Study of the impregnation of power-transformer cellulosic materials with dielectric ester oils

Abstract

The application of alternative dielectric oils as esters in power transformers is hindered by the lack of knowledge regarding their properties and respecting which are the best techniques to ensure their proper performance. In this sense one of the fields needing an impulse is the impregnation processes of transformers cellulosic materials with these alternative oils, currently impregnated in most of the cases with mineral oils. This paper studies the impregnation behavior of eight usual dielectric solids, with two esters and a traditional mineral oil. Empirical equations of the impregnation evolution with time have been obtained, from these the rigid cellulosic materials present in the transformers and the viscosity of the dielectric oils have been identified as the key materials and properties to consider during impregnation. An adaptation of the current impregnation processes to the alternative oils have been proposed by increasing their temperature from ambient temperature up to 61-74°C, depending on the viscosity of the oil used.