Shell MIDEL
In the wind energy sector, the need for reliable and environmentally conscious transformer fluids is crucial. Shell MIDEL 7131, a biodegradable synthetic ester,1 with a high fire point of 316掳C,2 excellent moisture tolerance and a low pour point of -56掳C3 can enhance the safety and longevity of transformers in diverse climates.
Increased fire safety
- K Class high fire point (>300掳C) to IEC 61039 standard2
- 100% fire safety record4
- Suitable for installation within a turbine
- FM庐 Approved and UL庐 listed transformer fluid2
High performance
- Reduced corrosion due to good oxygen stability3
- Greater moisture tolerance than conventional mineral oil, silicone liquid and natural ester to support dielectric strength3
- Lower no-load losses than cast-resin transformers, reducing energy consumption in low wind conditions4
- 鈭�56掳C pour point for cold climate performance3
Greater environmental protection
- Biodegradable according to OECD 301 test1
- Non-hazardous5
Shell MIDEL 7131 brochure Synthetic ester fluid
Shell MIDEL 7131 is a fire safe2, biodegradable1 alternative to conventional mineral oil and silicone fluid transformers.3
Offshore substations
- Substations provide the vital link between wind turbines and the electrical grid. As wind farms move further offshore, substations are positioned on purpose-built platforms 鈥� offering challenges such as transformer fire safety and maintenance costs.
- Offshore transformer fires are difficult to combat and could result in the wind farm being shut down. Filling a system with Shell MIDEL 7131 instead of conventional mineral oil increases its fire safety because Shell MIDEL 7131 has a much higher fire point of >300掳C2 and a 100% fire safety record.4 Furthermore, by specifying Shell MIDEL 7131 has proven possible to design significantly smaller offshore substations, without complicated transformer fire suppression.4
- In offshore substations, a transformer鈥檚 performance is just as important as its fire safety. If the transformer fails to withstand the corrosive atmosphere, it will need to undergo expensive unplanned maintenance 鈥� specifying a fluid such as Shell MIDEL that is oxygen stable and proven to work means greater assurance for operators.3
Offshore wind turbines
- Operating offshore presents its own unique challenges for experts, with dependability and safety being paramount. Potentially corrosive atmospheres challenge reliability, and failures can result in expensive unplanned maintenance. It is therefore essential to specify an oxygen-stable liquid such as Shell MIDEL 7131.3
- Shell MIDEL 7131 is the most popular dielectric fluid in this demanding arena, with a reputation as a fire-safe, high-performance transformer fluid.4
Onshore wind turbines
- Shell MIDEL 7131 plays an important part in onshore wind applications because it offers advantages over other liquid-filled and dry-type options.
- A major benefit of using Shell MIDEL 7131 is increased fire safety.2 The fire point of conventional mineral oil in transformers is approximately 170掳C, whereas with Shell MIDEL 7131 it is in excess of 300掳C. Shell MIDEL鈥檚 fire safety may lead to a reduction in the requirements for additional fire protection.6
- Shell MIDEL-filled systems are not as susceptible to damage from vibrations and harmonic frequencies as dry-type solutions. Dry-type transformers can also suffer from sensitivity to water, micro-cracks, temperature variations, load fluctuations and pollution. Furthermore, a dry-type transformer cannot be made as compactly as a Shell MIDEL 7131-filled system 鈥� a challenge where space is limited.
References
1 Shell MIDEL 7131 can be claimed as biodegradable according to OECD 301 test (product).
2 Shell MIDEL fluids are classified as K Class, with high fire and flash points, and are less flammable. These properties can prevent a transformer fire and save the property, people and environment in its surroundings. FM Approved, UL classified. FM Global, an international insurance carrier, provides a certification mark called FM Approvals through its independent testing arm. Safety products must be tested and approved before they are sold to the public. Underwriters Laboratories, a non-profit testing facility headquartered in Northwood, Illinois, is one of the organisations responsible for testing and approving these types of products.
3 Shell MIDEL 7131 meets IEC 61099 and ASTM D8240 specifications.
4 Shell MIDEL customer transformer deployment data.
5 Non-hazardous according to the CLP regulation and GHS guidance.
6 FM Global Data Sheet 5-4 (July 2019), spacing based on fire clearances only. Advice should not override countries鈥� local legislation and laws.
