Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: A Comparative Study of Soya Bean Oil and Palm Kernel Oil as Alternatives to Transformer Oil
by M. A. Usman; O. O. Olanipekun; and U. T. Henshaw

Abstract:
This study investigated the use of soya bean oil and palm kernel oil as alternatives to mineral oil in a transformer system. Crude samples of these oils and their blend in varied proportions were tested for dielectric strength, pour point, flash point, kinematic viscosity, density and moisture content. The results showed that soya bean oil and palm kernel oil have good properties to act as insulating and cooling liquid in a transformer. These properties could be further improved when the oils are refined and purified. Soya bean oil and palm kernel oil have dielectric strengths of 39 kV and 25 kV respectively in their crude states compared with transformer (mineral) oil which has a maximum dielectric strength of 50 kV. Blend of soya bean oil and palm kernel oil showed synergy only in pour point and viscosity. The results of the study further showed that soya bean oil and palm kernel oil and their blends have very high flash points of 234oC and 242oC respectively. In terms of economic costs and environmental considerations, soya bean oil and palm kernel oil appear to be viable alternatives to transformer oils

Keywords: transformer oil, palm kernel oil, soya bean oil, dielectric strength, pour point, flash point

Download full paper