Electric Transformer Cooled With Vegetable Oil Derived Fluid
A new transformer from Siemens [NYSE: SI] uses an insulation fluid 
based on vegetable oil. This is completely biodegradable & much less flammable than the mineral oil normally used. Transformer substations will now be able to feed power into the grid while conforming to strict environmental regulations. The new transformer is suitable for use in areas with challenging fire-safety requirements, such as large cities. The virtually market-ready prototype is currently undergoing testing with a German utility: EnBW. This green transformer is an example of Siemens’ ongoing commitment to developing environmentally friendly products. In the last fiscal year, Siemens generated revenues of €17 billion from its environmental portfolio. A transformer’s purpose is to raise or lower the alternating voltage in a substation; for example, to transmit electricity at a low loss over long distances via high-voltage transmission lines. During this process the transformer becomes hot, and this heat must be eliminated by means of a liquid coolant. In the past, mineral oils have been used for this purpose because they are good electrical insulators and have a high thermal conductivity. On the negative side, they are very flammable and minimally biodegradable. In contrast the insulation fluid used in the new Siemens transformer is made of a natural ester liquid based on vegetable oils, such as rape seed, soybean, and sunflower oils. This gives the fluid a significantly higher flash point and makes it completely biodegradable. It has been assigned a water hazard classification of zero, which means it is eligible for use in areas where stringent environmental restrictions apply. EnBW is testing the prototype for its thermal and electrical load capacity under continuous operation, because vegetable oil can differ considerably from mineral oil in some of its properties. In addition, the transformer is hermetically sealed to prevent oxygen in the atmosphere from coming into contact with the insulation fluid and having a negative impact on its electrical properties. This extends the service life of the transformer, increases its load capacity, and thereby reduces capital expenditure requirements for the operator.
Photo courtesy & © Siemens AG
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[...]Electric Transformer Cooled With Vegetable Oil Derived Fluid[...]…
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