The Case of the Transformer That Hummed at Midnight

A transformer that hums only at midnight presents both a mystery and a learning opportunity. This webinar explores how seemingly minor design tolerances, magnetic flux anomalies, load harmonics, and resonance phenomena can manifest as audible or electrical disturbances. Participants will be guided through investigative methodologies that combine acoustic analysis, power quality assessment, and magnetic field modelling to uncover the root causes. The session offers practical insights into diagnosing transformer behaviour and ensuring long-term reliability.

• The webinar will be recorded and will be sent out to registered attendees afterwards.
• A certificate of attendance will be provided to attendees who request one near the end of the live webinar session.
• Please note: the time stated on this event is in UTC. You will need to convert this to your own time zone.

Key takeaways from this webinar

• Understand the physical and electrical origins of transformer hums and vibrations.
• Learn systematic investigative approaches to diagnose magnetostriction, core saturation, and harmonic interactions.
• Apply vibration and harmonic monitoring techniques to identify non-linear loading impacts.
• Integrate acoustic and electrical data for condition-based maintenance and diagnostic decision-making.

Related courses

This webinar/topic relates to our school of Electrical Engineering and is particularly found in the following courses:

• Professional Certificate of Competency in Big Data and Analytics in Electricity Grids
• Professional Certificate of Competency in Smart Grids
• 52892WA Advanced Diploma of Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Engineering in Mining
• Professional Certificate of Competency in Circuit Breakers, Switchgear and Power Transformers
• Online – Bachelor of Science (Electrical Engineering)

To learn more about tuition fees, please click here.

About the presenter

Emeritus Professor Akhtar Kalam

BSc, BScEng, MS, PhD, FIET, CEng, FAIE, FIEAust, CPEng, NER, APEC Engineer, IntPE(Aus), PEV, MCIGRE, Life Senior Member of IEEE.

Professor Akhtar Kalam is a supervisor of EIT’s Doctoral students. He has worked at Victoria University since 1984 and recently associated with the Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities. He is the Editor in Chief of Australian Journal of Electrical & Electronics Engineering. Further, he has Distinguished Professorship position in many national and international institutions. He has been recognized internationally and nationally for his research. He is regularly invited to deliver lectures, work on industrial projects, and examine external theses overseas. Professor Kalam is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Victoria (PEV), Fellow of EA, IET, AIE, a life Senior Member of IEEE, NER, APEC Engineer, IntPE (Aus) and a member of CIGRE AP B5 Study Committee.