Reducing environmental footprint in power systems through high‐performance epoxy–nanocarbon insulation

Abstract Transformers are among the most crucial components of electric distribution and transmission systems, and the grid's stability and dependability are directly impacted by their operation. Polymeric insulation used in transformers and electrical allied areas has recently created an enormous revolution. An epoxy polymer matrix with carbon‐based nano reinforcement is subjected to analyze the possibilities of incorporation as an insulant in dry type transformer. The fabrication process was optimized by varying hardener content and stirring speed using a central composite design integrated with response surface methodology. The developed epoxy/carbon nanocomposites were evaluated for dielectric strength, thermal conductivity, tensile strength, Izod impact resistance, and morphological characteristics to determine their suitability as solid insulation for dry‐type transformer applications. Some algorithm combinations [random forest, neural network, gradient boosting, XGboost gain, and response surface methodology] are examined to determine the most optimal. This study revealed that 6.5% of the sample performed well for all the properties of the study. The optimized sample had a dielectric strength of 140 V/mm, a thermal conductivity of 0.45 W/m K, and an Izod impact of 0.26 (J/mm). RSM was ultimately determined to be a more accurate prediction model than the other algorithms based on the obtained model results. The results indicate that, with an accuracy of 94% for dielectric strength, 98% for tensile strength, 98.4% for Izod impact, and 96% for thermal conductivity, the RSM performs best in forecasting the revolutionizing of the transformer's insulation.