Title :
Vegetable-oil-based dielectric coolants
Author :
McShane, C. Patrick
Author_Institution :
Cooper Power Syst., Waukesha, WI, USA
Abstract :
Electrical transformer insulation systems are evaluated based on economic, safety, and environmental standpoints using total life cycle analysis. Because of the inherent high efficiency of liquid-cooled transformer designs, new developments focus on improving the environmental and safety properties of fire resistant (less-flammable, high fire point) fluids. This article reports the latest findings on dielectric systems using natural ester (vegetable oil) fluids. Because esters naturally have lower oxidation resistance than mineral oils, a novel blend of base oils and additives were developed to overcome this potential handicap. Single- and three-phase prototype field installations using these new dielectric coolants are discussed
Keywords :
cooling; power transformer insulation; transformer oil; additives; base oils; economic standpoints; environmental standpoints; fire resistant fluids; high efficiency; liquid-cooled transformer designs; lower oxidation resistance; natural ester fluids; paper-insulation life improvement; safety standpoints; single-phase field installations; three-phase field installations; total life cycle analysis; transformer insulation systems evaluation; vegetable oil based dielectric coolants; Coolants; Dielectrics and electrical insulation; Electrical safety; Environmental economics; Fires; Oil insulation; Oxidation; Petroleum; Power transformer insulation; Resistance;
Journal_Title :
Industry Applications Magazine, IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/2943.999611
