Dielectric properties of banana fiber based insulation material for high voltage applications

Abstract

Wood based pressboards, traditionally used as solid insulation in newlinehigh-voltage power apparatus, face challenges related to limited insulation newlinelife, deforestation, and environmental impact. In response, researchers are newlineexploring non-wood natural fibers like banana fiber as alternatives. However, newlinebefore considering banana fiber for insulation, a comprehensive investigation newlineinto its electrical, mechanical, thermal, and surface properties is crucial. This newlineresearch seeks to ensure that banana fiber meets or surpasses the standards set newlineby wood based pressboards, providing a sustainable and effective solution for newlineinsulation in high voltage power applications. newlineThis research investigates alternative non-wood natural fiber newlinematerials such as banana sheath and banana leaf fibers for electrical insulation newlineapplications in high voltage electric transformers. The fibers are tested in both newlineuntreated and NaOH-treated conditions, and results are meticulously newlinecompared with wood fiber pressboard. The dielectric tests and mechanical newlinetests are conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential newlineof these fibers as electrical insulation materials. newlineDielectric properties play a crucial role in electrical insulation newlinematerials. In this study, dielectric constant (and#603;`), dissipation factor (tan and#948;), and newlineloss factors (and#603;``) of untreated and treated banana sheath fiber and banana leaf newlinefibers are investigated across different frequencies and temperatures. The newlineobjective is to determine how these natural fibers perform in comparison to newlinewood fiber pressboard in terms of electrical insulation capabilities. The newlineexperimental result shows the banana leaf fibers epoxy composites superior newlinethan wood fiber pressboard in high-voltage electric transformers. newline