A comparison of the voltage withstand properties of ester and mineral oils

EO has proved to be a viable substitute for MO. Its dielectric performance is always comparable with, if not superior to that of MO, at least when new, dried, and highly purified. The smaller permittivity mismatch between pressboard and EO, compared to that between pressboard and MO, leads to a more uniform field distribution at the oil/pressboard interface. We have observed that EO has higher PDIVs than MO for corona and creepage discharges. However, our understanding of the oil/pressboard interface is incomplete. There is a lack of standardization in PDIV measurements, particularly in the case of creepage discharges. Because industry is striving to provide new insulating oils for use at increased transmission voltages, improving electrical testing techniques and the understanding of the oil/pressboard interface is important.