Indian transformer industry gearing up for next-gen green liquids

Transformer mineral oil has proved its suitability with transformer as an insulating medium, a coolant and a diagnostic tool over the past 100 years. Mineral oil is an environmental hazard which is not only toxic for human health, but also non-biodegradable and fast depleting (being a petroleum product). Also, this is not fire safe due to low flash & fire points. Transformer industry therefore, is seeing synthetic esters and natural esters liquids produced from various crop seeds (sunflower, soya bean etc.) as a substitute to mineral oil. The paper deals with challenges in designing, manufacturing, processing and operation of ester immersed transformers. It also discusses different tests carried out on natural ester liquid in factory received condition. The Paper also discusses the current status of Indian Transformer Industry in developing the ester immersed transformers for Indian utilities and development of Indian Standards on Green liquids.