Power Transformers

Ester fluids in power transformers

ABBs commitment to a greener future

Introducing ester fluid at increasingly

higher voltage levels provides
customers with a high performance,
safe and green transformer solution.
ABBs world first 420kV single-phase
transformers are environmentally
friendly, energy efficient and a
reliable high-voltage alternative for a
sustainable future.

For more than 100 years, transformers have been filled with
conventional mineral oils derived from petroleum as insulating fluid, but this is changing. Now, environmentally friendly
esters are providing a new insulating fluid for transformers.
ABB has been active in this technological R&D area, since
the 1990s, and has already manufactured tens of thousands
of distribution transformers that use ester fluids.
While mineral oils are good insulators, they are non-biodegradable and not especially fire resistant. Both synthetic and
natural esters are biodegradable, non-toxic and offer much
greater fire resistance, and as a result are now preferred by
an increasing number of transformer customers.
Breakthrough innovation
ABB is a pioneer using ester as an insulating medium and
has extensive knowledge and research data on its performance characteristics in different transformer types and
voltages.
ABBs recent collaboration with Red Elctrica de Espaa
(REE), means a retrofill solution is now available for all their
existing ABB power transformers up to 420 kV in current
operation and sets a new level for the development of HV
environmental friendly transformers. ABB can also supply
new power transformers with ester insulating fluid at voltages
above 420 kV.
This is a breakthrough innovation to develop a retrofill
solution that would avoid changing the costliest and most
complex parts of a transformer, the tank, core and windings,
so units already in service could be drained of mineral oil and

refilled with ester fluid, at minimal cost and service disruption. Environment savings, safety increase and sustainability
improvements are key advantages of ester filled transformers.
Minimal pollution risk
Esters are both non-toxic and non-water hazardous (according to Umwelt Bundes Amt) limiting pollution risk during
installation, operation, maintenance and end of life.
Biodegradable and renewable
Esters are readily biodegradable (tested and proven following industry standard methods). Natural Esters come from
renewable resources, made out of seed crops, such as
soybeans.
Less flammable
Esters are K Class fluids with flash points and fire points of
over 300C, almost two times more than mineral oil. Esters
are less flammable, which leads to increased fire safety of
people, the environment, and reduced risk of collateral damage.
Increased lifetime
Ester fluids have better thermal conductivity and much
greater ability to hold moisture than mineral oil which leads
to increased insulation system life and transformer overload
capacity.
Pioneers of green & sustainable ester fluids
ABB is the worlds biggest user of Ester fluids, based on
market research, and ABB has supplied tens of thousands of
transformers filled with esters over the past 20 years.

 Copyright 2016 ABB. All rights reserved. 1LAB000607

Best in-class testing

ABBs quality management system addresses quality in
every process and function of the value chain. The quality
system is based on continuously measuring and comparing
performance criteria such as test failures, customer
complaints and cost of poor quality. With over 60,000
measurements conducted each year, ABB probably tests
more operational parameters in all of our plants than any
other supplier worldwide. Checklists, control points, design
reviews and documentation ensure quality assurance in all
business processes.
TrafoStar adjusted for ester fluid transformers
TrafoStartechnology adjusted for ester fluid transformers, used
by all ABB power transformers factories. The concept of ABBs
common design and manufacturing platform, which is built of
standardized, service proven components and modules, ensuring
flexible, dependable and tailor-made transformer designs.
ABBs common manufacturing method secures a successful production of all

Design verification and creation of design elements

Integration of modules and verification of CAD models
Quality assurance
Common manufacturing methods and equipment
A proven concept adjusted to ester fluids
Test records demonstrate continuous quality improvements
Outstanding short-circuit strength test record
Reduced lead times, with ABB quality guaranteed
A life time of trouble-free operation
ABB has the resources to develop even more efcient solutions
Built-in systems know-how
The same transformer available from state-of-the art plants
worldwide

key elements.

For more information, please contact:

ABB Ltd
Affolternstrasse, 44
P.O. Box 8131
8050 Zurich, Switzerland
www.abb.com/transformers
Note:
The information contained in this document is for general information purposes

The world goes green with ABB technology

Sustainability is fundamental to ABB, and all transformer
factories are focused on supporting our customers drive for
ecological solutions to the challenges we face, for increased
energy consumption and reduced environmental impact.
Transformers with ester fluids are ABBs commitment to a
greener future.

only. While ABB strives to keep the information up to date and correct, it makes
no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the
completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the
information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the document
for any purpose. Any reliance placed on such information is therefore strictly at
your own risk. ABB reserves the right to discontinue any product or service at
any time.