Enhancement of Thermal and Dielectric Characteristics of Transformer Oil Using Nanomaterials

Abstract

Abstract Among obstacles that effect on the operation transformer is a (high temperature, shortage insulation between the internal parts, exposure metal parts to corrosion), All these factors are controlled by transformer oil. Improving properties of transformer oil leads to increase efficiency of transformer, in addition extending life of transformer. In this study, will be highlighted by adding nanomaterials to transformer oil to increase efficiency of transformer. Two types of nanofluids will be produced the first one, adding one type of nanomaterials (Fe3O4 (20-30nm) to transformer oil and producing a nanofluid (Fe3O4 (20-30nm) +Oil) with different concentrations (0.2%,0.4%0.6% w/v). The second one, adding several nanomaterials (Al2O3(20nm), TiO2(10-30nm), CuO(40nm)) and producing a hybrid nanofluid (CuO+ Al2O3+TiO2+Oil) with concentrations (0.2%,0.4%0.6% w/v). The aim of this study is to produce a fluid have better properties than transformers oil, as well fast treatment of damaged or expired oil which will gain a lot of effort and time. The produced samples subjected to several tests included Point test, Pour Point test and Thermal C transformer oil. The results of tests showed that use of nanoparticles (Fe3O4) leads to enhance thermal conductivity about 12.9% at a concentration of 0.6% w/v, and thus lead more cooling of transformer. also increase dielectric (Breakdown voltage) about 24.2% at a concentration of 0.6% w/v. The results of the hybrid nanofluid tests showed, adding mixture of nanomaterials (CuO, Al2O3, TiO2) leads to a further increase in the dielectric 54.4% at a concentration of 0.6% w/v. Thus, the produced nanofluids possess strong properties in terms of insulation and cooling, which is the most important characteristic that must be available in transformer oil. finally use these nanofluids instead of transformer oil leads to more efficiency and operating stability of transformer.