Breakdown Voltage Test on Green Oils as Alternative to Petroleum Oils for Transformer Insulation Application used in Libyan Distribution Network

Abstract

Mineral oils, used to insulate and to cool the power transformers, are often from non-renewable sources. Considering the large number of these important equipment in service, they emit pollutants into the immediate environment. To overcome the disadvantages of paraffinic and naphthenic oils, sustainable transformer oils are proposed by researchers. The aim of this paper is to present experimental tests on castor, olive and corn oils based breakdown voltage test. Employing oil breakdown voltage testing device and taking into account the moisture content and the adding of contaminants to the oil samples, the experimental tests have been done. The results showed that the vegetable oils have breakdown voltage complying with the international standard requirement. So, they can be used in power transformer instead of the mineral oils.