2018 International Conference on Computing, Mathematics and Engineering Technologies – iCoMET 2018

Optimization of the factors affecting the breakdown

voltage of the transformer oil using genetic
algorithm
H. Nazar1, A. Rashid1, M. Shahzad1, F. Khan1, B. Khan1
1
Department of Electrical Engineering
1
COMSATS Institute of Information And Technology
Abbottabad, Pakistan
1
hina.nazar99@gmail.com, 1Mohsinshahzad@ciit.net.pk

Abstract—In previous years, a lot of experimental work was
done on the factors that affect the breakdown voltage of
transformer oil but recently software techniques for optimization
gained so much attention. The basic purpose is to analyze the
behavior of the properties that affect the breakdown voltage, to
optimize the results according to the requirement and to enable
the researcher to predict results before the experimental work.
As we know, if the applied electric field is provided above a
certain limit even for few nano-seconds it could lead to the
breakdown of transformer oil. There are certain factors and
dielectric properties that affect the breakdown strength of
transformer oil and compromising the throughput of the
electrical system. The optimization technique used for this
purpose is Genetic Algorithm because of its good results,
simplicity, and ease of use. It can deal with multiple variables at a
time. The considered factors that affect the breakdown voltages
are temperature, permittivity, tan δ, viscosity, velocity of the
particles. The gap length is considered as 10mm and the factors
are optimized around breakdown voltage of 50KV. Generally, oil
having breakdown less than 50KV requires oil reconditioning.
Considering these factors are leads to analyze many other factor
affecting the breakdown voltage.
Keywords— breakdown voltage, permittivity, temperature,
transformer oil, viscosity
I. INTRODUCTION
It has been observed that power transformers use the oil as
a dielectric insulator or either as a cooling material.
Breakdown voltage of transformer oil is a very important
factor for measuring the dielectric strength of transformer oil.
Basically, breakdown voltage is the minimum voltage at
which insulation small portion starts conducting, insulator
becomes electrical conductor and lost the properties as an
electrical insulator whereas breakdown strength is the
maximum applied voltage at which the insulator withstand to
its properties. The life span of transformer is directly affected
by the breakdown voltage of transformer oil. The numerical
method for finding breakdown voltage is discussed in [1]. It is
very important to not operate transformer beyond its specified
breakdown voltage or it will damage the transformer
electrical, physical, mechanical and chemical properties.
There are several ways to maintain and monitor transformer
oil properties [2]. The life and health of transformer highly
depend upon its insulation properties and it is very important
to evaluate the condition of insulation. In pure oil the
breakdown voltage is higher, as the oil aging process starts,
the breakdown voltage decreases because of number of factors
[3]. Not every particle is pollutant, adding nanoparticles
enhance the breakdown strength while adding copper particles
decreases the breakdown strength [4]. The characteristic
behavior of the factors is observed with 10mm gap length as
increasing gap length decreases the breakdown strength [5].
Minimum gap length of almost 5mm shows the linear
characteristic behavior of breakdown curves whereas the
maximum gap length is 50mm [6].
Dielectric insulating oils have been used as a liquid
insulator in transformers. In presence of electric field, E the
current in insulating oil is highly affected by the impurities
present in the oil [6]. Similarly, the breakdown strength have
been studied that it is the maximum amount at which the
maximum electric field is achieved without the breakdown
[7]. Many factors have been discussed in different research
papers which are affecting the breakdown voltage of
transformer oil such as electric permittivity [6].
Different approached to find the breakdown voltage of oil
are well explained according to IEC 60156 standard [7].
Whereas, the transformer oil having a breakdown of less than
50KV needs oil reconditioning and various methods for
transformer maintenance are explained [2]. The breakdown
under uniform electric field studies such that the particles get
aligned in the space between the electrodes, and the charge on
the particles is increased to the extent that the particles itself
fly apart from the alignment and suddenly the charge on the
particle reduced [8]. Breakdown mechanism in liquid
dielectrics has been well explained, and the research has been
done on breakdown voltage in liquid dielectric is more
significant and higher in an alternating or non-uniform field as
compared to constant field [8][9].
II. METHODOLOGY
Basic objective is to maximize the breakdown voltage
according to IEC 60296 standard by considering different
factors that affect the breakdown voltage. By considering the
constraints of the factors, breakdown voltage is optimized
around 50KV discussed below in each section. Suggested

978-1-5386-1370-2/18/$31.00 ©2018 IEEE

optimization technique is implemented on basis of ease of use optimized (given problem) evaluates current population. And
and less complexity to achieve optimum results. the results of both generations are compared using Pairwise
Comparison to find the best off spring. This off spring then
The genetic algorithm (GA) is an optimization technique becomes the First Generation for the next iteration and this
which differs from traditional optimization algorithms. The process is carried out until the iterations end. Results are
GA has been developed after inspiration from biogenetic
displayed once the iterations are complete. These steps
principle. This algorithm uses probabilistic approach to find
repeatedly iterate until the stopping criteria meet [12].
out the optimum solution unlike gradients or
Hessians[10],[11]. This innovative and appealing search
technique has gotten attention in the field of computer Initializing Variables
programming, artificial intelligence, signal and image and Constants
processing and neural network as an efficient optimization
tool [12]-[15].
The GA is quite different from traditional search
optimization techniques. The difference comes from the roots Defining First
of GA i.e. it uses probabilistic mathematical approach instead Generation
of deterministic. In probabilistic approach, population set is (Guess)
randomly initialized. Consequently, the chromosomes mating,
crossover, and mutation are carried out at random. Therefore,
this algorithm facilitates to look into fitness function precisely
every time with muted population. One of the most scheming
uniqueness of the algorithm is the inherent ability of parallel Pairwise Averaging
operation. It can perform parallel statistical operations with to find New
large number of population in very short processing time for Generation for
each generation. current Iteration

The GA uses minimum information in given problem space to

produce new fitness value. It requires only objective function
or fitness function value to update next generation of
chromosomes. However, other traditional searches use many
of different type input like derivative in hill climbing method Mutation
to find out optimum value. So GA needs only fitness value on
current population to proceed further.
The GA uses set of population instead of single point
so it has advantage to see the solution in problem space.
It unveiled the solution even at different corner of the
Evaluate Fitness
problems which remain hidden in traditional function for First
optimization technique. Furthermore, GA can search and Next
solution in multi-dimension through its population set instead Generation
single dimension unlike in deterministic search approach. The
GA mapped the actual optimizing parameter to set of
population like in ( ) therefore, it does not performed
operation directly on that parameter instead set of population.
This mapping may be in multi dimension to explore the space Pairwise
and strengthen the search criterion. Comparison to
Select First
Generation for Next
A. Steps Involved In Genetic Algorithm Iteration
The first step in GA is defining a set of values which could
be termed first generation. The values serve as a pool in
which the code will try to find the best values. Initialization is
to choose set of points or population and then it is initialized,
usually at some random values The next step is to find Next Iterations Left
Check for Iterations Complete
Generation, it is done by Pairwise Averaging of First Display Results
Iterations
Generations. Mutation is another step that is involved here
which is used to alter the genes of the Next Generation
members if required. Once the First and Next Generation are
complete, these two are evaluated for the Fitness function. Figure 1: Flow Diagram of Genetic Algorithm.
The objective function or fitness function which is to be
 III. FACTORS AFFECTING THE BREAKDOWN VOLTAGE
There are number of factors affecting the breakdown
voltage. Each factor is discussed briefly with comprehensible
study of each variable or parameter affecting considered
factors and breakdown voltage. The values have been
optimized according to the citation and these values may vary
according to the requirement. Considered factors for
optimization are temperature, viscosity, velocity of particle
and permittivity, optimized using GA in MATLAB.
A. Temperature
Generally, the transformer oil must have breakdown
voltage greater than 30KV and at 70°C the maximum value of
breakdown should not exceed than 69KV [18]. Equation (1)
gives the relationship between breakdown strength, E and
Temperature, T of transformer oil. In this equation, K is
Boltzmann’s constant, r is the radius of particles and N is the
number of particles. T has a direct relationship with E at lower
temperature limits but when temperature increases, the effect
of r and N could not be neglected. Increasing particle radius
leads to decreasing breakdown strength [16].
KT r E
ln N = (1)
r 2
In Figure 2. it has been well illustrated that un-optimized
results show that E directly varies with T but the optimized
results show that Genetic Algorithm computes values for T
that mostly give max result for E. The algorithm takes account
of the changes made in r and N too and produces E. Whereas,
the optimized values due to Equation (1) are 4.9452e+06V/m
or 49.5KV/Cm, r= 35nm, N= 50K, T=366K and B=49.5KV.
Figure 2: Un-optimized and optimized results of
breakdown and temperature
In Figure 3. Similar behavior of temperature and
breakdown was observed on experimental basis that the
temperature and breakdown have direct relation at lower
temperature with gap length 5mm [9].
Figure 3: Breakdown and oil temperature
B. Velocity
The breakdown in liquids occur due to increase in electric
field strength when it reaches its critical value. The particles in
liquid aligned between the sphere gap because of presence of
electric field but if they are unable to form a bridge a local
breakdown could occur because of the presence of bubble
produced by local field enhancement produced when E
increases more than the dielectric strength of liquid.
As we know the particle inside a liquid must experience an
opposition viscous force which is stroke’s force F=6πηrv.
Whereas, η is defined as the viscosity of the liquid, r is
mentioned as the radius of the particle and v is the particle’s
velocity to which it is moving under the influence of electric
field, E in the liquid. Comparing the stroke’s equation with the
Electric force we have
=
6

Equation (2) represents the relation of with E but the
relation could not be clearly seen because of differential
relation. A comprehensible relation in with breakdown is
shown in Figure 3. Optimized value of E is 48KV/Cm,
r=40μm, V=107mm/s, B=48KV.
The effect of E applied on an electron has been discussed.
Under small electric field there is no significant difference in
particle movement but under higher electric field there is
significant change in the movement of the electron [8].
Velocity of the particle increases with the increasing electric
field. Basically, E is the cause which changes the V of the
particle. If the particle is massive or if there are huge number
of particles, the work done by the electric field on them (to
accelerate them) will be taken from the energy of the electric
field. In such a case the electric field becomes weaker as the
velocity of the massive particle/the huge number of particles is
increased. That effect can be ignored for a small particle. This
equation for the relationship of V and B is a differential
equation. So the optimized and un-optimized results show a
different story altogether. The result is that as V increases,
breakdown decreases. This is not evident from the equation
but derivative function has produced this relationship. A
similar increasing trend of velocity with increasing E was
observed but at lower limits of E, and it was clearly mentioned
that same trend could not be obtained at higher value of E
[19].
C. Viscosity
It is the resistance follow by the liquid. The viscosity of
oil is measured by many standards i-e SAE (Society of
Automotive Engineers). The more the SAE number the higher
will be viscosity of oil. Viscosity usually decreases with the
rise in temperature as the intermolecular forces between
molecules of the oil decreases. The more viscous is the oil, the
stronger will be intermolecular forces. It does not simply
depends upon intermolecular forces or temperature but it is
also dependent on the size and shape of particle. The greater
the viscosity is the less will be effect of particles on the
breakdown [4]. Viscosity does not have markable effect on
non-polar liquids whereas it does have effect on polar liquids.
Viscosity and breakdown have a direct relation [16]. In
Equation (2) the optimized value of =13 at B=48KV.
Figure 4: Un-optimized and optimized results of
viscosity and velocity as compared to breakdown
voltage.
D. Permittivity
Under the influence electric field, the ability of material to
get polarized is the electric permittivity of material. ASTM
D925 is the test method for measuring the permittivity of the
oil. Technically, when voltage is applied to a material, the
permittivity is the ratio of the amount of stored electrical
energy in a material as compared with vacuum. Foreign liquid
globule does not simply effects the core or winding of
transformer but also affects the insulation properties. Presence
of globule decreases the breakdown strength or breakdown
voltage of transformer oil and it will start conducting more
rapidly on lower temperature because of presence of foreign
liquid molecule. Loaded transformer increases the temperature
resulting in increasing the solubility of that liquid globule.
Permittivity depends upon the type of polarization in a
material. It is whether electronic polarization, orientation
polarization or ionic ionization depending upon whether the
electron density varies or the electric dipoles vary in presence
of E [6]. The breakdown phenomenon usually starts with a
very small size bubble evolution in transformer oil decreases
the dielectric strength [3]. The dielectric strength or
breakdown voltage will decrease by increasing bubble size
[3].The presence of the particles increases the bubble
generation. The liquid globule has its own permittivity which
is effecting the breakdown voltages. Under the influence of
electric field the globule may elongate to the shape of a
spheroid. The ratio of longer to shorter globule ß increases
with increasing electric field [17]. In Equation (3), the
permittivity of bubble was kept to be 1=1, =43dynes/cm,
=1.85 was placed in Equation (4) and Equation (5) to find the
constants G and H. optimized value of E is 51KV/Cm,
r=2.26μm, 2 =2.3, B=51.3KV.
√
= 600 (3)
−
1 cosh
= −1 (4)
− 1 ( − 1)
Figure 5: Un-optimized and optimized results of
breakdown and permittivity
The results show the inverse relationship between
permittivity and breakdown but the relationship is also
affected by r, the size of the bubble, and surface tension.
Basically, optimization smoothers the breakdown voltage
graph. In un-optimized and optimized results, the inverse
relationship of permittivity and breakdown voltage is clearly
evident but values of other parameters in this equation, to hold
the inverse relationship but slowly. The decrease in
breakdown due to increase in permittivity has been slowed
down due to the involvement of the other parameters.
IV. COMPARISON OF RESULTS
The results of different electrical and mechanical
(physical) properties are shown in Table 1. There are number
of factors that are affecting the breakdown voltage and the
results were implemented according to the IEC 60296
standard. Recommended breakdown voltage was 50KV and
all other factors are investigated according to the requirement.
The gap distance is taken as 10mm. The recommended
operational temperature of transformer varies from 25°C to
90°C under different conditions. Temperature has a very
unique characteristic trend with breakdown. The temperature
behavior was observed at higher limits from 77°C to 97°C, as
transformer trips after crossing 100°C. This trend could also
be observed on lower temperature limits. At lower
temperature, breakdown and temperature has a direct relation
but at higher temperature due to dielectric losses and effect of
polarization the temperature has an in direct relation with
breakdown. Similarly, the required value of viscosity is
12mm2/s, which decreases by increasing temperature whereas,
viscosity has a direct relation with breakdown voltage. As the
viscosity increases so does the breakdown. Under the electric
field stress, as E increases the velocity of particles increases
but when E increases beyond its limits the velocity of particles
has an indirect relation with breakdown. Whereas permittivity
follows the inverse relation with breakdown voltage of
transformer oil.
Table 1: Results of different factors affecting the breakdown
voltage.
Optimized
Factor Recommended Level
Values
Breakdown 50KV ≈48-53KV
Temperature 90°C 93°C
Viscosity 12mm2/s 13 mm2/s
Velocity 0.55mm/s@400V/Cm 107mm/s@48KV/Cm
Permittivity ≈2.0 2.35
V. CONCLUSION:
Recently, software techniques gained so much attention for
the prediction of results before experimental work. A quick
access to data, ahead of experimental work is of primary
importance as achieving one result may lead to sacrifice other
parameters of the transformer oil. Analyzing multiple
variables of transformer oil, reduces time consumption before
starting the experimental work and proves whether this
research going to be successful or not. This research aimed to
optimize the breakdown voltage of transformer oil according
to IEC standard 60296.
The dielectric insulation parameters affecting the
breakdown voltage of transformer oil were successfully
investigated by using Genetic algorithm in MATLAB. The
required optimized values of the parameters were evaluated.
Optimized and un-optimized results were plotted by
implementing Genetic Programming and without
implementing genetic algorithm respectively.
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