It is essential to analyse the dielectric performance in a humid environment of insulating liquids of plant origin, considered as alternatives to mineral oil (MO) which is not environmentally friendly. This paper focuses on the effects of different moisture levels on the dielectric strength and partial discharge initiation voltage of two natural monoesters, based on castor oil (CO) and palm kernel oil (PKO), and MO. The different samples were moistened with a glycerol solution, then sealed and stored for 12 days to allow further diffusion of moisture into the samples. Dielectric strength was statistically evaluated from IEC 60156. Partial discharge inception voltage (PDIV) experiment was performed in conformity with a modified IEC 61294 purpose at ambient temperature. Based on the experimental observations, the moisture has different behavior on dielectric strength and PDIV of insulating oils. Monoesters have a better withstand to water contamination than MOs in power transformers.
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