As Ampcontrol continues to tailor its approach to transformer design and manufacture, Dean Armstrong Transformers Company Manager, talks about the move towards ester dielectric fluids, a key environmental advancement occurring in the Australian transformer market.
End users have been looking for techniques to manage and improve the life of their transformers and we are seeing transformer monitoring, online oil management, durable corrosion protection, thermally upgraded paper and ester fluids being specified.
Ester dielectric fluids are viable natural alternatives to traditional mineral oil in a broad range of transformers. Produced from soybean these oils are biobased, sustainable, renewable and recyclable providing sustainable environmental protections.
With a high flash point of 330˚C they also provide a high level of fire safety compared to a flash point of 145˚C for petroleum-based mineral oil.
The chemical properties of ester dielectric fluids enhance transformer insulation performance and life expectancy, minimising the impact of moisture. As a result, the insulation system can last up to three times longer than one in a mineral oil filled transformer, increasing asset life and saving money.
The use of ester fluid at voltages of 66 to 132kV requires the engineer to take account of the dielectric properties of ester fluids which differ from traditional insulating oils.
Ampcontrol now offers Envirotemp FR3™ fluid as an option in transformers up to 132kV. Ampcontrol can manufacture transformers up to 75MVA at 132kV and service and repair units where our customers need.Our team specialises in the design, manufacture, redesign and overhaul of custom built transformers, providing engineered solutions from the standard to the complex.
