A Brief Review of the Impregnation Process with Dielectric Fluids of Cellulosic Materials Used in Electric Power Transformers

J. Sanz, C. J. Renedo (), A. Ortiz, P. J. Quintanilla, F. Ortiz and D. F. García
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J. Sanz: Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y Energética, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros, n°46, 39005 Santander, Spain
C. J. Renedo: Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y Energética, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros, n°46, 39005 Santander, Spain
A. Ortiz: Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y Energética, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros, n°46, 39005 Santander, Spain
P. J. Quintanilla: Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y Energética, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros, n°46, 39005 Santander, Spain
F. Ortiz: Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y Energética, Universidad de Cantabria, Avda. Los Castros, n°46, 39005 Santander, Spain
D. F. García: School of Electric and Electronic Engineering, Universidad del Valle, Calle 13 n° 100-00, Cali 760032, Colombia

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 9, 1-24

Abstract: In the manufacturing of power transformers, the impregnation of the solid electric insulation systems (cellulosic materials) with a dielectric liquid is a key issue for increasing the breakdown voltage of the insulation, and this prevents the apparition of partial discharges that deteriorate the insulation system. After introducing the problem, this article presents the theory of impregnation and later carries out a bibliographical review. Traditionally, mineral oils have been used as the dielectric liquid in electrical transformers, but for environmental (low biodegradability) and safety (low ignition temperature) reasons, since the mid-1980s, their substitution with other ester-type fluids has been studied. However, these liquids have some drawbacks, including their higher viscosity (especially at low temperatures). This property, among other aspects, makes the impregnation of cellulosic materials, which is part of the transformer manufacturing process, difficult, and therefore this tends to lengthen the manufacturing times of these machines.

Keywords: power transformer; solid insulation; dielectric fluid; impregnation (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: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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