Alternate Insulating Fluids for Power Transformers

Project ID: 100
Principal Investigator: Jeremiah Bradshaw
Research Topic: Repair and Maintenance
Funded Fiscal Years: 2015, 2016 and 2017
Keywords: None

Research Question

With growing environmental and fire protection awareness, insulating fluids for power transformers are evolving. Historically, mineral oil has been used in power transformers and this fluid is the reason for many of the design parameters, testing standards, and operating analysis tools used today. Significant benefits in alternate insulating fluids are causing a shift in the type of insulating fluid used in power transformers. These fluids have different properties which impact the design, manufacturing, and service of power transformers.

Need and Benefit

This research presents the benefits and cautions to using alternate insulating fluids for large power transformers. Specific topics that pertain to key characteristics of the fluids, transformer design, transportation, installation, operations, and maintenance are provided. Written with a focus on insulating fluid choice, specific site condition concerns are listed that assist in the final decision.Outcomes of investigations, testing results, and industry development provide enough information to support the use of natural ester fluid, synthetic ester fluid, and SF6 gas as alternate insulating fluids for power transformers within the Bureau of Reclamation.

Contributing Partners

Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.

Research Products

Bureau of Reclamation Review

The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.

SF6 Transformers (final, PDF, 3.7MB)
By Jeremiah Bradshaw
Research Product completed on September 30, 2019

This research product summarizes the research results and potential application to Reclamation's mission.

Alternating Insulating Fluids for Power Transformers (final, PDF, 1.3MB)
By Jeremiah Bradshaw
R&D Bulletin completed on September 30, 2019

This research product summarizes the research results and potential application to Reclamation's mission.

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Last Updated: 6/22/20