Electrical breakdown strength characteristics of palm kernel oil ester-based dielectric fluids

Natural ester fluids have been synthesized from crude palm kernel oil for consideration as an alternative to mineral oil based insulating fluid. Chemical modification of the oil enhanced the physico-chemical properties of the fluid. This paper presents the statistical analysis of the AC electrical breakdown strength of the synthesized esters in comparison with the crude palm kernel oil sample. The breakdown test was carried out in accordance with ASTM 1816 test method using a bespoke test cell designed for small sample volume. The estimated characteristic breakdown strength of the esters, defined as the 63.2% cumulative failure probability, is significantly higher than the BS148 mineral oil. The slopes, indicating the shape parameters, are similar. The results suggest that, at least in this regard, the synthesized esters may serve as an alternative to mineral oil as a transformer fluid.