The growth and popularity of wind, solar, hydro, wave/marine power continues year on year. These energy sources are reducing dependence on fossil fuels worldwide. And transformers are a critical part of these systems’ electricity delivery process. Whether in a wind turbine nacelle, a sub-sea installation or in a hydro power station next to protected waterways, the transformers used in renewable energy assets are increasingly protected by Shell MIDEL ester fluids.

Shell MIDEL natural and synthetic ester fluids are known and specified throughout the renewable energy world because they deliver robust advantages over mineral/silicon oil-filled transformers and dry type options.

The immediate advantage of using Shell MIDEL fluids is increased fire safety. The fire point of mineral oil in conventional transformers is approximately 170°C, whereas Shell MIDEL fluids deliver a fire point in excess of 300°C. Shell MIDEL’s fire safety benefits can lead to a reduction in the requirements for additional fire protection – a critical consideration in renewable energy installations where space is constrained.

Many renewable energy assets are located next to water or in sensitive areas, so the behaviour of the fluid in case of a leak matters. The ester base oils used in Shell MIDEL fluids are readily biodegradable according to OECD 301 and biodegrade faster than conventional mineral oil. Compared with conventional mineral oils, this can help reduce the potential environmental impact of accidental leaks or spills in aquatic environments (EPA publication 800-R-11-002).

Read more about Shell MIDEL’s success in Onshore Wind, Offshore Wind and Offshore Substations here.

Shell MIDEL ester fluids in Renewable Energy applications:

Increased Fire Safety
K-class high fire point (>300°C) to IEC 61039
100% fire safety record
Proven installations inside wind turbine nacelle
FM® Approved and UL® listed transformer fluid

High Performance
Robust and stable, conducive to lower levels of maintenance
High temperature performance allowing for compact transformer designs
Greater moisture tolerance than mineral oil and silicone liquid
Excellent reliability, proven worldwide
Lower no-load losses than cast resin transformers; reducing energy consumption in low wind conditions

Lower Impact from Accidental Leaks
Readily biodegradable ester base oil (OECD 301)

RoHS compliant