Study of extra virgin olive oil as liquid insulation in transformer

Abstract

Mineral oil, which is the basis of petroleum, has long been used as an insulating and cooling medium for transformers. In fact the petroleum has a limited supply, over time it will run out, cannot be renewed, even petroleum is poisonous, cannot be decomposed. In this study, researchers used vegetable oil that is renewable, biodegradable, and safe for living things and the environment, namely olive oil with good quality, from the first pressed of olives, which is called extra virgin olive oil to be applied to transformers as an insulating and cooling medium. To determine the feasibility of using extra virgin olive oil as transformer oil, the test is to determine the value of the breakdown voltage. Breakdown voltage is the voltage value when the transformer components become connected because oil cannot perform its function as insulation. Tests carried out according to international standards IEC 156, 296 and SPLN 49-1. The breakdown voltage value at room temperature (28 °C) is 46.73 kV, at a temperature of 50 °C where the transformer operates is 48.31 kV. At a temperature of 50 °C the breakdown voltage value is higher due to heating which causes water content, air bubbles, and voids to be reduced.