Nanotechnology applications for electrical transformers-A review

•A state-of-the-art review of nanotechnology alternatives for transformers is shown.•Performance of materials used in transformers can be enhanced by nanoparticles.•Nanofluids, nano-insulation, nanostructured insulators are the main topics.•A general prospective of nanomaterials applications for transformers is proposed.

Nanoscience and nanotechnology applications have shown remarkable progress in several industrial fields, producing advance materials. Nowadays, there are a great number of technological developments and R&D projects regarding nanotechnology concepts to enhance performance and reliability of conventional materials. Electrical industry has taken advantage of these nanotechnology efforts looking for application in its components, such as in electrical transformers which are considered as key elements in the electricity network. This paper shows a comprehensive literature review on the applications of nanotechnology concepts for transformers, especially investigations related to insulating materials, dielectric fluids, outdoor insulators, monitoring systems and other components. Latest up to date literature on the applications regarding nanomaterials for transformers have been reviewed and reported. In addition, opportunities for future research and a general overview of nano-applications in electrical transformers are shown in this work.

Graphical abstractDownload high-res image (123KB)Download full-size image