Search

Mineral oil has been serving well as a cooling and insulation oil in high voltage power equipment but with a setback when considering environmental friendliness whenever there is spillage due to its poor carbon profile. Several works have been done on the enhancement of dielectric properties of green alternative with different nanoparticles but little attention was placed on its cooling properties which is one of the major functions of the oil. Also, to prevent food competition, esters from a non-edible seed oil should be given more consideration. This work, therefore, investigates the cooling properties of synthesized insulating nanofluid using Neem oil ester as the base fluid together with (Insulating) SiO 2 and (semiconductive) WO 3 nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR and XRD to confirm their functional groups and crystallite size respectively. Transesterification of the oil was done using sodium methoxide and the nanofluid samples were prepared by dispersing the nanoparticles into the oil. The nanoparticles were varied from 0.2 wt% to 1 wt%. The pour point, flash point and viscosity were measured according to ASTM standards. An increase in the pour point, flash point and viscosity were observed at every loading of the nanoparticle. The nanofluid with dispersed SiO 2 nanoparticles were observed to possess superior properties as a cooling liquid in high voltage power equipment when compared with the fluid with WO 3 nanoparticles because of its low viscosity, low pour point and good flash point. After the ageing, the synthesized fluids still retained their properties which is better than the mineral oil. • The influence of SiO 2 and WO 3 nanoparticles on the physical properties of the Neem oil ester was examined. • The two nanoparticles enhance the Flash point of the Neem oil ester. • An increase in the pour point of the Neem oil ester was observed through addition of the two nanoparticles. • A slight increase in the viscosity of Neem oil ester was observed after the addition of the particles. • After ageing of the nanofluids, the viscosity of the nanofluid was found better than the viscosity of the aged mineral oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The influence of nanoparticles on the dielectric properties of neem oil was investigated. • Dielectric properties of the base liquid increases with nanoparticles loading. • Effect of temperature on the dielectric loss of the nanofluids was investigated. • The compatibility test of the nanofluid with kraft paper was investigated. • Nanofluid has no pronounce effects on the dielectric properties of kraft paper. Methyl ester from vegetable oil has been considered a potential replacement for mineral oil used for power transformer cooling and insulating applications. However, some pertinent properties in making this liquid a better transformer oil based on the laydown standards need to be enhanced to maximize the use of this insulating liquid. Technology involving nano-modification can enhance the properties of these ester liquids placing them in a better position as a good alternative. In this study, we aim to investigate the performance of methyl ester liquid from neem seed oil, a non-food grade oil, when modified with SiO 2 insulating nanoparticles at several concentrations. Furthermore, Kraft paper compatibility has also been analyzed to observe their compatibility after impregnation. The breakdown strength, temperature-dependent dissipation loss factor, dielectric constant, and viscosity of both pure and nanofluid samples of neem ester liquid have been measured per standard methods. The nanofluid's dielectric performance has been significantly enhanced by the presence of SiO 2 nanoparticles according to results obtained from the experiment. For instance, the dielectric dissipation factor at an operating frequency of 60 Hz has been improved by 96%, 89%, and 79% at 30 °C, 50 °C, and 70 °C respectively relative to the base neem liquid. This remarkable improvement has been attributed to the SiO 2 nanoparticle's ability to polarize, trap, and de-trap mobile electrons develop in nanofluid when an electric field is applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The influence of nanoparticles on the dielectric properties of neem oil was investigated. • Dielectric properties of the base liquid increases with nanoparticles loading. • Effect of temperature on the dielectric loss of the nanofluids was investigated. • The compatibility test of the nanofluid with kraft paper was investigated. • Nanofluid has no pronounce effects on the dielectric properties of kraft paper. Methyl ester from vegetable oil has been considered a potential replacement for mineral oil used for power transformer cooling and insulating applications. However, some pertinent properties in making this liquid a better transformer oil based on the laydown standards need to be enhanced to maximize the use of this insulating liquid. Technology involving nano-modification can enhance the properties of these ester liquids placing them in a better position as a good alternative. In this study, we aim to investigate the performance of methyl ester liquid from neem seed oil, a non-food grade oil, when modified with SiO 2 insulating nanoparticles at several concentrations. Furthermore, Kraft paper compatibility has also been analyzed to observe their compatibility after impregnation. The breakdown strength, temperature-dependent dissipation loss factor, dielectric constant, and viscosity of both pure and nanofluid samples of neem ester liquid have been measured per standard methods. The nanofluid's dielectric performance has been significantly enhanced by the presence of SiO 2 nanoparticles according to results obtained from the experiment. For instance, the dielectric dissipation factor at an operating frequency of 60 Hz has been improved by 96%, 89%, and 79% at 30 °C, 50 °C, and 70 °C respectively relative to the base neem liquid. This remarkable improvement has been attributed to the SiO 2 nanoparticle's ability to polarize, trap, and de-trap mobile electrons develop in nanofluid when an electric field is applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]