Improved Insulation Durability to Improve Transformer Aging

Abstract

AbstractIn transformers, in addition to the primary and secondary coils, there are several other important components and accessories in which the insulating material is one of the most critical components of a transformer. Sufficient insulation between different active parts are necessary for safe operation. Adequate insulation, it is not only necessary to insulate the coils from each other, or from the core and tank, but also guarantees the safety of the transformer against accidental surges, but with the growth in size and complexity of power stations, transformer is facing insulation problems. The evaluation of the transformer overload capacities certainly leads to complex variables that affect the operating life of the power and distribution transformer. In this study, the long-life calculation is performed on the basis of two experiments, which are related to the insulation degradation of the mineral oil and cellulose paper such as by adding different types of nano-particles to the mineral oil to enhance the strength of oil, and by changing the loads under different operating conditions to control the deteriorating rate of the insulation to prevent the life of the transformer. The insulation breakdown strength is improved from 37 kV to 71 kV by mixing the semiconductor nanoparticles such as gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) and cerium dioxide (CeO2) with mineral oil. Moreover, for cellulose paper, thermal degradation rate is kept below its limit by reducing the temperature when controlling the load.