SWEDEN — The Gothenburg city utility company opted to use Nynas’ bio-based, biodegradable insulating liquid in a transformer located in a sensitive water protection area.

Göteborg Energi decided to test the performance of Nynas’ bio insulating liquid by using it in one of three identical 40 MVA transformers installed in Gothenburg.

“As the transformer is located near a source of drinking water, we needed to make absolutely sure that no oil is spilled in the area, and we needed to use an insulating liquid that is highly biodegradable,” said Ferruccio Vuinovich, Planning Engineer, Göteborg Energi.

Developed as an alternative to mineral insulating oil and ester liquids, the bio solution from Nynas is produced from hydrocarbon by-products. It has a negative carbon footprint and ultralow viscosity, Nynas said in a press release.

“We have been able to achieve around 10 degrees lower temperatures in the transformer, improving the performance without the risk of overloads. It also opens the potential of using smaller transformers in certain locations. This is something we might look into in the future,” says Ferruccio Vuinovich.

The bio insulating fluid’s renewable and recyclable properties are also important for Göteborg Energi, as the utility has set tough sustainability targets for its operations.

“The innovation supports transformer operators like Göteborg Energi by enabling their equipment to fulfil stringent environmental needs, and also by lower Total Cost of Ownership of the transformer,” comments Koen Kempeneer, Market Manager Electrical Industry, Nynas.

Source: Nynas