Performance Assessment of Cellulose Paper Impregnated in Nanofluid for Power Transformer Insulation Application: A Review

Insulation cellulose paper is a basic measure for a power transformer’s remaining useful life, and its advantageous low cost, electrical, and mechanical properties have made it an extensive insulation system when impregnated in a dielectric liquid. Cellulose paper deteriorates as a result of ageing due to some chemical reactions like pyrolysis (heat), hydrolysis (moisture), and oxidation (oxygen) that affects its degree of polymerization. The condition analysis of cellulose paper has been a major concern since the collection of paper samples from an operational power transformer is almost impossible. However, some chemicals generated during cellulose paper deterioration, which were dissolved in dielectric liquid, have been used alternatively for this purpose as they show a direct correlation with the paper’s degree of polymerization. Furthermore, online and non-destructive measurement of the degree of polymerization by optical sensors has been proposed recently but is yet to be available in the market and is yet generally acceptable. In mitigating the magnitude of paper deterioration, some ageing assessments have been proposed. Furthermore, researchers have successfully enhanced the insulating performance of oil-impregnated insulation paper by the addition of various types of nanoparticles. This study reviews the ageing assessment of oil-paper composite insulation and the effect of nanoparticles on tensile strength and electrical properties of oil-impregnated paper insulation. It includes not only significant tutorial elements but also some analyses, which open the door for further research on the topic.