The effect of electrical ageing on electrical properties of palm fatty acid ester (PFAE) and FR3 as dielectric materials

Due to the increasing need to replace the petroleum-based mineral oil, there´s an interest in replacing the oil with biodegradable vegetative-based oil. The properties of alternative oils that can be used to replace the existing mineral oil are described. Firstly, the vegetable oil was analyzed using the Quickfield™ Simulation to investigate the dielectric characteristic compared to the existing one. Then, a comparative experimental study concerning the ageing of PFAE, FR3 and mineral oil (Shell Diala B) was conducted. Several important properties such as breakdown voltage; dielectric dissipation factor (tan δ) and capacitance of PFAE and FR3 oils were measured. Variations of ageing time have been applied during experimental process. The results revealed that both oils show higher breakdown voltage compare to mineral oil (Shell Diala B). In addition, both of the oils have lower value of dielectric dissipation factor (Tan Delta) and higher value of capacitance. Thus, make both oils as good insulating materials.