International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Technology ISSN :2277-1581 Volume No.4 Issue No.6, pp: 383-386 01 June 2015 IJSET@2015 Page 383 Enhancement of Performance Parameters Of Transformer Using Nanofluids Raja Sekhar Dondapati 1 , Vishnu Saini 2 , Niraj Kishore 3 , Vicky Prasad 4 1,2 School of Mechanical Engineering, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India 3,4 School of Electrical Engineering, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India Corresponding Email : rajasekhar9@gmail.com Abstract— Transformer is a soul of both transmission and distribution systems. It performs low voltage to high voltage conversion in transmission lines and similarly high voltage to low voltage conversion in distribution lines. The operation of transformer is decided by the cooling provided to the system. The efficient cooling method is achieved by the use of forced (or) natural oil cooling medium. The oils used for the purpose of coolants are the hydrocarbons of paraffin (or) naphtha based petroleum products. The oil is used as coolant is made from highly refined mineral oil and it has high dielectric strength. During the operation of transformer there occurs temperature variation in the oil which causes reduction in dielectric strength with emissions of dissolved gases like sulphur, moisture etc. The mineral oil used in existing system is the dominant material in use but thermal conductivity is less. The insulating property of transformer provides poor results by the use of oil cooling medium.So, to achieve the best cooling the researchers introduced nano based oil, called “Nanofluids”. A nanofluid has attracted much in the field of research and its wide applications in the field of engineering. It is a mixture of nano-sized solid particles and base fluid. The major role of nanofluids is to improve the electrical, physical and chemical parameters of transformer. There are various varities of nanoparticles which improve the electrical and physical properties of transformer oil; among the various nanoparticles available are alumina particle (Al 2 O 3 ), copper oxide (CuO), titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) etc. Then its performance is being checked by simulation and experimental data. Keywords—Nano particles, Nano Fluids, Transformer Oil, Heat transfer I. Introduction Transformer is a non-movable machine that transforms power from one circuit (primary) to another circuit (secondary) with constant frequency. The transformer is first commenced in the year 1880 and brings the soul of the power system. The first 400 KV power transformer was introduced in the year 1950 for high voltage purpose. The generation of electrical energy in low voltage level is much economical; hence it is desirable to generate power in LV level. Transformer plays an important role in conversion of voltage levels (LV-HV or HV-LV). [1] Transformer can be classified in different ways:  Step up and step down transformer  Three and single phase transformer  Power, distributed and instrument transformer  Two winding and auto transformer  Outdoor and indoor transformer. In the last two decades the major issues that are focused are low heat losses (hence higher efficiency), higher service reliability and better insulation. Thermal effect is the major factor which decides the performance and protection of liquid- immersed transformers. The size of the power transformers used in both generating and distribution networks are larger than 500 kVA. The core of the transformers is laminated by steel with copper or aluminum winding. The windings used in the core have provided a solid insulation of refined paper and the oil acts as insulating and cooling medium. The major parameters in the core, windings, and insulation are hike of temperature in core that is transferred to the cooling agent (oil), heat losses in the winding. The temperature rise in transformer core also affects the MVA rating of the transformer and it is based on the maximum allowable temperature of the insulation. Transformer can continuously deliver the rated power output at rated voltage and frequency without exceeding the temperature. This temperature rise affects the thermal limitation of core, winding and insulation. As per the international design standards, the temperature limit can rise above measured ambient temperature. The ambient temperature ensures that transformer has sufficient thermal capacity and independent of daily environmental conditions. Fig 1 shows the how the transformer operates and functions its cooling property. [2] Fig 1: Basic Arrangement of Transformer [3] The major challenge in the power transformers is to limit the temperature rises to the core materials and thermal capability of the insulation. These temperature rises can cause heat losses in the transformers winding. Based on the voltage and frequency parameters the power output of transformers are rated, without exceeding the specified temperature hike. The temperature rise also affects MVA rating of the transformers and the temperature should not exceed maximum allowable temperature of the insulation. The significant sources of heating in the windings of transformer are no-load losses and on-load losses. No-load losses are caused by hysteresis and eddy losses in the core of the transformers, and these losses occur when transformers are