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Breakdown Performance and Partial Discharge Development in Transformer Oil-Based Metal Carbide Nanofluids
Konstantinos N Koutras1, Sokratis N Tegopoulos2, Vasilios P Charalampakos3
1High Voltage Laboratory, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Patras, GR 26500 Patras, Greece.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 21, 2022
Summary
Adding silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles to natural ester oil FR3 significantly enhances AC breakdown voltage and partial discharge resistance. The optimal concentration of 0.004% w/w SiC nanoparticles yielded the best dielectric performance.
Area of Science:
- Electrical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Dielectric Materials
Background:
- Natural ester oils are increasingly used as sustainable alternatives to mineral oils in electrical insulation.
- Enhancing the dielectric properties of natural ester oils is crucial for improving the reliability and lifespan of electrical equipment.
- Silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles offer unique semiconducting properties that could potentially improve dielectric performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles on the AC breakdown voltage and partial discharge (PD) activity of natural ester oil FR3.
- To determine the optimal concentration of SiC nanoparticles for enhancing the dielectric properties of the base oil.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed changes in dielectric performance.
Main Methods:
- Broadband dielectric spectroscopy was employed to measure the dielectric constant and electrical conductivity of SiC nanoparticles.
- SiC nanoparticles were dispersed in natural ester oil FR3 using ultrasonication at three different weight percentage concentrations.
- AC breakdown voltage tests and partial discharge analysis were conducted on the prepared nanofluids.
Main Results:
- The nanofluid with 0.004% w/w SiC nanoparticles exhibited the highest improvement in AC dielectric strength.
- This optimal concentration also demonstrated the greatest resistance to partial discharge initiation and development.
- Broadband dielectric spectroscopy indicated that the optimal nanofluid had lower dielectric constant and electrical conductivity compared to higher concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Silicon carbide nanoparticles can effectively enhance the dielectric properties of natural ester oil FR3.
- A specific low concentration (0.004% w/w) of SiC nanoparticles is optimal for improving AC breakdown voltage and PD resistance.
- The observed improvements are linked to modifications in the dielectric properties of the base oil influenced by nanoparticle concentration.
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