Modification of Nano-Zeolite/Transformer Oil Composites and Optimization of Insulation Performance

Existing transformer oil, which serves as the cooling medium and core insulation in power transformers, has problems such low dielectric strength, moisture sensitivity, and unstable high temperatures. The use of nanoparticles in transformer oil modification, which has emerged as a successful strategy for improving its insulating capabilities, can greatly alleviate these issues. In order to create a modified transformer oil that is steadily disseminated, Y-type nano-zeolite was surface-modified in this study utilizing oleic acid and silane coupling agents. To verify the oleic acid coating on the nanozeolite and the silane coupling agent's modification impact, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized. The dispersion of oleic acid- and silane-modified zeolite was more uniform than that of pure zeolite, according to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies, indicating that the modifications allowed for good dispersion of nano-zeolite. The findings of an evaluation of the modified composite oil's breakdown characteristics showed that the oil modified with nano-zeolite had a significantly higher insulating strength. When compared to pure oil, the breakdown voltage of the silanemodified zeolite composite oil samples rose by 40.6% in the direct current (DC) breakdown tests. The breakdown voltage of the oleic acid-modified samples increased by 67.2% in the alternating current (AC) breakdown tests, which was much higher. This improvement is ascribed to the modifiers' capacity to improve the capture of trapped charges and inhibit interfacial bubble effects. Additionally, the conductivity properties were examined. The oleic acid-modified zeolite's electrical conductivity was somewhat higher than that of pure oil and much lower than that of pure zeolite. This study established theoretical and experimental underpinnings for the development of transformer oils with high stability and robust insulation performance by clarifying the insulation reinforcement mechanism of nano-zeolite-modified transformer oil through surface modification and structural regulation techniques.