Application of common transformers faults diagnosis methods on biodegradable oil-filled transformers

Abstract

Due to environmental concerns regarding the use of mineral oil, biodegradable oil is increasingly being used as an alternative dielectric fluid. This paper presents results of experiments performed in the laboratory on the use of biodegradable oils for transformer application. The investigations cover two important diagnostic techniques for insulation assessment: (i) an investigation of partial discharge (PD) activity and characteristics in such oils and (ii) an investigation of the standard hydrocarbon dissolved gas products produced due to transformer faults. The fundamental aim of the investigation was to provide information as to whether the existing analysis techniques of PD fault pattern recognition and dissolved gas analysis methods, developed for mineral oil, are valid when used for insulation assessment with biodegradable transformer oil.