Applications of Natural Esters Alternative to Mineral Oils in Power Transformers

Abstract

The electrical and environmental disadvantages of mineral oils, traditionally used as insulating fluids in power systems, lead to the search for alternatives. Natural esters produced from vegetable seeds are one of the most important alternatives. Natural esters with high dielectric strength can meet ultra-high voltage transformer design requirements. In addition, they can respond to environmental concerns caused by transformer oils with their biodegradability. This study first compares natural esters with other trans-former oils and explains why natural esters stand out. The basic properties of natural esters are defined in terms of advantages and disadvantages, and power system applications are exemplified. Esterification and synthesis of nanoparticle-added nanofluids, widely used in the literature to improve natural esters' electrical and thermal properties, are presented with experimental applications. Natural esters can have a better oxidation stability with the esterification process. The AC, DC, and lightning impulse (LI) break-down voltages of nanofluids based on natural esters also enhanced by 10% on average. This substation and experimental applications in which natural esters are used show that these environmentally friendly oils can provide insulation requirements in many power system equipment, especially transformers.