Exploring the insulating characteristics of transesterified used cooking oil and blends with corn oil infused with natural antioxidants

In response to the escalating demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives in the realm of transformer insulating fluids, this research aims to provide high-quality alternatives by examining the potential of transesterified used cooking oil and its blends with corn oil. Driven by the imperative need for improved performance and reduced environmental impact of traditional mineral oil and used cooking oil, the study meticulously processes used cooking oil through filtration, transesterification, and drying, exploring its viability as an insulating fluid in conjunction with corn oil. Recognizing the challenges faced by the industry, the research systematically investigates various blending ratios to optimize the resulting mixture. This comprehensive analysis aims to enhance our understanding of the electrical and physico-chemical properties of these oil blends. Importantly, the study goes beyond conventional assessments by rigorously evaluating the influence of antioxidants, specifically tocopherol, on the characteristics of both individual oils and their blends. The inclusion of antioxidants is motivated by the industry's recognition of their crucial role in addressing challenges such as oxidative degradation and ensuring the longevity of insulating fluids. Tocopherol, a natural antioxidant, is strategically incorporated to explore its impact on improving critical properties. By focusing on the need for antioxidants, the research not only contributes to the development of sustainable alternatives but also directly addresses the industry's demand for enhanced antioxidant protection in transformer insulation. Experimental results, emphasizing compliance with industry standards, underscore the success of the approach. The incorporation of tocopherol significantly elevates the critical properties of the studied oils, presenting a tangible solution to the demand for enhanced transformer insulation performance. This research highlights the potential of customized blends of corn oil and transesterified used cooking oil as sustainable and high-performance alternatives for transformer insulating fluids. These blends offer improved antioxidant protection and adaptability to diverse operational conditions, positioning them as promising options in the pursuit of eco-friendly insulating liquids.