Research Objectives
RO1: Electrical and Physicochemical characterization of Nanofluids
Methodology
- Mapping, and theoretical analysis of the appropriate type, size, shape of Nanoparticle per understudied property.
- FEM Simulations will run using the High-Performance Computing Infrastructure for electromagnetic modelling of the nanoparticles impregnated in natural ester oil.
- Preliminary testing of the main electrical properties.
RO2: Experimental investigation of the steady state and impulse behavior analysis
Methodology
- Steady state conditions analysis, resembling nominal transformer conditions, by determining the AC Breakdown voltage level and the statistic behavior of the Nanofluid per IEC 60156.
- Experimental investigation via impulse voltage and current generators to determine the impulse performance of the understudied Nanofluids IEC 60897.
RO3: Evaluation of dispersion and lifetime stability
Methodology
- Dispersion analysis measurements by means of Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) along with visual examination of sedimentation and residual.
- Ageing testing under high temperature in climatic chamber under nominal voltage stress.
- Repetition of the lifetime results by means of DLS and SEM and steady state AC dielectric strength to evaluate the impact of the ageing.
RO4: General guidelines and methods of zero-production
Methodology
- Establishment of general guidelines and engineering rules for the methods and selection criteria of Nanoparticles, coatings and concentration needed per industrial application.
- Introduce the basic Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA), Ishikawa diagrams and Poka-Yoke Techniques to allow the transfer to production and industrialization of Nanofluids.
Work Packages
WP 1
Electrical and Physicochemical characterization of Nanofluids
Nanoparticles physical properties impact in nanofluids will be summarized and simulation studies will be done to confirm these properties in nanofluid formulation along with preliminary electrical testing.
WP 2
Experimental investigation of the steady state and impulse behavior analysis
Nanofluids manufacturing with surface modification. Full scale electrical testing including steady state per IEC 60156 and impulse behavior analysis per IEC 60897.
WP 3
Evaluation of dispersion and lifetime stability
Evaluation of long term stability of the nanofluid under electrical and thermal ageing.
WP 4
General guidelines and methods of zero-production
Establishment of general guidelines and engineering rules for the methods and selection criteria of Nanoparticles, coatings and concentration needed per industrial application, Introduction of basic “Transfer to production” procedures.
WP 5
Research Project Management and Results Dissemination
Streamlining the oversight of every facet (operations, administration, and finances) in the collaborative project to guarantee the timely accomplishment of deliverables and milestones, as well as the dissemination of results to the scientific and engineering communities. This work package will establish a communication channel between the Principal Investigator and: (a) H.F.R.I., (c) collaborating organizations (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University of Ioannina), and (d) external advisors.