Influence of Nanoparticles on the Degradation Processes of Ester-Based Transformer Insulation Systems

Daniel Pérez-Rosa, Belén García and Juan Carlos Burgos
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Daniel Pérez-Rosa: Electrical Engineering Department, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, 28903 Getafe, Madrid, Spain
Belén García: Electrical Engineering Department, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, 28903 Getafe, Madrid, Spain
Juan Carlos Burgos: Electrical Engineering Department, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, 28903 Getafe, Madrid, Spain

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-13

Abstract: The use of nanofluids as dielectric liquids for transformer insulation has been widely investigated during the last decade. A number of authors have performed extensive studies on liquids produced from different types of nanoparticles and base fluids, providing evidence of their good dielectric properties. Nevertheless, nanodielectric fluids are still at the research stage, and they are far from being a solution that can be applied to real transformers. One of the aspects that might be clarified is their compatibility with the rest of the materials present in the transformer and their behavior throughout the life of the equipment. This paper studies the aging process of cellulose impregnated with an ester-based nanofluid and compares it with the process that takes place when the impregnation liquid is a natural ester. Accelerated aging experiments were performed, and physical and chemical characterization of the process with several analytical techniques was carried out. The mechanical degradation of the cellulose was studied in terms of tensile strength, and the evolution of moisture in the paper and oil was monitored throughout the aging process. The study was completed with FTIR and XPS tests aimed at studying the chemical changes of the materials during the aging process. The experimental results suggest that the degradation rate of the cellulose is not significantly affected by the presence of nanoparticles. However, the XPS study revealed that the chemical reactions involved in the degradation processes of both types of insulation might differ. Several mechanisms are proposed in this work.

Keywords: power transformers; dielectric nanofluids; oil-paper insulation; cellulose; aging; natural ester; tensile strength; FTIR; XPS (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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