Analysis of partial discharge characteristics of natural esters as dielectric fluid for electric power apparatus applications

Petroleum based mineral oils are generally used for electric power apparatus insulation and cooling applications. Since the conventionally used mineral oils are not biodegradable and difficult to decompose, there is a need for the development of alternate vegetable based insulation oils for such applications. Formation of partial discharges plays a major role in determining the life time of liquid insulation. Reports on partial discharge characteristics of thermal aged natural ester fluids for high voltage applications are scanty. The major aim of this research work is to understand the partial discharge characteristics of natural esters as a dielectric fluid for power transformer and other electric power apparatus insulation applications. Laboratory experiments are performed as per IEC (International Electro technical Commission) test procedures in order to understand the breakdown voltage and partial discharge characteristics of vegetable oils such as corn oil and palm oil under both virgin and thermal aged conditions. This paper presents a comparative assessment of the PD characteristics of thermal aged natural ester fluids with respect to mineral oil. Time and frequency domain analysis of PD pulse at both needle-plane and rod-plane electrode configurations are studied. Statistical analysis of PD pattern is also carried out. This analysis collects the typical PD patterns from natural ester fluids in order to find its suitability for power transformer and electric power apparatus applications.