**In power transformer insulation systems, natural ester insulating oil is gradually transitioning from an "alternative option" to a "strategic material."** A joint research team from Bilecik Seyh Edebali University in Turkey and Schneider Electric designed two single-phase transformers with identical structures (both 50 kVA, voltage ratio 20/0.4), where the only variable was the insulating fluid: one immersed in mineral insulating oil and the other in natural ester insulating oil. The study shows that although natural ester transformers run "hotter" during operation, their paper insulation ages more slowly. Mechanistically, natural ester protects the paper through "moisture redistribution."

**Transformer life is essentially determined by the aging rate of cellulose insulation paper.** Under the same temperature conditions, cellulose insulation paper impregnated with natural ester exhibits a significantly reduced aging rate, achieving a lifespan approximately 5–8 times longer than that of mineral oil. From a mechanistic perspective, this process brings three key effects:

- **Inhibition of hydrolysis reaction:** Cellulose degradation is highly dependent on moisture content; a reduction in moisture directly slows the chain scission process of cellulose.
- The saturated moisture solubility in natural ester is significantly higher than that in mineral oil, allowing the cellulose to maintain lower moisture content, thereby mitigating paper aging.
- **Slowing the decline of degree of polymerization:** The mechanical strength of paper is directly related to its degree of polymerization; a reduced aging rate means structural stability is maintained for a longer period.

**Long-term service stability**
In breakdown voltage tests, natural ester demonstrates superior electrical stability. Its dielectric performance is less sensitive to changes in moisture content. This is closely related to its moisture dissolution and regulation capabilities: mineral oil is a non-polar medium, where water molecules tend to aggregate into droplets, causing local electric field distortion, and breakdown strength drops sharply with increasing water content. In contrast, the polar ester groups in natural ester can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, allowing water to be uniformly dissolved in molecular form. Therefore, the breakdown voltage of natural ester is less affected by water content. Thus, natural ester not only chemically retards aging but also provides a more stable operational boundary from an electrical perspective.

**Engineering significance: system-level benefits from lifespan extension**
Based on the above mechanisms, natural ester demonstrates multidimensional value in engineering applications:
- **Extended service life:** By slowing the degradation of paper insulation, long-term operational reliability is enhanced.
- **Improved operational stability:** Maintains consistent aging characteristics under varying load conditions.
The literature indicates that under identical operating conditions, transformers using natural ester exhibit a clear trend of extended overall lifespan, providing important support for their application in new power systems.

**References:**  
1. Yusuf Cilliyuz, Yunus Bicen, Faruk Aras, Guzide Aydugan. Measurements and performance evaluations of natural ester and mineral oil-immersed identical transformers.  
2. Jian Li, Zhaotao Zhang, Stanislaw Grzybowski, Markus Zahn. A new mathematical model of moisture equilibrium in mineral and vegetable oil-paper insulation.

**About Shuangjiang Energy**  
Jiangsu Shuangjiang Energy Technology Co., Ltd., founded in 2004, is a national "Little Giant" enterprise specialized in the R&D, production, testing, and technical services of power insulating oils and specially customized oils. The company focuses on providing high-quality transformer oil and integrated solutions for the global power industry, power grid systems, and power transmission and transformation equipment manufacturers.

**Smart Manufacturing Advantages**  
The company has introduced an ABB France Celier smart production line, integrating automated inline blending (ILB) technology and Swiss Sec菲尔 vacuum filtration technology. Through the LUBCEL operating system, it achieves fully automated process control and remote monitoring. This system is a leading next-generation smart production system for low-gas-generating, low-temperature-resistant natural ester insulating oil in China. Addressing the differentiated needs of power grids and high-end equipment, it establishes a serialized product system, achieving synergistic breakthroughs in key performance indicators and engineering application implementation. Our company has built a domestically leading smart production system for natural ester insulating oil, with an annual production capacity of 40,000 tons.

**Technological Innovation Strength**  
The R&D and testing center holds both CNAS and CMA certifications and is equipped with over 200 internationally advanced testing instruments. The company has obtained more than 50 core patents and has successively undertaken key scientific research projects sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Education, the General Equipment Department, the General Logistics Department, and provincial authorities. It has been recognized as a High-Tech Enterprise, Jiangsu Provincial Enterprise Technology Center, and has received numerous other qualifications and certifications. Depus natural ester insulating oil has passed FM and UL certifications in the United States, demonstrating its international competitiveness.

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