An Experimental Study and Statistical Analysis on the Electrical Properties of Synthetic Ester-Based Nanofluids

The rise in power demand today necessitates its generation and transmission at high voltages. The efficient transmission of electric power requires transformers with an insulation system that exhibits excellent dielectric properties. In this paper ZnO and CuO nanomaterials are utilized to investigate the dielectric characteristics of pure synthetic ester oil and its related nanofluids (NFs) from room temperature up to 60 °C at increments of 20 °C, including AC breakdown voltage, Dielectric Dissipation factor, and DC resistivity. The breakdown testing is carried out in accordance with experimental IEC-60156 requirements. The DC resistivity and dissipation factor of oils are measured using the Dissipation Factor meter, resistivity meter, and a heating chamber with an oil cell that follows IEC 60247 standard. The statistical analysis is performed on the breakdown voltages test values using the Weibull probability distribution model for better accuracy. From the results, it has been found that ZnO nanofluid possesses a higher breakdown voltage among all the tested liquids. Furthermore CuO nanofluid gives a minimum value of dissipation factor even at higher temperatures.