Improvement on the Characteristics of Transformer Oil using Nanofluids

Transformers play an important role in transmission and distribution systems. Even to this day, 75% of high-voltage transformer failure is the outcome of improper dielectric insulation. The reliable operation and ageing characteristics of the transformers mainly depend on the insulation material. Mineral oil has been used as an insulation and coolant for almost a century in power transformers. Due to the development of extra high voltage and to cope with the increasing demand in voltage level, a nanofluids-based transformer oil is proposed here. In this work, nanoparticles such as aluminium oxide, molybdenum disulphide and titanium dioxide are used with transformer oil to analyse the various critical characteristics like dielectric strength, acidity, interfacial tension, viscosity, flash point and fire point of the power transformer. The observed results show that the proposed nanofluids-based transformer oil provides better performance than the normal transformer oil.