PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF VEGETABLE OIL ISOLATED POWER TRANSFORMER IN RELATION TO MINERAL OIL INSULATED POWER TRANSFORMER

Abstract

Power transformers are essential for operational continuity of the electrical system. Insulating oil is one of the important components of the transformer, responsible for its internal electrical insulation and cooling. With the growing environmental concern, it was needed to seek new alternatives for the isolation system of transformers, since the insulating mineral oil comes from petroleum, considered toxic, harmful to the environment and of low biodegradability. Current research has shown that insulating vegetable oil is an alternative to be considered by companies in the electrical sector, as it is a biodegradable fluid, with a high flash and high combustion temperatures, being characterized as a high safe fluid. This paper analyzes the technical and operational advantages of using insulating vegetable oil compared to insulating mineral oil. Its physical-chemical characteristics, environmental implications in case of spillage, as well as safety implications regarding the installation environment are checked. It is concluded that vegetable oil has advantages in most operational aspects, in environmental aspects and also in the installation requirements for operational safety and reliability.