Investigation of the Electric Field variation on surface of nanoparticle added to transformer oil

Transformer oil is a major insulating liquid and the phenomenon of streamer formation in the oil is an area of concern. Proper monitoring of the insulation system helps in lengthening the life of the equipment. Repeated discharges is a signifier of the state of insulation and affect the life of insulation in the long run. With the introduction of nanoparticles, this phenomenon of streamer formation is slowed down and hence results in higher breakdown voltage. In this paper, a 2D simulation model is developed by using COMSOL Multiphysics software to study the phenomenon underlying electrical breakdown with the addition of nanoparticles to transformer oil under the effect of the applied voltage. Finite element analysis is done to determine the effect of variation of the electric field distribution around the surface of the nanoparticle. The variation in the electric field shows the influence of nanoparticle on the enhancement of breakdown voltage due to trapping of electrons on the surface. For this study, two different types of semiconductive nanoparticles, namely Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Titanium Oxide (TiO
₂
) are considered and electric field distortion is noted when added to the mineral oil. The magnitude of electric field is highest at the oil/nanoparticle interface. A comparative study is carried out of the simulation results for both the nanoparticles introduced in the transformer oil.