Use performance and management of biodegradable fluids as transformer insulation

In recent years, the use of biodegradable fluids as liquid insulation for distribution and power transformers is spreading. The main biodegradable fluids used are natural and synthetic esters, although biodegradable hydrocarbons have been recently proposed. Biodegradable fluids have a much lower env...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: García de Burgos, Belén, Ortiz Fernández, Alfredo, Renedo Estébanez, Carlos J., García Gómez, Diego Fernando, Montero Romero, Andrés
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2021
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Cantabria (UC)
Repositorio:UCrea Repositorio Abierto de la Universidad de Cantabria
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.unican.es:10902/22871
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10902/22871
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Power transformer
Distribution transformer
Natural esters
Synthetic esters
Biodegradable liquids
Descripción
Sumario:In recent years, the use of biodegradable fluids as liquid insulation for distribution and power transformers is spreading. The main biodegradable fluids used are natural and synthetic esters, although biodegradable hydrocarbons have been recently proposed. Biodegradable fluids have a much lower environmental impact than mineral oil, limiting the risk of soil contamination in leaks, which makes them a suitable solution for applications such as offshore transformers or railway transformers. Additionally, these fluids have a higher flash point than conventional mineral oils, which dramatically reduces the risk of fire and collateral damage derived from explosion and fire. Despite these advantageous factors, there are still some aspects that hinder the broadening of their use, such as the difference in thermal properties or the lack of accepted maintenance procedures for transformers that use them as liquid insulation. This paper presents the current status of biodegrad able insulating fluids, analyzing some of their properties and discussing the aspects that are still to be investigated in order to make them a real alternative to petroleum-based fluids.