Lightning Impulse Breakdown Characteristics of a Bio-Based Hydrocarbon and Other Insulating Liquids under Positive Polarity

This paper presents the results of studies on the lightning impulse breakdown characteristics of a Bio-based hydrocarbon (BIO) insulating liquid which is an example of a new approach in terms of environmentally friendly and sustainable liquids for electrical purposes. The liquid tested meets the criteria of the IEC 60296 standard and in addition is readily biodegradable (OECD 301), fully bio-based (ASTM D6866), and has a very low viscosity profile. Studies on the positive lighting impulse breakdown voltage (LIBV) as well as acceleration voltage of mentioned liquid are made in comparison to inhibited Naphthenic Mineral Oil (NMO), Natural Ester (NE) and Synthetic Ester (SE). The results obtained for a point-to-sphere electrode arrangement based on IEC 60897 for two gap distances (25 mm and 40 mm) show that all the liquids have similar 50% probability of breakdown, but the acceleration (for positive polarity) voltage of the liquids vary more distinctively.