Nanofluids DC Breakdown Analysis for Transformer Application

PurposeThis work discusses the effect of nanoparticles (already functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles) on the production of biodiesel from used cottonseed oil (UCSO) for ester-filled power equipment. Three properties of the used cotton seed oil methyl ester-based nanofluid; loss tangent, AC conductivity, and DC breakdown strength were examined.MethodsThe functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles were dispersed in the used cotton seed oil methyl ester (ECSO) to alter the stability of the mixture. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Electron Dispersive X-ray EDX) analysis was done on the SiO2 nanoparticles to know their morphology and elemental composition. The dispersion method was used to prepare the nanofluids at various percentages by weight ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 wt% of SiO2 nanoparticles in the synthesized ECSO.ResultsIt was discovered that adding SiO2 nanoparticles to the synthesized ECSO decreases its loss tangent and AC conductivity. Results from the breakdown strength, Weibull statistical analysis, show that the dispersion of SiO2 nanoparticles into the ester-based fluids (i.e., ECSO) enhances their characteristic breakdown strength, with performance reaching its peak with a characteristic breakdown strength of 27.30 kV/mm at 0.5 wt%.ConclusionThus, from the electrical properties of the nanofluids analyzed, it can serve as an alternative insulation material for an oil-filled transformer equipment.