Comparison of Aging Effect of Ester Liquids and Mineral Oil in Semi-Uniform Field Geometry under Lightning Impulse Voltage and Standard Compliant AC Voltage Testing

Abstract

This study examines and compares the breakdown and aging properties of five insulating liquids. Additionally, the influence of different voltage polarities on these properties was analyzed to investigate the effect of aging on polarity behavior under lightning impulse voltage in a semi-uniform field. The results were compared to standardized AC breakdown tests. After 2330 h and 4350 h of aging, changes were observed in key aging indicators such as water content (both absolute and relative), total acid number, and color across all liquids. Viscosity increased by up to 10% in natural esters. Notably, the rise in water content due to aging was concerning only for mineral oil, exceeding 20%. The impact of aging on breakdown voltage varied depending on the voltage type and polarity. Aging had the least effect under negative lightning impulse voltage, while the synthetic ester MIDEL 7131 exhibited the most significant reduction in breakdown voltage under positive lightning impulse voltage, dropping by over 24%, from more than 560 kV to 428 kV. In contrast, mineral oil showed only a 3% decrease. For the other liquids, the most pronounced reduction in breakdown voltage due to aging occurred under AC voltage, with natural esters showing a 17% decline, synthetic esters 26%, and mineral oil experiencing a 38% reduction.

Keywords

• mineral oil
• ester
• breakdown voltage
• aging
• lightning impulse
• AC voltage