Partial discharge characteristics on palm-based for transformer oil application

Abstract

Historically, Most of the transformer used liquid insulating material where its function is to provide electrical insulation and also act as a coolant to prevent overheating of the transformer. Since years ago, petroleum-based mineral oil has been used. This reason push for search of environmental friendly insulating oils. Conventional transformer insulating materials are usually non-biodegradable. It can contaminate soil and water when serious spill take place. This may disturb the plantation and other lives. In future, this petroleum will be come to an end because it is a non-renewable source. Therefore, this project has been carried out to seek alternatives of vegetables oil that is more environmental friendly. Palm Fatty Acid Ester Oil PFAE) has been recognized to be the potential replacement for petroleum-based mineral oil. The main objective of this project is to execute experimental study effect of ageing time and electrical characteristic of (PFAE) oil by using partial discharge method. Another objective of this project is to make a comparison on electrical properties between (PFAE) oil with petroleum-based (mineral oil). The result indicates that (PFAE) oil has better dielectric properties and meet all requirements to be used as liquid insulating material.