In 2002 and 2004, 2 series of tests were performed to provoke a transformer explosion under the worst conditions.

    The aim was to:

• Prove the TP efficiency for pressure gradients up to 4,000 bar/sec (58,000 psi/sec)
  
  

• Demonstrate that the TP ability to absorb the pressure rise is 10 times faster than transformer tank explosion criteria
  
  

• Compare the MTH preliminary calculations with real cases of transformer faults
  
  

• Increase knowledge on the electrical arc inside oil
  
  

• Assess the pressure wave speed propagation
  
  

• Verify the operation of traditional transformer mechanical and electrical protections.
  
  

• Measure and define a law for gas generation volume during a short-circuit, versus arc energy
  

    Tests at Electricite de France (EDF), 2002


    The EDF high voltage laboratory has performed 28 successful tests on a 160 KVA transformer.

    Tests at CEPEL laboratory, Brazil, 2004
    The CEPEL High Voltage laboratory has performed 34 successful tests on 3 large transformers with current faults up to 150
    Kilo Amperes and energies up to 2.4 Mega Joules. The CEPEL Test Certificate is available upon request [15]