Maria Cristina Nițu | Diagnosis and Maintenance of Power Transformers | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Maria Cristina Nițu | Diagnosis and Maintenance of Power Transformers | Best Researcher Award

Scientific Researcher at National Institute for Research-Development and Testing For Electrotechniques(ICMET-Craiova), Romania

Nițu Maria Cristina is a dedicated scientific researcher specializing in electrical engineering, with a strong academic foundation and over a decade of experience in both theoretical and applied research. She has made significant contributions to the study and innovation of power transformer diagnostics, maintenance, and operational optimization. Her professional journey is marked by academic excellence, pioneering research projects, and numerous scientific publications recognized in prestigious international databases.

Profile

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ORCID

Education

Her educational path began at the University of Craiova, where she completed dual undergraduate degrees. In 2008, she graduated from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration with a specialization in Banking Finance. The following year, in 2009, she earned a degree in General Electrical Engineering (French section) from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. Demonstrating a keen interest in advanced technical disciplines, she pursued a master’s program in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Quality and Electromagnetic Compatibility in Electrical Systems and Actuators, completed in 2011. That same year, she expanded her academic exposure internationally through an ERASMUS scholarship at the Politecnico di Torino in Italy. In 2020, she was awarded a PhD in Electrical Engineering by the University of Craiova, reflecting her commitment to continued scholarly development.

Experience

Cristina began her research career in November 2013 as a research assistant at the National Institute for Research-Development and Testing for Electrotechniques (ICMET-Craiova), specifically in the Energy Efficiency and Energy Quality Research-Development Laboratory. She remained in this role until June 2020. Upon completion of her doctoral studies, she advanced to the position of Scientific Researcher Level III within the High Voltage Division, Mechanical and Environmental Testing Group at ICMET Craiova, where she currently contributes to advanced technical solutions and testing methodologies.

Research Interest

Her principal research interests revolve around the diagnosis and maintenance of power transformers. She has extensively explored methods for monitoring their operational condition and has focused on innovative techniques aimed at prolonging the service life of these critical energy infrastructure components. Her work is rooted in enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of electrical systems, with a multidisciplinary approach that integrates statistical analysis, material science, and electrical engineering principles.

Award

Nițu Maria Cristina’s scientific contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards. In 2023, she received two Diplomas of Excellence from the EUROINVENT European Exhibition of Creativity and Innovation held in Iași, Romania—one for her book Particular Transient Regimes in Power Transformers and another for Six-phase Induction Machine – Vector Control. In addition, she was honored with a Diploma by AGIR (General Association of Romanian Engineers), Electrical Engineering Section, for her impactful work on transient phenomena in transformers, also published by Sitech Craiova in 2022. These accolades highlight the relevance and practical impact of her research in the engineering community.

Publication

Nițu Maria Cristina has authored a number of high-impact studies that contribute significantly to the field of transformer diagnostics and power system reliability. Her recent scholarly work demonstrates both analytical precision and practical relevance.

  1. Overvoltages Transmitted in the Transformer Windings on the Lightning Impulse—An Analytical Method for Determination and Experimental Measurements, published in Applied Sciences, 2025, DOI: 10.3390/app15115861, presenting a hybrid experimental and analytical approach to lightning-induced overvoltages.

  2. Performance Comparison of Ensemble Classifiers Algorithms Used in Transformer Fault Detection, published in Annals of the University of Craiova Electrical Engineering Series, 2025, DOI: 10.52846/AUCEE.2024.04, evaluates machine learning algorithms for enhancing transformer fault prediction.

  3. A Reviewed Turn at of Methods for Determining the Type of Fault in Power Transformers Based on Dissolved Gas Analysis, published in Energies, 2024, DOI: 10.3390/EN17102331, provides a comprehensive analysis of DGA-based diagnostic models.

  4. Determining the Remaining Functional Life of Power Transformers Using Multiple Methods of Diagnosing the Operating Condition Based on SVM Classification Algorithms, featured in Machines, 2024, DOI: 10.3390/MACHINES12010037, focuses on predictive maintenance through AI.

  5. Regeneration of Waste Oils in Electrical Equipment in Accordance with EU Regulations, presented at the 2024 ICATE Conference, DOI: 10.1109/ICATE62934.2024.10749305, examines sustainable practices for insulating oil recovery.

  6. The Dehumidification Process and its Influence on the Insulation System Quality Index, 2024, DOI: 10.1109/ICAMCS62774.2024.00038, highlights the link between moisture control and transformer reliability.

  7. Transformer Fault Detection Using DGA Based on Three Ratio Technique and Random Forest Algorithm, also presented at ICATE 2024, DOI: 10.1109/ICATE62934.2024.10748635, introduces a hybrid diagnostic method combining chemical analysis with machine learning.

Conclusion

Nițu Maria Cristina is an accomplished researcher and engineer whose work significantly contributes to the field of electrical engineering, especially in the area of high-voltage systems and transformer reliability. Her academic versatility, extensive research contributions, international exposure, and recognized expertise in condition monitoring and energy quality reflect a career deeply rooted in innovation and excellence. She continues to drive progress through her leadership in research projects, scholarly publications, and active involvement in multidisciplinary collaborations aimed at addressing contemporary challenges in energy systems.

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