Stability of environmental friendly fluids under electrical and thermal stresses

Knowing that insulating fluid is a weak link in a composite or impregnated dielectric system with reference to both dielectric strength and ease of contamination, many investigators have devoted great efforts to investigate various fluids. Increasing demand for environmentally friendly materials in the industry have driven the research and development efforts of natural/synthetic esters and less-flammable fluids. It is the object of this study to investigate the stability under electrical and thermal stresses of various insulating fluids. Comparisons are made to the quality test results of mineral oil, as this is something we are all familiar with. The gassing performance characteristics of natural ester fluids are far superior to those of conventional mineral oils.