Investigation on natural ester based alternative liquid insulation for power transformer

Abstract

Transformers in the field of power system transmission and distribution are major components which use petroleum-based mineral oil as potential insulating and cooling mediums. Increasing power demand forces the development of the high-rated power transformers. Transformer oil (TO) produces environmental and health issues because of its nonbiodegradable nature. The availability of petroleum products is depleting continuously due to overdrawing. Energy demand of the whole world is fulfilled predominantly by the products of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are predominant in their field of applications even though they have some disadvantages of non-biodegradability, scarcity of availability in future and environmental unsociable nature. newlineThis scenario has inspired researchers to find potential replacements for them. In this work, two natural ester oils (Rice Bran Oil (RBO) and Corn Oil (COO)) have been taken up for investigation to find their suitability for use in transformers. For this, properties like breakdown voltage, flash point, fire point, viscosity, acidity, resistivity, and loss factor of the natural esters have been considered. Investigations are also carried out with natural ester- based vegetable oils which are considered as environment-friendly and biodegradable products. newline newline