Flaxseed Oil Testing to Determine its Suitability as an Alternative to Transformer Oil

This study aims to assess the feasibility of using flaxseed oil as an alternative to transformer oil. Petroleum, a non-renewable resource with a negative environmental impact, is the basis of the transformer oil currently in use. The parameters tested for flaxseed oil were breakdown voltage, flash point, pour point, and viscosity. This study uses an experimental method in accordance with the established testing standards and quantitative data is obtained. The test results indicate that the breakdown voltage of flaxseed oil exceeds the standard, measuring 43.33 kV at a temperature range of 40 °C to 60 °C, which corresponds to the operating temperature of the transformer. This temperature decreases the water content, air bubbles, and voids in the oil, leading to a higher breakdown voltage value compared to room temperature. The flash point values is very good (311 °C) significantly exceeding the required standard of ≥ 140 °C. In addition, the viscosity value of 26.64 cSt does not meet the IEC standard of ≤ 12 cSt, but it does meet the PLN standard (≤ 40 cSt). The pour point value of -9 °C is still not in accordance with the desired standard of ≤ -40 oC, but is still relevant if applied to transformers in countries without four seasons or countries with the coldest temperature not reaching -9 °C. The impact of this testing contributes to the development of safer, more sustainable, and environmentally friendly insulating fluids.