Abstract
Transformer oil is refined electrical insulating oil, which is extremely stable at high temperatures and possesses excellent electrical insulating properties. These special types of oils are widely used in high voltage apparatus such as power transformers, high voltage capacitors and circuit breakers. Traditionally, mineral oils have been most commonly used as a coolant or as electrical insulation medium. However, the main concern related to mineral oil is overheating, overloading, short circuits that reduce the shelf life of the transformer unit and restrict its function as a reliable coolant. Moreover, other factors such as high electrical insulation requirements, safety and economic aspects need to be considered for the development of new insulating liquid material. Nanofluids have become the one of the alternatives for the existing products available in the market because of its high thermo-physical and good dielectric properties. This review focuses on the status of nanofluids, the effect of different nanoparticles to enhance the dielectric as well as its heat transfer properties of nanofluids. The thermo-physical properties of the newly developed transformer oil based nanofluids reported in comparison with different oils. Finally, future directions and challenges need to be addressed.
Highlights
From the last few decades, transformer oils been effectively used as insulating and coolant materials due to their thermal and insulating characteristics
This review provides insight about the evolution, types of transformer oil, preparation of nanofluids and thermo-physical properties and presents a detailed description of the design, operating conditions and failures
Silicone fluids were introduced as an alternative to chlorine-based oils later as it has excellent electrical insulating, anti-oxidative properties, higher fire point, low flammable fluids and exceptional thermal stability due to the high Si-O bonding energy [6]. It was utilized for more than 20 years but the information was insufficient to evaluate its insulation and diagnosis when compared to data for transformer system that relies on mineral oil [9]
Summary
From the last few decades, transformer oils been effectively used as insulating and coolant materials due to their thermal and insulating characteristics. It is known to be high-cost component and has a direct effect on network operation, location, oil contents and toxic material where any interruption on the transformer would reduce the reliability of the power system [2]–[4]. One of the suspects that cause transformer failure is overheating and thermal stress. This review provides insight about the evolution, types of transformer oil, preparation of nanofluids and thermo-physical properties and presents a detailed description of the design, operating conditions and failures. It gives comprehensive details of current challenges, future work and conclusion. Aminin et al.: Recent Progress and Challenges in Transformer Oil Nanofluid Development
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