Methods for improving the workability of natural ester insulating oils in power transformer applications: A review

Even though natural insulating oils (NEI) oils are environmentally friendly, these oils have not gained widespread use in high-voltage oil-immersed power transformers because of their unfavorable properties such as low pour point, low oxidation stability, low resistance to lightning impulse, and high kinematic viscosity. Hence, much effort has been made to overcome the disadvantages of NEI oils, including the addition of additives, modification of the chemical structure of oils and altering the transformer design to ensure compatibility with the oils. This review article is focused on the methods used to improve the workability of NEI oils in power transformers, namely, (1) depression of the pour point, (2) chemical modifications, (3) changes in the transformer design, (4) addition of nanoparticles, (5) addition of lightning resistance additives, and (6) addition of antioxidants. The benefits and challenges of each method are also discussed. It is believed that this review article offers new insight to scientists and researchers in this field. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.