Dielectric properties of mineral oil compared with natural ester

In this paper, dielectric properties of the mineral oil, ELECTROL A, and the natural ester, FR3, are comparatively investigated. AC breakdown voltages, dielectric dissipation factor, relative permittivity, partial discharge inception voltage and partial discharge of the mineral oil and of the natural ester are tested. In order to verify the capability in practical use of the mineral oil and the natural ester for transformer insulation systems, the impregnation of such liquids with pressboard insulation is performed. The impregnated pressboards are tested in the laboratory to measure the AC breakdown voltages. It is found that the natural ester shows superior dielectric properties to the mineral oil except the dielectric dissipation factor.