Ester-based Insulating Oils:Research Progress and Future Trends
Ester-based insulating oils are considered promising candidates for the next generation of transformer insulation due to their low carbon emission,enhanced safety,and environmental benefits.Their potential applications span environmentally sensitive areas such as densely populated urban centers,high-speed railways,high-capacity infrastructure,offshore wind farms,and natural reserves.However,the distinct molecular structures of ester-based oils compared to mineral-based counterparts contribute to varied physicochemical and electrical properties.This review summarizes current research on ester-based insulating oils and examines their potential to improve the safety and environmental sustainability of electrical equipment.It also compares the synthetic and natural esters against conventional mineral oils,discusses the potential of ester-based insulating oils in improving the safety of electrical equipment and environment sustainability,and points out future research key issues.