of structural components are coupled together to define a clamping path (136) extending therethrough and configured to induce a clamping force through the clamping path. The fiber optic accelerometer is coupled to the at least one structural component.

Description

SYSTEMS FOR MONITORING POWER

TRANSFORMERS AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE

SAME

BACKGROUND

[0001] The field of the disclosure relates generally to power transformer monitoring systems and, more particularly, to a fiber optic-based accelerometer to monitor clamping pressure on the windings of a power transformer.

[0002] Most known alternating current (AC) power systems include power transformers configured to convert electric power at a first voltage to electric power at a second voltage. Many of these known power transformers include internal clamping and positioning devices that clamp the transformer primary and secondary windings. For example, individual windings are separated through key spacers and a frame assembly clamped by a top ring maintains the winding assembly. These devices are installed within the transformer tank prior to sealing at the factory during the manufacturing process.

[0003] The health of the transformer is at least partially related to the clamping pressure of the primary windings. Over time, the clamping and positioning devices for the windings loosen due to, e.g., shocks sustained during transportation, short circuit faults, and aging and depolymerization of insulation materials. For example, many known transformers include an insulating system including cellulose paper immersed in oil. As the cellulose paper ages, effects such as depolymerization cause the paper to become brittle such that the durability against mechanical stresses is substantially reduced. As the insulating paper embrittles and pieces of the paper are transported into the oil, the clamping pressure on the winding coil is reduced.

[0004] Any change in clamping pressure of the windings will result in a change in the distance between the frame and the winding. This change in clamping pressure decreases with time, the associated winding displacement increases with time, and the service life of the power transformer may be reduced if the transformer is not taken out of service and inspected periodically and the windings repositioned and reclamped as necessary. Known monitoring techniques, e.g., frequency response analysis, short circuit impedance measurements, and visual inspections, are limited to offline monitoring. As such, the transformer must be removed from service, at least partially disassembled, and reassembled. These maintenance activities are costly and time-consuming. Also, such techniques as frequency response analysis are subject to inconsistent results as a function of the data being collected under different scan conditions and by different people.

[0005] Online monitoring techniques using installed instrumentation are substantially limited due to the inside of a power transformer being an electromagnetically active environment with monitoring signal interference prevalent therein. Other online monitoring techniques are limited to detection of changes in the audible noise level proximate the power transformer. Such listening is not a reliable indicator of changes in the clamping pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0006] In one aspect, a system for monitoring a transformer is provided. The transformer includes a plurality of structural components including a frame, an end block assembly, and a plurality of intermediate structural components therebetween. The plurality of structural components are coupled together to define a clamping path extending therethrough and configured to induce a clamping force through the clamping path. The system includes a fiber optic accelerometer coupled to at least one structural component of the plurality of structural components defining the clamping path and a processor coupled to said fiber optic accelerometer.

[0007] In a further aspect, a method of monitoring a transformer is provided. The transformer includes a plurality of structural components including a frame, an end block assembly, and a plurality of intermediate structural components therebetween. The plurality of structural components are coupled together to define a clamping path extending therethrough. The transformer further includes a fiber optic accelerometer coupled to at least one structural component of the plurality of structural components. The method includes placing the transformer in service and generating signals representative of movement of the at least one structural component with the fiber optic accelerometer. The method also includes generating signals representative of a clamping force induced on the clamping path, the clamping force signals related to the at least one structural component movement signals.

[0008] In another aspect, a transformer is provided. The transformer includes a plurality of structural components including a frame, an end block assembly, and a plurality of intermediate structural components therebetween. The plurality of structural components are coupled together to define a clamping path extending therethrough and configured to induce a clamping force through the clamping path. The transformer also includes a monitoring system configured to monitor the clamping force. The monitoring system includes a fiber optic accelerometer coupled to at least one structural component of the plurality of structural components defining the clamping path and a processor coupled to the fiber optic accelerometer.

DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary power transformer;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective diagram of an exemplary transformer winding assembly that may be used with the power transformer shown in FIG. i;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for monitoring a transformer that may be used with the power transformer shown in FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fiber Bragg grating (FBG) accelerometer that may be used with the system shown in FIG. 3;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a graphical view of a general relationship between winding clamping pressure and an amplitude of vibration and/or displacement; and

[0015] FIG. 6 is a graphical view of an exemplary relationship between winding clamping pressure and an amplitude of vibration and/or displacement. [0016] Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings provided herein are meant to illustrate features of embodiments of this disclosure. These features are believed to be applicable in a wide variety of systems comprising one or more embodiments of this disclosure. As such, the drawings are not meant to include all conventional features known by those of ordinary skill in the art to be required for the practice of the embodiments disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings.

[0018] The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0019] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.

[0020] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as "about", "approximately", and "substantially", are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

[0021] As used herein, the terms "processor" and "computer" and related terms, e.g., "processing device" and "computing device", are not limited to just those integrated circuits referred to in the art as a computer, but broadly refers to a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. In the embodiments described herein, memory may include, but is not limited to, a computer-readable medium, such as a random access memory (RAM), and a computer-readable non-volatile medium, such as flash memory. Alternatively, a floppy disk, a compact disc - read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), and/or a digital versatile disc (DVD) may also be used. Also, in the embodiments described herein, additional input channels may be, but are not limited to, computer peripherals associated with an operator interface such as a mouse and a keyboard. Alternatively, other computer peripherals may also be used that may include, for example, but not be limited to, a scanner. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, additional output channels may include, but not be limited to, an operator interface monitor.

[0022] Further, as used herein, the terms "software" and "firmware" are interchangeable, and include any computer program stored in memory for execution by personal computers, workstations, clients and servers.

[0023] As used herein, the term "non-transitory computer-readable media" is intended to be representative of any tangible computer-based device implemented in any method or technology for short-term and long-term storage of information, such as, computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and sub-modules, or other data in any device. Therefore, the methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in a tangible, non-transitory, computer readable medium, including, without limitation, a storage device and/or a memory device. Such instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. Moreover, as used herein, the term "non-transitory computer- readable media" includes all tangible, computer-readable media, including, without limitation, non-transitory computer storage devices, including, without limitation, volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media such as a firmware, physical and virtual storage, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and any other digital source such as a network or the Internet, as well as yet to be developed digital means, with the sole exception being a transitory, propagating signal.

[0024] Furthermore, as used herein, the term "real-time" refers to at least one of the time of occurrence of the associated events, the time of measurement and collection of predetermined data, the time to process the data, and the time of a system response to the events and the environment. In the embodiments described herein, these activities and events occur substantially instantaneously.

[0025] The power transformer monitoring systems described herein provide a cost-effective method for monitoring power transformers while they are in service. The embodiments described herein use an on-line monitoring system to provide real-time information of the clamping pressure associated with transformer windings. Specifically, the embodiments described herein use a fiber optic accelerometer, i.e., a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) accelerometer to measure movement of devices that induce a clamping pressure on the transformer windings. Such fiber optic accelerometers are not subject to electromagnetic interference induced within the transformer while it is in service. The movement measurements are translated into a calculated clamping force on the transformer windings. Therefore, the embodiments described herein substantially reduce the requirement to remove the power transformer from service for disassembly, inspections, and reassembly, thereby reducing the costs of maintenance. In addition, the clamping pressure measurements are consistent over time.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary power transformer 100. In the exemplary embodiment, transformer 100 is an oil-cooled transformer. Alternatively, transformer 100 uses any cooling mechanism. Power transformer 100 includes a casing 102, a transformer oil storage tank 104, and a plurality of cooling fans 106. Casing 102 is typically filled with transformer oil to a predetermined height therein. Power transformer 100 also includes three bushings 108, i.e., one for each phase of alternating current (AC) power transmitted through a three-phase electric power system (not shown). Power transformer 100 also includes a platform 110 that supports transformer 100.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective diagram of an exemplary transformer winding assembly 120, sometimes referred to as a transformer core that is used with power transformer 100. Winding assembly 120 is positioned on platform 110. Winding assembly 120 includes a frame 122 and three winding coils 124, i.e., one for each phase. Winding assembly 120 also includes three top ring assemblies 126 (described further below) coupled to frame 122 and each of winding coils 124. Frame 122 includes a plurality of pressure bolts 128 that are coupled to top ring assemblies 126. In the exemplary embodiment, four pressure bolts 128 are coupled to each top ring assembly 126 on each side of frame 122, i.e., eight pressure bolts 128 per each top ring assembly 126. Alternatively, any number of pressure bolts 128 is used for each top ring assembly that enables operation of transformer 100 as described herein. As such, pressure bolts 128 are used to induce a predetermined clamping pressure on winding coils 124 through top ring assemblies 126 during manufacture prior to installation of casing 102 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0028] Winding assembly 120 further includes three end block assemblies 130 coupled to platform 110 and each of winding coils 124. Each end block assembly 130 is formed from an electrically-insulating material, e.g., and without limitation, wood, that insulate winding coils 124 from ground potential through platform 110. End block assemblies 130 also facilitate inducing the predetermined clamping pressure on winding coils 124.

[0029] Power transformer 100 includes an insulation system 132 coupled to winding coils 124 including cellulose paper 134 (only a portion shown in FIG. 2) immersed in oil (not shown). In the exemplary embodiment, a clamping pathl36 is at least partially defined by structural components including, without limitation, frame 122, winding coils 124, top ring assembly 126, pressure bolts 128, end block assembly 130, and cellulose paper 134. Alternatively, other structural components are used to define clamping path 136. As such, clamping path 136 defines a series of coupled structural components that experience changes in vibration as a function of the clamping forces induced through clamping path 136.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system 200 for monitoring power transformer 100. Monitoring system 200 includes a fiber optic accelerometer 202 coupled to each top ring assembly 126 (only one shown in FIG. 3). In the exemplary embodiment, fiber optic accelerometer 202 is a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) accelerometer (discussed further below). Alternatively, any fiber optic device that measures displacement and/or vibration to enable monitoring system 200 as described herein is used. Fiber optic accelerometer 202 is secured to top ring assembly 126 through a substantially non-conductive coupling mechanism 204 configured to couple fiber optic accelerometer 202 to top ring assembly 126. In the exemplary embodiment, non- conductive coupling mechanism 204 is formed from one of cellulose paper and wood to secure fiber optic accelerometer 202 through a friction fit, e.g., through wedging. Alternatively, non-conductive coupling mechanism 204 is any insulating material in any configuration that enables operation of monitoring system 200 as described herein, including, without limitation, straps and fasteners. Fiber optic accelerometer 202 is configured to measure movement of top ring assembly 126 and convert the movement measurements to measurement signals.

[0031] Monitoring system 200 also includes an interrogator device 206 coupled to fiber optic accelerometer 202 through a first fiber optic cable 208. Each fiber optic accelerometer 202, i.e., three fiber optic accelerometers 202, one for each transformer winding coil 124, are coupled in series through a second fiber optic cable 210. Alternatively, fiber optic accelerometers 202 are coupled to interrogator device 206 in parallel. Interrogator device 206 facilitates transmitting displacement/vibration signals from fiber optic accelerometers 202. First and second fiber optic cables 208 and 210, respectively, and fiber optic accelerometers 202 are configured to be immersed in transformer oil (not shown) and are also configured to not be susceptible to the electromagnetic environment that exists when power transformer 100 is placed into operation. Interrogator device 206 is positioned outside of casing 102. Therefore, casing 102 includes at least one cable penetration (not shown) defined such that first fiber optic cable 208 extends therethrough.

[0032] Monitoring system 200 further includes a processing device 212 coupled to interrogator device 206 through a network cable 214. In the exemplary embodiment, processing device 212 is a laptop computer. Alternatively, processing device 212 is and device that enables operation of monitoring system 200 as described herein, including, without limitation, a desktop computer, a distributed control system (DCS), a PLC, a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, and a hand-held device. Processing device 212 includes a display device 216 coupled thereto, i.e., in the exemplary embodiment, an integrated laptop screen. Alternatively, display device 216 is any device that enables operation of monitoring system 200 as described herein.

[0033] Processing device 212 is configured to receive the measurement signals from fiber optic accelerometer 202 that are representative of movement of top ring assembly 126. Also, processing device 212 is configured to generate values of a clamping force induced on winding coil 124 by top ring assembly 126. Further, display device 216 is configured to display real-time force measurements induced on winding coil 124 by top ring assembly 126 while power transformer 100 is in service.

[0034] While the exemplary embodiment shows fiber optic accelerometer 202 coupled to top ring assembly 126, in alternative embodiments, fiber optic accelerometer 202 is coupled to any structural component in clamping path 136 as described herein that experiences changes in measured vibration as a function of a change in the clamping forces induced on winding coil 124 by top ring assembly 126 while power transformer 100 is in service. For example, and without limitation, vibration may be measured by fiber optic accelerometer 202 on frame 122, winding coils 124, pressure bolts 128, end block assembly 130, and cellulose paper 134. Alternatively, other structural components may be used to define clamping path 136.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fiber Bragg grating (FBG) accelerometer 220 that may be used with monitoring system 200 as fiber optic accelerometer 202 (both shown in FIG. 3). FBG accelerometer 220 includes an optical fiber jacket 222 and a fiber core 224 positioned within optical fiber jacket 222 and configured to transmit optical signals. Fiber core 224 includes a grating, or FBG section 226. FBG accelerometer 220 also includes a mass 228 coupled to fiber core 224. Vibratory acceleration of mass 228 is indicated by arrow 230.

[0036] In operation, vibratory acceleration 230 of mass 228 is induced through vibratory movement of top ring assembly 126 (shown in FIG. 3) that is translated into a change in a strain induced on fiber core 224 and FBG section 226. FBG accelerometer 220 measures the amplitude of such vibration that is related to the clamping force of top ring assembly 126 on winding coil 124. In many embodiments, winding coil 124 vibrates with frequencies dependent on the excitation frequency of power transformer 100. For example, if the excitation, i.e., fundamental frequency is 50 Hertz (Hz) or 60 Hz, winding coil 124 will vibrate at twice the fundamental frequency of 100 Hz and 120 Hz, respectively, due to Lorentz forces. However, alternatively, the frequencies of interest may change over time as transformer 100 ages. Therefore, monitoring system 200 analyzes the amplitudes of the signals in the frequencies of interest to determine measurements of the tightness or looseness of winding coils 124 based on spectral measurements such as, without limitation, amplitudes of a single frequency or multiple frequencies, full width at half maximum (FWHM) of frequency peaks, and the energy contained in the predetermined frequency bands.

[0037] Light traveling between media of different refractive indices may be both reflected and refracted at the associated media interface. The degree of reflection is associated with the degree of refraction of the light. The refractive index will typically alternate over a defined length of the interfacing media. The reflected wavelength, i.e., the Bragg wavelength (λ_Β) is defined by the equation: λ_Β = 2n_e Λ, Eq. (1) where n_e is the effective refractive index of the grating in FBG section 226 of fiber core 224, and Λ is the grating period. λ_Β is within a predetermined range defined by a λ_Βπιίη value and a λ_Βπιαχ value, where Δλ_Β is the difference between _Bmin and λ_Βπιαχ, and Δλ_Β is proportional to λ_Β. λ_Β will shift as a function of the strain in FBG section 226 of fiber core 224 induced by vibratory acceleration 230 of mass 228. The relative shift in the Bragg wavelength, i.e., Δλ_Β is such that the relationship between the shift in wavelength and the strain is defined by the equation:

where C_s is the coefficient of strain and ε is the applied strain of the grating in FBG section 226 of fiber core 224. Therefore, as the strain changes, λ_Β shifts, Δλ_Β changes, and λ_Βπώι and λ_Βπΐ£ΙΧ shift such that the percentage of refiected light changes with strain ε.

[0038] As such, further in operation, for a given input of light energy, i.e., a known incoming power within an incoming wavelength spectrum transmitted into FBG section 226 from fiber core 224, a portion is transmitted through FBG section 226 and a portion is reflected. Specifically, a transmitted power within a transmitted wavelength spectrum is transmitted through FBG section 226 and a reflected power within a reflected wavelength spectrum is returned. The proportion of transmitted and reflected power is a function of the portion of the wavelength spectrum of the reflected light that changes with the strain on FBG section 226. [0039] FIG. 5 is a graphical view of a general relationship 300 between a winding clamping pressure graph 302 and an amplitude of vibration and/or displacement graph 304 of top ring assembly 126 (shown in FIG. 3) as measured by FBG accelerometer 220 (shown in FIG. 4). Graph 302 includes a unitless y-axis 306 representing the clamping pressure of top ring assembly 126 on winding coil 124 (shown in FIG. 3). Graph 302 also includes a unitless x-axis 308 representing time. Graph 304 includes a unitless y-axis 310 representing the amplitude of vibration and/or displacement of top ring assembly 126. Graph 304 also includes x-axis 308 representing time. Therefore, graphs 302 and 304 are temporally synchronized.

[0040] Graph 302 includes a curve 312 that shows the clamping pressure of top ring assembly 126 on winding coil 124 as generally decreasing with time from a "tight" condition to a "loose" condition. Graph 304 includes a first curve 314 that shows a general extent of the amplitude of vibration as a function of signals generated by FBG accelerometer 220 generally increasing with time. Graph 304 also includes a second curve 316 representing a general increasing trend of vibration and displacement of top ring assembly 126 over time. Therefore, a relationship between the winding clamping pressure and the amplitude of vibration and/or displacement of top ring assembly 126 as measured by FBG accelerometer 220 is shown.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a graphical view of an exemplary relationship 400 between the winding clamping pressure and the magnitude of vibration of top ring assembly 126 (shown in FIG. 3) as measured by FBG accelerometer 220 (shown in FIG. 4). The measured vibration of top ring assembly 126 is recorded at 120 Hz with a root mean square value of measured acceleration of approximately 350 A_rms, and an excitation frequency of approximately 60 Hz. Graphical relationship 400 includes a y-axis 402 representative of the magnitude of the measured amplitude vibration/displacement of top ring assembly 126 as measured by FBG accelerometer 220. Y-axis 402 includes units of decibels (dB) extending from 18.2 through 20.0 in incremental units of 0.2 db. Graphical relationship 400 also includes an x-axis 404 representative of clamping pressure exerted by top ring assembly 126 on winding coil 124 is units of pounds per square inch (psi) extending from 0 psi to 800 psi in incremental units of 100 psi. Graphical relationship 400 further includes a curve 406 that shows clamping pressure generally increasing as the magnitude of measured vibration increases. Therefore, the measured amplitude of vibration of top ring assembly 126 is representative of the clamping force induced on winding coil 124 by top ring assembly 126. As described above, processing device 212 (shown in FIG. 3) generates the clamping force values as a function of the measured realtime amplitudes of the vibration of top ring assembly 126 as received through FBG accelerometer 220.

[0042] The above described power transformer monitoring systems provide a cost-effective method for monitoring power transformers while they are in service. The embodiments described herein use an on-line monitoring system to provide real-time information of the clamping pressure associated with transformer windings. Specifically, the embodiments described herein use a fiber optic accelerometer, i.e., a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) accelerometer to measure movement of devices that induce a clamping pressure on the transformer windings. Such fiber optic accelerometers are not subject to electromagnetic interference induced within the transformer while it is in service. The movement measurements are translated into a calculated clamping force on the transformer windings. Therefore, the embodiments described herein substantially reduce the requirement to remove the power transformer from service for disassembly, inspections, and reassembly, thereby reducing the costs of maintenance. In addition, the clamping pressure measurements are consistent over time.

[0043] An exemplary technical effect of the methods, systems, and apparatus described herein includes at least one of: (a) using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) accelerometers to measure movement of a top ring assembly; (b) using known relationships between measured vibration of a top ring assembly to determine a clamping pressure of a top ring assembly on a winding coil of an in-service transformer; and (c) decreasing a frequency and duration of power transformer outages for visual and instrument inspections.

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for monitoring power transformers while they are in service are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of systems and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the methods may also be used in combination with other systems requiring on-line vibration/movement monitoring and the associated methods, and are not limited to practice with only the power transformers and methods as described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other applications, equipment, and systems that may benefit from on-line monitoring in an electromagnetic environment.

[0045] Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

[0046] Some embodiments involve the use of one or more electronic or computing devices. Such devices typically include a processor or controller, such as a general purpose central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microcontroller, a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic circuit (PLC), and/or any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in a computer readable medium, including, without limitation, a storage device and/or a memory device. Such instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term processor.

[0047] This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for monitoring a transformer, the transformer including a plurality of structural components including a frame, an end block assembly, and a plurality of intermediate structural components therebetween, the plurality of structural components coupled together to define a clamping path extending therethrough and configured to induce a clamping force through the clamping path, said system comprising: a fiber optic accelerometer coupled to at least one structural component of the plurality of the structural components defining the clamping path; and a processor coupled to said fiber optic accelerometer.

2. The system in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said fiber optic accelerometer is a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) accelerometer.

3. The system in accordance with Claim 2, wherein said FBG accelerometer is configured to measure movement of at least one structural component of the plurality of structural components and convert the movement measurements to measurement signals.

4. The system in accordance with Claim 3, wherein said FBG accelerometer is further configured to transmit a portion of the measurement signals to said processor, the transmitted measurement signals within a predetermined range of wavelengths and representative of the clamping force induced on the clamping path.

5. The system in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said fiber optic accelerometer is configured to measure movement of the at least one structural component of the plurality of structural components including an amplitude of vibration, wherein the amplitude of vibration is representative of the clamping force induced on the clamping path.

6. The system in accordance with Claim 1 further comprising a substantially non-conductive coupling mechanism configured to couple said fiber optic accelerometer to at least one structural component of the plurality of structural components.

7. The system in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said processor is configured to receive measurement signals from said fiber optic accelerometer, the measurement signals representative of movement of at least one structural component of the plurality of structural components, said processor further configured to generate values of the clamping force induced on the clamping path.

8. The system in accordance with Claim 1 further comprising a display device coupled to said processor, said display device configured to display real-time force measurements induced on the clamping path while the transformer is in service.

9. The system in accordance with Claim 1, wherein the plurality of intermediate structural components includes a winding coil and a top ring assembly, said fiber optic accelerometer is coupled to the top ring assembly, wherein said processor is configured to receive measurement signals from said fiber optic accelerometer, the measurement signals representative of movement of the top ring assembly, said processor further configured to generate values of a clamping force induced on the winding coil by the top ring assembly.

10. A method of monitoring a transformer, the transformer including a plurality of structural components including a frame, an end block assembly, and a plurality of intermediate structural components therebetween, the plurality of structural components coupled together to define a clamping path extending therethrough, the transformer further including a fiber optic accelerometer coupled to at least one structural component of the plurality of structural components, said method comprising: placing the transformer in service; generating signals representative of movement of the at least one structural component with the fiber optic accelerometer; and generating signals representative of a clamping force induced on the clamping path, the clamping force signals related to the at least one structural component movement signals.

11. The method in accordance with Claim 10, wherein coupling a fiber optic accelerometer to the at least one structural component comprises using a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) accelerometer.

12. The method in accordance with Claim 10, wherein generating signals representative of movement of the at least one structural component of the plurality of structural components with the fiber optic accelerometer comprises measuring an amplitude of vibratory movements of the at least one structural component.

13. The method in accordance with Claim 12, wherein generating signals representative of a clamping force induced on the clamping path further comprises: converting the vibratory movements of the at least one structural component of the plurality of structural components to movement measurement signals; transmitting a portion of the movement measurement signals to a processor, the transmitted movement measurement signals within a predetermined range of wavelengths and representative of the clamping force induced on the clamping path; and converting the transmitted movement measurement signals to clamping force measurement signals within the processor.

14. The method in accordance with Claim 13 further comprising: transmitting the clamping force measurement signals to a display device coupled to the processor; and displaying on the display device real-time clamping force measurements induced on the clamping path while the transformer is in service.

15. A transformer comprising : a plurality of structural components comprising a frame, an end block assembly, and a plurality of intermediate structural components therebetween, said plurality of structural components coupled together to define a clamping path extending therethrough and configured to induce a clamping force through said clamping path; and a monitoring system configured to monitor the clamping force, said monitoring system comprising: a fiber optic accelerometer coupled to at least one structural component of said plurality of structural components defining said clamping path; and a processor coupled to said fiber optic accelerometer.

16. The transformer in accordance with Claim 15, wherein said fiber optic accelerometer is a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) accelerometer.

17. The transformer in accordance with Claim 16, wherein said FBG accelerometer is configured to measure movement of at least one structural component of said plurality of structural components, convert the movement measurements to measurement signals, and transmit a portion of the measurement signals to said processor, the transmitted measurement signals within a predetermined range of wavelengths and representative of the clamping force induced on said clamping path.

18. The transformer in accordance with Claim 15, wherein said fiber optic accelerometer is configured to measure movement of said at least one structural component of said plurality of structural components including an amplitude of vibration, wherein the amplitude of vibration is representative of the clamping force induced on said clamping path.

19. The transformer in accordance with Claim 15 further comprising a substantially non-conductive coupling mechanism configured to couple said fiber optic accelerometer to said at least one structural component of said plurality of structural components.

20. The transformer in accordance with Claim 15, wherein said processor is configured to receive measurement signals from said fiber optic accelerometer, the measurement signals representative of movement of said at least one structural component of said plurality of structural components, said processor further configured to generate values of the clamping force induced on said clamping path.

21. The transformer in accordance with Claim 20 further comprising a display device coupled to said processor, said display device configured to display realtime force measurements induced on said clamping path while said transformer is in service.

22. The transformer in accordance with Claim 15, wherein said plurality of intermediate structural components includes a winding coil and a top ring assembly, said fiber optic accelerometer is coupled to said top ring assembly, wherein said processor is configured to receive measurement signals from said fiber optic accelerometer, the measurement signals representative of movement of said top ring assembly, said processor further configured to generate values of a clamping force induced on said winding coil by said top ring assembly.