Feasibility analysis of new green liquid dielectrics for transformers

Abstract

The insulating ingredient of the traditional transformer is a mineral oil with low combustibility and biodegradability. As a result, it is unsuitable for current and future transformer applications. Furthermore, finding fossil fuels is becoming increasingly difficult. As a result of the aforementioned limitations, there is a need to look for a replacement shielding oil. This study analysed the crucial characteristics of two biodegradable oils – namely, olive and palm oils – against worldwide standards. In addition, a 1 kVA transformer was subjected to a load test using olive and palm oils in place of traditional insulating solutions to assess their practical feasibility. The authors also looked into the technical feasibility of making a percentage-based blend. According to study results, vegetable oil is a choice superior to mineral oil for electrical and fire protection. However, the density of vegetable oil is substantially higher than that of mineral oil. As a result, the cooling tube of a transformer must be carefully considered throughout its construction. Vegetable oils also have a higher concentration of lipids with a higher molecular weight. The load test revealed that palm oil performs better than mineral oil and olive oil as a liquid dielectric. Furthermore, palm oil with a higher concentration of mineral oil provides properties superior to those of others.