Impact of Fe3O4, CuO and Al2O3 on the AC Breakdown Voltage of Palm Oil and Coconut Oil in the Presence of CTAB

Nur Aqilah Mohamad,Zaini Yaakub,Robiah Yunus,Mohd Zainal Abidin Ab Kadir,Jasronita Jasni,Norhafiz Azis

doi:10.3390/en12091605

Nur Aqilah Mohamad, Zaini Yaakub + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/en12091605

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Journal: Energies	Publication Date: Apr 27, 2019
Citations: 20	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Tenaga Nasional

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study on the AC breakdown voltages of Refined, Bleached and Deodorized Palm Oil (RBDPO) Olein and Coconut Oil (CO) in the presence of conductive (Iron (II,III) Oxide, Fe3O4), semi-conductive (Copper (II) Oxide, CuO) and insulative (Aluminium Oxide, Al2O3) nanoparticles without and with surfactant. The type of surfactant used in this study was Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB). The volume concentrations range of Fe3O4, CuO and Al2O3 was varied from 0.001% to 0.05%. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) was used to characterize the nanoparticles in RBDPO and CO. AC breakdown voltage tests were carried out for RBDPO and CO of which the AC breakdown voltage at 1% probability was determined based on Weibull distribution. It is found that only Al2O3 can improve the average AC breakdown voltage of RBDPO and CO. The AC breakdown voltages at 1% probability for RBDPO and CO can be improved through introduction of Fe3O4, CuO and Al2O3 at certain volume concentrations. Al2O3 provides the highest enhancement of AC breakdown voltages at 1% probability for RBDPO and CO with the highest percentage of improvement can be up to 52%. CTAB has no clear effect on the improvement of AC breakdown voltages of RBDPO and CO based Fe3O4, CuO and Al2O3 nanofluids.

Highlights

It is known that nanoparticles are able to enhance the cooling properties, thermal conductivity/diffusivity and electrical characteristics of insulation fluids [1,2,3,4]
The AC breakdown voltages of RBDPOA, RBDPOB and Coconut Oil (CO) slightly increase with the introduction of Al2 O3 either without or with Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB)
Significant improvement of AC breakdown voltage at 1% probability is found with the introduction of Fe3 O4, CuO and Al2 O3 at certain volume concentrations

Summary

Introduction

It is known that nanoparticles are able to enhance the cooling properties, thermal conductivity/diffusivity and electrical characteristics of insulation fluids [1,2,3,4]. The effects of nanoparticles on insulation fluids are known to be dependent upon the intrinsic properties, volume concentrations, solid-liquid contact areas, suspension by surfactants and synthesis methods [7,8]. The synthesis method of dispersing nanoparticles in insulation fluids can be carried out either by one- or two-step methods. Energies 2019, 12, 1605 into the base fluids This method is not recommended for large quantities of nanofluids due to the incomplete reaction and stabilization [9,10]. In two-step method, nanoparticles are dispersed into the base fluids by automated mixers such as magnetic stirrer, high-shear mixers and bead mills

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Discussion

Conclusion