A Critical Overview of the Impact of Nanoparticles in Ester Fluid for Power Transformers

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of various nanoparticles on ester fluids with a special focus on their usage towards power transformers. The precautionary measures to be considered on the nanofluids such as preparation methodologies with an appropriate surfactant and its stability is well elucidated. The electrical double layer (EDL) formation around the nanoparticles on its diffusion in the insulating fluid is explained by its different layers away from the particle surface. The partial discharge of ester nanofluids with different detection methods is elaborated on its comparison with conventional IEC 60270 measurements. The field configurations on ester-nanofluids govern the breakdown mechanism with variations in the streamer patterns. The equation of relaxation time towards breakdown is valid only when it is lower than the initiation time for streamers. The flow charges induced at the solid/liquid interface inside transformers depends on the structure of the nanofluid and the condition of pressboard/paper insulation. The impact of different concentrations of nanoparticles on ester nanofluids observes a change in its flow behaviour affecting the streaming current. The permittivity of nanofluid depends on the polarization of nanoparticles where the Clausius-Mossotti equation governing this mechanism is explained towards ester-nanofluids. The viscosity of nanofluids observed no significant variation whereas the other physio-chemical properties such as flash point, interfacial tension, and oxidation stability improved depending on the type of nanoparticle. The addition of metal-oxide nanoparticles on ester fluids increases thermal conductivity with different models proposed based on the structure and shape of a nanoparticle. The impact of ageing on nanofluids observes an instability over a longer ageing duration with specific nanoparticles which should be better understood before implementing them in real-time power transformers.