Effect of nanoparticles on transformer oil breakdown strength: experiment and theory

This study presents theoretical as well as experimental studies in order to obtain interpretations about the role of nanoparticles in the breakdown mechanism of transformer oil. The published breakdown mechanisms for nanofilled transformer oil are briefly discussed in order to highlight the points of agreement and disagreement with these mechanisms. Moreover, a proposed breakdown mechanism for nanofilled oil is presented depending on a proposed particle charging mechanism that is theoretically discussed and experimentally validated. Finally, the obtained experimental results prove the efficacy of the proposed theoretical mechanisms.