The first work package focused on the fluid-thermal modeling of transformers cooled with biodegradable oils. A total of 56.36 secondments were performed. Various modeling strategies were implemented to analyze the mass flows and temperature distributions in the transformer windings immersed in more viscous biodegradable fluids. This research has resulted in the publication of:
• 6 open-access (OA) articles in journals;
• 1 non-open-access paper published in the Journal of Energy Resources Technology, Transactions of the ASME;
• 19 contributions to conferences such as ICDL 19, ENIEF 2019, ICD 2020, CPOTE 2020, and ICDL 2022.
The characterization of aging processes in the dielectric system of transformers using biodegradable fluids was the main objective of the second work package of the project. Modeling aging, responding to partial discharge tests, and studying moisture dynamics were the main tasks carried out. This work was supported by the completion of 57.03 secondments. Thus:
• 15 conference papers have been presented at ICDL 19, ARWtr2019, ISEIM 2020, ICD2020, EEEIC 2020, CMD 2022, ICDL 2022, EuroDoble 2022, ICD 2022, ICDL 2023, and EEEIC 2023;
• 7 articles have been published in open-access journals.
Regarding the third work package, various activities have been undertaken concerning the actual operation of transformers immersed in biodegradable fluids: tests on a 100MVA transformer emulation platform cooled with biodegradable fluid, assessment of the environmental impact of dielectric fluids, implementation of fire safety measures associated with biodegradable liquids, and analysis of the performance of transformers using esters during real network operation. These studies were conducted through stays totaling 35.39 months at other institutions within the consortium. The results obtained were disseminated through:
• 5 conference papers presented at Cigre Paris Session 2022, ARWtr 2022, CMD 2022, SET 2022, and EEEIC 2023;
• 6 articles published in open-access journals.
The dissemination activities of the fourth work package were, 19 OA and 1 non-OA articles have been published, 39 papers have been presented in conferences, 34 papers were joint actions between partners, 32 working group sessions and 3 workshops were held. The project has a webpage and three profiles in social media (Twitter, ResearchGate and LinkedIn), and participated in events focused on outreach as “Week of Science”, “Pint of Science” or “European Researchers’ Night”.
The results regarding the fifth work package were also relevant. More than 100 events were reported, including seminars, visits to factories and meetings with stakeholders. Three training courses about project topics were designed and made available for partner’s staff.
Finally, the sixth work package focused on the project management, following the objectives as initially planned. Whether in person or virtually, numerous meetings have been held since the launch meeting in Brussels: steering committees, technical meetings of working groups to verify progress and analyze difficulties, or meetings related to each secondment to solve technical issues, supplies or travel. All scheduled deliverables were delivered including a high level of detail of the proposed activities.
