Electrostatic machine system and method of operation

An electrostatic machine comprising:

• a drive electrode and a stator electrode separated by a gap and forming a capacitor, wherein the drive electrode is configured to move with respect to the stator electrode;
• a housing configured to enclose the drive electrode and the stator electrode, wherein the stator electrode is fixed to the housing;
• and
• a dielectric fluid that fills a void defined by the housing, the drive electrode, and the stator electrode, wherein the dielectric fluid comprises a ketone, an oxalate, or a malonate, wherein
• the ketone is of formula R1—C(O)—R2, wherein
• R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C30 alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or C2-C30 alkenyl group and R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C30 alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or C2-C30 alkenyl group;
• the oxalate is of formula
• wherein:
• R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted C5-C30 alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or C2-C30 alkenyl group and R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C30 alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or C2-C30 alkenyl group;
• and
• the malonate is a compound of formula R1OC(O)C(R6)(R7)C(O)OR2, wherein:
• R6 and R7 are individually H or alkyl, wherein at least one of R6 or R7 is alkyl, and
• R1 and R2 are individually a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C30 alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or C2-C30 alkenyl group.