Realising Potential
Balancing Impact and Output
As society shifts towards more and cleaner power solutions, the generation, transmission and consumption of electricity is changing dramatically. These changes – while often beneficial for the end user – raise some specific challenges for power operators, particularly when it comes to electrical transformers.
Two noticeable changes are an increased need for power and a rising number of transformers located in environmentally sensitive areas or amidst operationally challenging conditions. While on their own each of these would post significant issues for equipment, together, they demand maintenance solutions that can combine traditional performance with a reduced environmental impact.
Meeting the Needs of Increased Power Demands
An uptick in renewable energy – solar and offshore wind farms, for example – has led to an increase in the number of power generation sites away from where that power is consumed. The long-distance electricity supply that this requires means higher voltages are often needed to ensure efficient transmission.
The modern grid can create stresses for ageing infrastructure – including transformers initially designed for much lower loads and operating temperatures.
To combat this, today’s transformer oils must have:
- High dielectric strength
- Efficient cooling properties
- Enhanced oxidation resistance
Ensuring Environmental Impact Is Kept to A Minimum
But performance alone is often not enough for today’s transformers. Modern equipment is frequently found in environmentally sensitive areas, whether that’s an arctic climate or a protected, woodland area.
These conditions come with their own challenges for equipment, maintenance and transformer oil. Part of wider sustainability considerations – such as cradle-to-grave emissions offsetting and recyclability – next-generation transformer oils must therefore be equipped to offer:
- Suitability for use in environmentally sensitive locations by being readily biodegradable
- A low pour point, good flow properties and excellent cold temperature performance
- Compatibility with standard mineral oils, for ease of retrofitting and widespread use
Discover Shell Diala S5 BD
Considering the switch to a high-performance, biodegradable transformer oil? Find out all you need to know about Shell Diala S5 BD by downloading our product sheet.
Explore the Shell Diala range
Download our brochure to find out how the Shell Diala range of transformer oils can improve your operational efficiency while reducing costs.
Shell MIDEL 7131
Synthetic ester fluid
Shell MIDEL 7131 K3 class is specifically formulated to be a fire-safe,¹ high-performance fluid providing all the benefits of ester technology. It is the fluid of choice when the performance demands on the transformer are higher, especially if located in a cold climate (it has a pour point of −56°C)7 or when there is a risk of contact with air. Shell MIDEL 7131 is also ideal for transformers located indoors, outdoors or underground, and for high temperature, breathing-type equipment. It has a long track record in demanding applications such as wind turbines and rolling stock and is proven over 400 kV.2
Shell MIDEL 7131 meets the IEC 61099 and ASTM D8240 standards.
Shell MIDEL eN 1204
Rapeseed/canola natural ester fluid
Shell MIDEL eN 1204 is a K2 Class bio-sourced dielectric fluid,5 classed as biodegradable3 and non-hazardous.4 Its pour point of −31°C7 makes it an effective fluid for installations in cooler climates. It has a high fire point of over 350°C,7 increasing the fire safety of transformers, and can reduce the need for fire protection equipment.
Like all natural ester transformer fluids, Shell MIDEL eN 1204 is best suited for use in non-breathing equipment.
Shell MIDEL natural esters meet IEC 62770, IEEE C57.147 and ASTM D6871 standards.
Shell MIDEL eN 1215
Soybean natural ester fluid
Shell MIDEL eN 1215 is formulated from soybean oil. This product is an efficient general-purpose fluid, ideal for a wide range of transformers located indoors or outdoors. Shell MIDEL natural esters meet IEC 62770, IEEE C57.147 and ASTM D6871 standards.
Shell MIDEL Regen
Regenerated synthetic ester fluid
Shell MIDEL Regen is derived from in-service Shell MIDEL 7131 synthetic ester fluid. It delivers the same Shell MIDEL 7131 benefits of fire safety,1 biodegradability3 and transformer performance that customers have come to expect from using Shell MIDEL 7131 synthetic ester.
Protecting Environmentally Sensitive Locations
From offshore wind farms to desert solar sites, Shell Diala S5 BD can handle environmentally sensitive locations of any extreme.
