Reliability and vulnerability of critical infrastructure : electricity distribution

In recent years the failure frequency of transformers increased. In particular fires and explosions of main oilfilled transformers are considered as critical. Therefore, international experiences of transformer failures at nuclear and non-nuclear power plants and at substations have been investigated in more detail. Consequences of transformer failures with respect to a reliable electric power supply and distribution are addressed and proactive measures to enhance the reliability of critical infrastructure and to avoid blackouts are described.