Breakthrough Technology Unleashes Transformer Power: Extend Life by 1.5 Times with New Insulating Oil!
The service life of mineral oil transformers generally ranges from 20 to 30 years. After years of technical research, the China Electrical Appliance Research Institute has developed an anti-aging ternary hybrid insulating oil capable of extending the service life of transformers.
The anti-aging ternary mixed insulating oil used in transformers possesses characteristics such as anti-aging properties, low viscosity, low dielectric loss, and eco-friendliness. Its key performance indicators surpass those of foreign mixed-insulating oil products. This innovative oil can be directly applied to both new and old mineral oil transformers, thereby extending their service life and enhancing safety performance.
Daelim Transformer, a professional manufacturer of medium and high voltage transformers, produces a range of transformers, including pad-mounted transformers, small substation transformers, pole-mounted transformers, and HV transformers, adhering to IEEE/ANSI, CSA, DOE, AS, and other standards. Additionally, Daelim Transformer manufactures power transformers in compliance with international standards such as IEC, EN, GOST, and ENAM. These transformers are oil-immersed, and Daelim Transformer employs the world's most advanced insulating oil to improve insulation performance and transformer service life. This approach not only aligns with environmental protection goals but also reduces economic costs.
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To address the issue of aging in the 'oil-paper' insulation system, which typically occurs after 20 to 30 years of operation, the Electrical Appliance Research Institute of China began researching new insulating oil technology in 2012. This research, driven by cross-disciplinary innovation across the fields of electricity, chemistry, physics, and materials science, evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of various insulating oil materials, including mineral oil, synthetic oil, and vegetable oil. As a result, the institute embarked on the development of a hybrid insulating oil that leverages the complementary performance advantages of different insulating oils.
Learn more: What is the difference between the mineral oil and vegetable oil？
Researchers employed methods such as simulating microscopic molecular structures and screened soybean oil from among dozens of vegetable oils. They then blended soybean oil with mineral oil to create a hybrid insulating oil that not only extends the transformer's lifespan but can also be directly replaced on-site. Since May 2014, this mixed insulating oil has been successfully used in 12 new and old 10 kV transformers operated by State Grid Chongqing Electric Power, all of which are currently in excellent operating condition.
To further improve the viscosity and acid value of the mixed insulating oil, in-depth research was conducted on natural esters, the primary component of vegetable oils. Researchers used molecular-level transesterification reactions to break down long-chain natural esters into short-chain fatty acid ethyl esters, reducing the viscosity of natural esters. Simultaneously, the use of absolute ethanol for natural ester extraction reduced the acid value, ultimately resulting in an 84% reduction in viscosity and a remarkable 96% decrease in acid value.
In 2018, the mixed insulating oil formula was upgraded, incorporating mineral oil, soybean oil, and palm oil to develop an anti-aging ternary mixed insulating oil with low viscosity, low dielectric loss, and robust oxidation stability. This new mixed insulation oil found application in both new and old 35 kV transformers.
Experiments have verified the superiority of this innovation. For new transformers, the aging rate of insulation paper in the anti-aging ternary mixed insulating oil is only 52% of that in mineral oil. When retrofitting old transformers with anti-aging ternary mixed insulating oil, the aging rate of insulation paper is reduced by 65%. Through joint analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy, it was observed that the new chemical groups generated by mixing soybean oil and palm oil further delayed the aging of the 'oil-paper' insulation system.
The lifespan of transformers using anti-aging ternary hybrid insulating oil exceeds that of traditional mineral oil transformers by more than 1.5 times, significantly extending the transformer's service life. Moreover, in comparison to mineral oil, the biodegradation rate of ternary mixed insulating oil has increased by 25%, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. The anti-aging ternary mixed-insulating oil technology has achieved international leadership status.
The upgrade and application of anti-aging ternary hybrid insulating oil technology have not only driven progress in transformer core material technology but have also facilitated the green transformation of the transformer industry.
Learn more: Different Transformer Types and Their Applications
