Abstract
Nanofluids are known for their exceptional thermo-physical properties, especially in improving the efficiency of the heat transfer process. This work explores the technological complexities of dispersing Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN) nanoparticles in transformer oil, focusing on the application in distributor transformers for heat dissipation and electrical insulation. The work experimentally examines two crucial aspects, i.e., the stability of nano-dispersions and the thermal behavior of oil nanofluids. A non-ionic surfactant, in combination with optimum ultrasonication, is utilized to achieve stable nanofluids. Experiments with different concentrations of h-BN (0–2 wt.%) show that nanofluids with lower particle concentrations have better stability than higher loadings (1–2 wt.%). The experiments are performed to measure the effective thermal conductivity of h-BN/oil nanofluids, which show a direct increase in proportion to the amount of particles added, reaching the highest point at 48 %. Further, the degradation and the lifespan of the nano-oil are experimentally assessed using thermogravimetric analysis that reveals a significant increase of 3 °C in the lifespan of insulating nano-oil when exposed to higher loadings of particles. The findings provide information about the technical feasibility and effectiveness of h-BN-based nanofluids to improve the heat transfer properties of transformer oil.
