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Natural Esters for Green Transformers: Challenges and Keys for Improved Serviceability

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  • Samson Okikiola Oparanti

    (Research Chair on the Aging of Power Network Infrastructure (ViAHT), University of Quebec at Chicoutimi (UQAC), Chicoutimi, QC G7H 2B1, Canada)

  • Ungarala Mohan Rao

    (Research Chair on the Aging of Power Network Infrastructure (ViAHT), University of Quebec at Chicoutimi (UQAC), Chicoutimi, QC G7H 2B1, Canada)

  • Issouf Fofana

    (Research Chair on the Aging of Power Network Infrastructure (ViAHT), University of Quebec at Chicoutimi (UQAC), Chicoutimi, QC G7H 2B1, Canada)

Abstract

The service of mineral insulating oils for power transformer insulation and cooling aspects cannot be disavowed. However, the continued use of mineral oils is questionable due to environmental unfriendliness and the divestment from fossil fuels. This has provoked the quest for green alternative insulating liquids for high-voltage insulation. Natural esters are among the remaining alternatives that are renewable and environmentally friendly. Regardless of their environmental and technical merits, natural esters have some limitations that are slowing down their total acceptance by transformer owners and utilities. Critical limitations and concerns include esters’ pour point, viscosity, oxidative stability, and ionization resistance. In this work, the state of the art of “natural esters for transformers” is explored with the aim of potential improvements. The sections of the article are geared towards technical viewpoints on improving the overall workability and serviceability of natural esters in high-voltage applications. A comprehensive review of the existing literature is achieved, based on performance improvements of the natural ester using “additives” and “chemical modification”. The authors hope that this report may be helpful to transformer owners as well as influence the progression of natural esters for power transformer applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Samson Okikiola Oparanti & Ungarala Mohan Rao & Issouf Fofana, 2022. "Natural Esters for Green Transformers: Challenges and Keys for Improved Serviceability," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-23, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2022:i:1:p:61-:d:1010236
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shen, Zijia & Wang, Feipeng & Wang, Zhiqing & Li, Jian, 2021. "A critical review of plant-based insulating fluids for transformer: 30-year development," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 141(C).
    2. Hidir Duzkaya & Abderrahmane Beroual, 2020. "Statistical Analysis of AC Dielectric Strength of Natural Ester-Based ZnO Nanofluids," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    3. M. Z. H. Makmud & H. A. Illias & C. Y. Chee & M. S. Sarjadi, 2018. "Influence of Conductive and Semi-Conductive Nanoparticles on the Dielectric Response of Natural Ester-Based Nanofluid Insulation," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-12, February.
    4. Jun Wu & Junhui Zhang, 2020. "Research and Development of Natural Vegetable Insulating Oil Based on Jatropha curcas Seed Oil," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-12, August.
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    1. Esther Ogwa Obebe & Yazid Hadjadj & Samson Okikiola Oparanti & Issouf Fofana, 2025. "Enhancing the Performance of Natural Ester Insulating Liquids in Power Transformers: A Comprehensive Review on Antioxidant Additives for Improved Oxidation Stability," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-34, March.

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