Integrated Role of Dielectric Fluids In Power Transformers and Shunt Reactors

The earliest research on electricity began in the sixteenth century through the pioneering efforts of William Gilbert hailed as the father of ‘electricity’. Several other great scientists followed the path breaking research and worked on many areas viz., static electricity and principal of conduction, electric current, impulse, induction, electromagnetism, electric motor and their applications during the period 1660 to 1890. Over the last century and beyond the world has witnessed exponential growth in the demand for electric power since every sphere of activity is dependent on it. This has resulted in rapid development of HV, EHV, and UHV, generation, transmission and distribution systems. Further in the recent times smart power grid systems have emerged revolutionizing entire power sector functioning. The smart power grid offers integrated services employing digital high end technology systems to gather and act on information to the benefit of power producers, transmission & distribution agencies and consumers.

Mineral oil based dielectric fluids have been integral part of transformers starting from 1890 and continue to be the preferred medium due its track record, good performance and competitive costs. As the generation and transmission systems grew from, LV, MV, HV, EHV & UHV the quality of dielectric fluids also kept pace to conform to the rigid standards, thanks to the technological advancements in refining. Modern catalytic hydro processed mineral dielectric fluids apart from meeting the thermal and electrical stresses constantly varying due to load factors have also proven characteristics to comply with environmental issues; a major factor in the present times. We have the present generation mineral oil based dielectric fluids, synthetic ester and natural ester based fluids fulfilling all these requirements.

The prime function of dielectric fluids has always been to insulate and cool the system. In the present times its role has been expanded far beyond these two important functions. Dielectric fluids today are the most accurate diagnostic media to monitor and assess the overall health of the power transformers and shunt reactors.

In this paper we are discussing about the integral role of dielectric fluids in the life management of transformers and reactors. We also present one case study about the exceptional quality of present generation hydro processed dielectric fluids.