Thermal and Experimental Investigation of Eruca Sativa as Potential Alternative to Mineral Oil for High Voltage Applications

This research paper presented a comprehensive experimental study aimed at evaluating the dielectric properties of Eruca Sativa (ES) oil. It also explored the impact of temperature on Dielectric Strength with the objective of establishing ES oil as a viable alternative to the conventional use of mineral oil, which has been prevalent for centuries. The properties assessed in this study encompassed viscosity, moisture content, specific gravity, acidity levels, flash point, and pour point, all of which were examined in strict accordance with IEC/ISO standards. The AC breakdown voltage, denoted as the breakdown voltage of ES oil, was measured using Mushroom-Mushroom electrodes, featuring a standardized 2.5 mm spacing between them. Vegetable oils had garnered attention as promising alternatives to mineral oil due to their superior dielectric properties, physical characteristics, biodegradability, and significantly higher flash point. The findings of this investigation indicated that the dielectric properties of ES oil closely aligned with those of mineral oil. Importantly, the study highlighted that temperature fluctuations had a notable effect, leading to a significant decrease in dielectric strength of ES oil. Furthermore, when considering factors such as environmental impact, lifespan, biodegradability, and overall utility, the cost-to-benefit ratio of ES oil emerged as highly favorable compared to that of mineral oil. This research underscored the potential of ES oil as a sustainable and efficient alternative to mineral oil.