Evaluation of dielectric breakdown strength of transformer oil with BaTiO3 and NiFe2O4 nanoparticles

Abstract

In this paper, the dielectric characteristics of the power transformer oil are enhanced by dispersing newly synthesized nanoparticles. Two nanocrystalline powders, barium titanate (BaTiO3) and nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4), are synthesized via the tartaric acid precursor method. The change in the crystal structure, crystalline size, and microstructure of the synthesized nanoparticles as a function of annealing temperatures are characterized using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. These nanoparticles are mixed with the transformer oil considering different concentrations such as 25, 50, and 75 mg/l where the sonicator is used to disperse the nanoparticles in the oil samples. The dielectric breakdown strength is tested based on IEC standard. The results confirm the efficiency of the NiFe2O4 than BaTiO3 for enhancing the dielectric characteristics of the power transformer oils.