An experimental and spectroscopic investigation on pongamia pinata as liquid dielectrics for rural micro grid under various load conditions

The transformer mineral oil is generally hydrocarbon-based and is not environmentally friendly, so it holds a significant share in environmental pollution. As an alternative to conventional transformer oil, plant-based insulation oil has been investigated globally in the past few decades. Even though vegetable oils are considered an environmentally viable alternative to mineral oil, the extensive utilization of vegetable oils could create a threat to Indian food security. The present work focuses on using Pongamia Pinnata oil (PPO) as a significant alternative to conventional transformer oil (CTO) in distribution transformers. The effectiveness of the proposed PPO is experimentally verified using thermal studies and electrical studies through a low-level distribution transformer of 1 kVA. A comparative analysis was carried out between the proposed and conventional oil regarding physical, chemical, and thermal properties. Also, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis have been carried out for fibreglass cloth insulation material with PPO and CTO to ensure the intrinsic structural strength of the insulation material. The structural strength ensures the bonding and life span of the insulation in the transformer. The cost–benefit analysis is also favourable for the proposed oil as a better green liquid dielectric for transformers.