  The present article experimentally explores the concept of large improving
the AC dielectric breakdown strength of insulating mineral oils by the addition
of trace amounts of graphene or CNTs to form stable dispersions. The nano-oils
infused with these nanostructures of high electronic conductance indicate
superior AC dielectric behaviour in terms of augmented breakdown strength
compared to the base oils. Experimental observations of two grades of
synthesized graphene and CNT nano-oils show that the nanomaterials not only
improve the average breakdown voltage but also significantly improve the
reliability and survival probabilities of the oils under AC high voltage
stressing. Improvement of the tune of ~ 70-80 % in the AC breakdown voltage of
the oils has been obtained via the present concept. The present study examines
the reliability of such nano-colloids with the help of two parameter Weibull
distribution and the oils show greatly augmented electric field bearing
capacity at both standard survival probability values of 5 % and 63.3 %. The
fundamental mechanism responsible for such observed outcomes is reasoned to be
delayed streamer development and reduced streamer growth rates due to effective
electron scavenging by the nanostructures from the ionized liquid insulator. A
mathematical model based on the principles of electron scavenging is proposed
to quantify the amount of electrons scavenged by the nanostructures. The same
is then employed to predict the enhanced AC breakdown voltage and the
experimental values are found to match well with the model predictions. The
present study can have strong implications in efficient, reliable and safer
operation of real life AC power systems.
