CHARACTERIZATION OF FUNCTIONALIZED NANODIAMONDS IN MINERAL OILS FOR TRANSFORMER APPLICATIONS

Patrick Swiecichowski, Miles Nevills, Ethan Languri, Jim Davidson, Lino Costa, David Kern

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The use of transformers for varying the voltage in a power grid is heavily limited and determined by its thermal management. This thermal management is largely based on the mineral oil that surrounds the core of the transformer, this mineral oil dissipates the heat that is produced by the core of said transformer. The current mineral oil that is used is a dielectric, that restricts the ability to conduct electricity, and is widely used since the thermal properties of the mineral oil are high compared to the low cost of the mineral oil itself. The improvement in the heat transfer of the transformer not only increases its lifespan but also increases the capacity for the throughput of power. With electrification being an increasing focus, the demands on the power grids are only increasing as time passes. Nanodiamond-enhanced mineral oils present a potentially novel and surprisingly inexpensive solution to increase the heat transfer rate from transformers fins, leading to an increase in grid throughput capability. By using the nanodiamond-enhanced mineral oil, potentially little to no alterations to the current design of the transformer would be necessary. Because all that would need to be changed would be the mineral oil surrounding the core, this means that most transformers currently in use could also be enhanced, reducing the cost by not manufacturing another replacement transformer and just replacing the mineral oil inside. This is also a passive solution compared to active solutions such as circulating pumps for the oil dissipating the heat through an exchanger, so there is no added mechanical complexity or electrical consumption. This paper investigates the physical and thermal properties of functionalized nanodiamonds in mineral oils at various concentrations. A detailed discussion of multiple properties of the fluids will be performed including: how the introduction of the functionalized nano-diamonds to the mineral oil affects the thermal conductivity the mineral oil experiences, how the change in the mineral oil affects the viscosity and how this change in viscosity might impact the function of the transformer, how this change in the mineral oil affects the specific heat capacity and the potential impact this might have on the longevity and efficiency of the transformer system, and lastly, how the density of the mineral oil is impacted and what kind of implications or complications this might pose for the prolonged use in transformers. This paper will also take a look into the changes that adding the functionalized nano-diamonds to the mineral oil will have on the oil itself, microscopically, and the interactions it might experience by using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, and X-ray Diffraction.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHeat Transfer and Thermal Engineering
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791887677
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023
Externally publishedYes
EventASME 2023 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2023 - New Orleans, United States
Duration: Oct 29 2023Nov 2 2023

Publication series

NameASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE)
Volume10

Conference

ConferenceASME 2023 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityNew Orleans
Period10/29/2311/2/23

Keywords

  • Functionalized Nanodiamonds
  • Heat Transfer
  • Mineral Oils
  • Transformers

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