Thermal degradation assessment of Kraft paper in power transformers insulated with natural esters

Kraft paper in combination with dielectric oil is the most common as insulation system used in power transformers. The most used oil in power transformers is mineral oil. However, dielectric oils based on natural esters possess some advantages in comparison with mineral oil such as higher biodegradability, fire safety and availability. Therefore, they might be the most ideal substitute for mineral oil. The introduction of a new material requires the evaluation of its degradation rate because this determines transformers’ life span. In order to assess the performance of new insulating systems based on vegetable oils, simulations to obtain the hot-spot temperatures in power transformers using vegetable oils and controlled laboratory experiments of ageing were carried out. The reason is that hot spot temperature inside windings of the oil-immersed power transformers is one of the main manifestations of the thermal stress which leads to aging of insulation systems.The research leading to these results has received funding from multiple sources during years but we would specifically like to acknowledge the support received in the later stages from the Spanish Plan Estatal de I+D under the grant agreement DPI2013- 43897-P