Power transformers are key equipment in power generation, transmission, and distribution systems. The reliability of power transformers is based on the performance of the insulation system, which includes solid cellulose insulation and a liquid dielectric. Modern power engineering requires liquid insulation to have excellent insulating properties, high fire resistance, and biodegradability. Mineral oil that has been in use for over 100 years does not meet certain requirements. Therefore, various methods of enhancing the insulating properties of the oil are currently being considered, including mixing it with other liquid dielectrics, which have excellent properties. Synthetic and natural esters are considered as alternative fluids.This article discusses the possibility of enhancing the insulating characteristics of mineral oil with a high content of aromatic hydrocarbons (for example, T-750 oil) by mixing it with synthetic ester Midel 7131. Assessment is given of insulating parameters of the resulting mixtures with an ester fraction in mineral oil from 0% to fifty%. The main characteristics of the mixtures are described, such as density, kinematic viscosity, flash point, dielectric loss tangent, relative dielectric permittivity, breakdown voltage, and moisture content. It is shown that with an increase in the proportion of ester, some parameters of the obtained insulating liquid improve (flash point, dielectric constant, breakdown voltage), while values of other parameters (density, kinematic viscosity, dielectric loss tangent) with an ester content of more than 10% in the mixture do not meet the requirements for mineral oils.
Streamer characteristic and breakdown in a mineral oil and a synthetic ester liquid under DC voltage