Analyses of electro-chemical characteristics of Palm Fatty Acid Esters as insulating oil

Abstract

We have developed a new vegetable based insulating oil for transformers called PFAE (Palm Fatty Acid Ester). PFAE has 0.6 times less viscosity and a 1.3 times higher dielectric constant compared to mineral oil. This means that a PFAE-immersed transformer has better cooling efficiency and better insulation characteristics in paper-and-oil composite insulation systems, resulting in size reduction in comparison to conventional transformers immersed in mineral oil. Additionally, the flash point of PFAE is higher than that of mineral oil. PFAE also shows higher biodegradability when compared to mineral oil. PFAE would be much safer for the environment than mineral oil in the event of soil or water contamination. Moreover, electrical insulating oil in transformers used over several decades requires excellent durability. The oxidative stability of PFAE has also been determined to be superior to mineral oil.