REPORT ON STUDENT INDUSTRIAL

WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

AT
Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN),
330/132/33kV, Ganmo Works Centre
PMB 1463, Afon Road, Ganmo, Kwara State
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.tcm.ng.org

BY

TOLORUNSE CHARLES TAIWO

ELECTRIACAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY, MALETE
16TH OCTOBER, 2017 TO 30TH MARCH, 2018

BEING A REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE SIWES UNIT IN PARTIAL

FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE STUDENT INDUSTRIAL
WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME

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 ABSTRACT

This report is based on Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) undertaken at the
330/132/33KV substation of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, located at Afon Road,
Ganmo, Kwara State which is to help in providing an opportunity for students in institution to
acquire industrial skills and experience in their approved course of study. This report
encompasses the totality of technical exposure and workplace experience garnered from the core
departments which inludes; Lines Department, Communication Department, Electrical
Maintenance Department, System Operation Department and Protection Control & Metering in
the station.
This report also give the basic maintenance and safety procedures, especially in the switch yard,
activities at the Transmission stage of electricity generation and distribution which is at the
intermediate position of the entire cycle is the main focus of this report.
It also stated the problems encountered during the program and also suggest ways for improving
the scheme.

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 iv

Table of Contents

CERTIFICATION ....................................................................................................................................... i
DEDICATION............................................................................................................................................. ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ......................................................................................................................... iii
ABSRACT .................................................................................................................................................. iv
CHAPTER ONE: THE SIWES ................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 OBJECTIVES ..................................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 IMPORTANCE OF SIWES ............................................................................................................... 2
CHAPTER TWO: TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA
2.1 BRIEF HISTORY OF TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA, GANMO ............................. 3
2.2 THE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF TCN, GANMO ........................................................ 5
2.3 THE DEPARTMENTS AT TCN, GANMO ..................................................................................... 6

[
2.3.1 THE FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENTS AT TCN, GANMO ............................................ 6
CHAPTER THREE: THE WORK DONE AND THE EXPERIENCE GAINED
3.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 8
3.1 SYSTEM LINES DEPARTMENT ................................................................................................... 8
3.1.1 MATERIALS AND TOOLS USED ............................................................................................... 8
3.1.2 EXPERIENCE GAINED ............................................................................................................. . 9
3.2 COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT .......................................................................................... . 9
3.2.1 EXPERIENCE GAINED ............................................................................................................. . 9
3.3 ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT ...................................................................... 10
3.3.1 MATERIALS AND TOOLS USED ............................................................................................. 10
3.3.2 EXPERIENCE GAINED ............................................................................................................. 10
3.4 SYSTEM OPERATION DEPARTMENT ..................................................................................... 13
3.4.1 MATERIALS AND TOOLS USED ............................................................................................ 14
3.4.2 EXPERIENCE GAINED ............................................................................................................. 15
3.5 PROTECTING CONTROL AND METERING DEPARTMENT ................................................. 15
3.5.1 MATERIALS AND TOOLS USED ............................................................................................ 15
3.5.2 EXPERIENCE GAINED ............................................................................................................. 16
CHAPTER FOUR: THE EQUIPMENT
4.0 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 21
4.1 THE FUNCTIONS AND USAGES OF THE EQUIPMENT……...................................................21

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 4.1.1 CIRCUIT BREAKER…………………………………………………………………………………………. 21
4.1.2 WAVE TRAP……………………………………………………………………………………………………23
4.1.3 SECONDARY INJECTOR……………………………………………………………………………...23
4.1.4 LEAKAGE CURRENT TESTER (CLAMP ON) …………………………….………………25
4.1.5 AUTO TRANSFORMER ………………….…………………………………………………………….25
4.1.6 INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMER....……………………………………………………………….27
4.1.7 RELAYS…………………………….…………………………………………………………………………….29
4.1.8 GROUNDING TRANSFORMER…………………………..………………….…………………….30
4.1.9 LIGHTNING ARRESTER………………………………………………………….…………………….30
4.1.10 ISOLATOR………………………………………………..……………………………………………………32
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................ 33
5.2 PROBLEM FACED DURING THE SIWES .................................................................................. 33
5.3 SUGGESTION FOR IMPROVEMENT OF THE SCHEME ......................................................... 33

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 CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 THE SIWES

The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) was established as a result of
the realization by the federal government of Nigeria in 1973 and jointly coordinated by the
Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) of the need to
introduce a new dimension to quality and standard of education obtained in our country in order
to achieve the much needed technological advancement. It is a skills training programme
designed to expose and prepare students of universities and other tertiary institutions for the
Industrial Work situation they are likely to meet after graduation. It is also a planned and
structured programme based on stated and specific career objectives which are geared towards
developing the occupational competencies of participants (Mafe, 2009). Consequently, the
SIWES programme is a compulsory graduation requirement for all Nigerian university students
offering certain courses. The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is the
accepted training programme, which is part of the approved Minimum Academic Standard in
the various degree programmes for all Nigerian Universities. The scheme is aimed at bridging
the existing gap between theory and practice of Sciences, Engineering and Technology,
Information and Communication Technology Agriculture, Medical Sciences (including
Nursing), and other professional educational programmes in the Nigerian tertiary institutions. It
is aimed at exposing students to machines and equipment, professional work methods and ways
of safeguarding the work areas and workers in industries, offices, laboratories, hospitals and
other organizations. Prior to establishing the Scheme, industrialists and other employers of
labour felt concerned that graduates of Nigeria Universities were deficient in practical
background studies preparatory for employment in Industries and other organizations. The
employers thus concluded that the theoretical education being received in our higher institutions
was not responsive to the needs of the employers of labour, and therefore, the reason for
initiating and designing the scheme.

1.2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

i. To provide student with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in real work
situation thereby bringing the gap between theory and practice.
ii. To prepare students for the work situation they are likely to meet after graduation;
iii. To expose students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and machinery that
may not be available in the universities:

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iv. It make the transition from the university to the world of work easier, and thus enhanced
students’ contacts for later job placement
v. Strengthen employers’ involvement in the entire educational process of preparing university
graduates for employment in industry.

1.3 IMPORTANCE OF SIWES

The importance of Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme in any academic institutions
cannot be overemphasized. It is a means and platform through which what have been learnt
theoretically can also be learnt practically thereby preparing the students for their future
employment. It gets the student exposed and to interact with people they don’t know. Though
there are very tremendous limitations and implication (such as time, finance and other wise) but
despite all these, it should be given adequate priority if future display of the field of study is
inescapable
SIWES allows students to acquire deep knowledge about what is taught in school and institutions

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 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA

Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) was incorporated in November 2005. TCN
emerged from the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) as a product of the merger
of the Transmission and Operations sectors on April 1, 2004. Being one of the Eighteen(18)
unbundled Business Units under the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), the company
was issued a License transmission to generate power of 330/132kV on 1st July, 2006.
Transmission Company of Nigeria licensed activities include: Electricity Transmission, System
Operation and Electricity Trading which is ring fenced.
TCN operations cover the whole country and administratively it is divided into Eight(8)
Transmission Regions: Bauchi, Benin, Enugu, Port-Harcourt, Kaduna, Shiroro, Osogbo and
Lagos that contain various Work Centers amongst which are as follows:

i. Jebba Work Center

ii. Ganmo Work Center
iii. Shiroro Work Center
iv. Akangba Work Center
v. Ikeja West Work Center
vi. Papalanta Work Center
vii. Egbim Work Center

2.1 BRIEF HISTORY OF TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA, GANMO

Transmission Company of Nigeria, Ganmo 330kV substation was energized in November 2008 and
was commissioned by late President Umar Musa Yar’adua GCFR under the administration of Dr.
Bukola Saraki, Kwara State Governor in 2009. It was one of the NIPP project under the then
Administration, and was designed and constructed by a Lebanese construction company named
Matelec Engineering and Construction Company. The Ganmo Works Centre was commissioned
with an installed capacity of 2/150 MVA Transformer with the maximum load of 240MW. The
Transmission Company of Nigeria Ganmo is a substation operating at 330/132/33kV, its received
High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) of 330kV from Jebba generating station and Oshogbo
National Grid station. The Ganmo Works Centre is the Area Control Centre (ACC) and has two
sub-transmission stations under its supervision, 132kV are sent to the substations under TCN
Ganmo which are Transmission Company of Nigeria sawmill, Ilorin operating at 132/33kV and
Transmission Company of Nigeria, Omu-Aran operating at 132/33kV. In each of the stations, the

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33kV is now feeds to the districts or Distribution Companies as well as the special industries. The
commissioned was based on the insufficient power supply in the vicinity of the Kwara State and its
laboring states.
Transmission Company of Nigeria, Ganmo comprises of the switch yard see Fig 2.1 (a), control
room see Fig 2.1(b) and a block for offices.

Figure 2.1(a) Ganmo Switch Yard

Figure 2.1(b) Control Panel

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 2.2 ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE OF TCN GANMO

PRINCIPAL MANAGER

SECRETARY CLERK

HUMAN PROTECTION ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

LINES
RESOURCE CONTROL MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS
DEPARTMENT
DEPARTMENT AND METERING DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT
DEPARTMENT

DD

SENIOR MANAGER

MANAGER

ASSISTANCE MANAGER

OFFICER I

OFFICER II

OFFICER III

OFFICER IV

Figure 2.2 Organizational Structure of TCN Ganmo

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2.3 TCN GANMO DEPARTMENTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

The main departments in TCN Ganmo re as follows:

i. Administrative Department
ii. Protection Control and Metering Department
iii. Electrical Maintenance Department
iv. System Lines Department
v. Communication Department

2.3.1 THE FUNCTIONS OF THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS

ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT

This provides essential administrative support to the staffs of the Organization, with their system
operation, communication and data entry skills, administrative assistants are able to assist with both
complex and general administrative duties, allowing their supervisors more time to carry out their
managerial tasks. The department is responsible for data processing, file maintenance,
communication and clerical of the Transmission Company of Nigeria Ganmo.

PROTECTION, CONTROL AND METERING DEPARTMENT

This is a technical department saddled with the responsibility of ensuring correct and efficient
protection of the various component and devices in the transmission station. The department
actualizes this by carrying out correct circuit connection, clearing of faults, installation
programming and wiring of protection and metering devices like Circuit Breaker, Current
Transformers, Relay and so on, complete installation of other protective equipments, which is why
the department always work with their Circuit Diagram designed by the manufacturer of the device.
The department also conducts various scheduled maintenance and tests on power equipments.

ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

The Electrical Maintenance Department as a maintenance department is concern with Installation,
Repair and Maintenance of the various electrical devices like Transformer, circuit breaker, isolator,
etc. The department is responsible for the maintenance of all the electrical equipment in the station.

LINES DEPARTMENT
This department is concerned with monitoring and maintaining the transmission lines from the
station to the designated substation. Patrol carries out their duties in a way of avoiding earth

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tripping from the feeder’s relay, maintaining the transmission lines poles, cutting the elongated trees
that is disturbing the spaces between the transmission lines wire that cause the feeder to trip on
earth fault. The department carries out its duty by conducting scheduled inspection and also
responsible for the tightening the lines conductors on the switch yards and repairing the hotspots
identified by the operators on duties.

SYSTEM OPERATION DEPARTMENT

The main responsibility of the System Operator includes load shedding, granting of outage permit
for the maintenance crew, taking load and energy readings. Its also operate the transmission system
by monitoring and operating switching devices like breaker, isolators, e.t.c in a safe and reliable
manner.

COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
This department is responsible for communication of sending and receiving information necessary for
the operation of the station, monitor activities going on within the station and other activities outside the
station that influencing it between transmission stations and National Control Center (NCC),
maintenance of the 48V battery bank used for communication, Power Line Carrier Communication
(PLCC), inspection for fault in the control room and filling of trouble report.

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 CHAPTER THREE
3.0 WORK DONE AND THE EXPERIENCE GAINED DURING THE SIWES
PROGRAM
According to the Transmission Company of Nigeria Ganmo policy, SIWES students are usually
posted to all the aforementioned departments in order to gain the maximum experience possible and
to understand the duties of the various departments and the Station as a whole, so by implication I
was posted to all the departments The scope of work done and experience gained shall be analyze
below according on each of the department visited.

3.1 LINES DEPARTMENT

This department is concerned with monitoring and maintaining the transmission lines from the
station to the designated substation.
The transformer and conductors at Ganmo station was inspected in order to detect hot spots that
needs to be attended to in other to avoid any pending danger that might occur as a result of the
abnormal temperature. Then, 330kV J1H Jebba – Osogbo line trace maintenance patrol of Tower
T28 – T1 – T5 Tee off to Ganmo substation. Cutting of trees that can pose threat to the line, cutting
of climbers of the towers. Also, clearing of Hotspot on Otte Ogbomosho 33kV line down dropper,
burnt bolt and nut were replace. The male and female contacts were thoroughly washed with
electro-clean to remove the carbon deposited.
A conductor on the wave trap at the 132kV side of Ilorin Transmission Station switch-yard got
burnt and detached from fault returning from the secondary side, the associated clamp was also
burnt and welded. The line was discharged and earthed before the burnt clamp was removed, the
plate cleaned and led before replacing it with a new one. The detached cable was also connected
back to the clamp.

3.1.1 MATERIAL AND TOOLS USED

The following are some of the materials and tools used in the department:
i. Lines Tools Box: This is a storage to hold and keep tools
ii. Safety Wears: This are the boots, over all, head hat, hand gloves and belts.
iii. Chain Saw: This is a portable power saw that has teeth linked together to form an endless
chain. It is used to cut big trees.
iv. Tyfor: This is used to draw and to control any tree touching the conductor with the aid of
wire swing to direct the tree to the opposite direction of the line.

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 v. Ground Leads with stick: This used to de-energise (removing the residual charges) to the
ground before working on the lines.
vi. Clamps: This can be either Straight or T Clamps. They are a fastening device used to hold
or secure objects tightly together to prevent movement or separation through the application
of inward pressure.
vii. Pulley: is a wheel on an axle or shaft that is designed to support movement and change of
direction of a taut cable or belt. It is used to guide the cable or exert a force.

3.1.2 EXPERIENCED GAINED

The training I passed through during my duration at the Line department has really been so helpful
to me, as I have being able to know the usefulness of Grounding leads with stick that is use to de-
energise to the ground before working on the lines. The reason for this, is to remove the residual
charge to the ground because the conductors are capacitive in nature. I also learnt about the things
and causes of faults/tripping on Transmission Lines. Some of the reasons are listed below
i. If trees are allowed to grow beyond the normal height than the conductor, faults occur
ii. We should not allow the Transmission span to be bushy
iii. Tripping do occur at times due to ageing of the conductors.
Also, I knew about the usefulness of a Distance Operation Relay which is to show the exact area
where the fault is/has occur with a tolerance of + - 1 and also the kind of fault happening there.

3.2 COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT

This department is responsible for communication of sending and receiving information necessary for
the operation of the station, monitor activities going on within the station and other activities outside the
station that influencing it between transmission stations and National Control Center (NCC),
maintenance of the 48V battery bank used for communication, Power Line Carrier Communication
(PLCC), inspection for fault in the control room and filling of trouble report.
Wave Traps are used at sub-stations using Power Line Carrier Communication (PLCC). PLCC is
used to transmit communication and control information at a high frequency over the power lines.
This reduces need for a separate infra for communication between sub-stations

3.2.1 EXPERIENCED GAINED

Communication department was my second posting department where I was able to learn and
know more about communication can be made locally and internationally. I gained the knowledge
of knowing how Wave Traps are used at substations using Power Line Carrier Communication

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(PLCC). PLCC is used to transmit communication and control information at a high frequency over
the power lines. This reduces need for a separate infra for communication between sub-stations.

3.3 ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

Electrical Maintenance Department which was actually my third posting department in the station,
the activities of the department comprises installation, maintenance and repair of electrical
devices within the area control.
Installation is a process whereby a system with parts and accessories are assembled (connected) to
make the system ready for operation, such installation includes installation of miniature circuit
breaker, battery banks
Maintenance is a process carried out on the equipment to ensure proper functioning and to avoid
breakdown or shut down of the system. Some of the equipments that require maintenance are as follows
changing of oil in a circuit breaker, changing of silica gel, Transformer oil filtration, filling of gas,
electrolyte topping in lead acid batteries.
Repairs are type of maintenance that is carried out to correct a problem or something. Such includes
bleeding of the transformer, clearing of hotspot, changing of leaking gasket, changing of lightning
bulbs, changing of circuit breakers.

3.3.1 MATERIALS AND TOOLS USED

i. Tools Box: This is a box that contains the tools used in carrying out the job to be done, such
tools includes Allen keys, File, Grounding Switch, spanners, screw drivers, hack saw,
punch, chisels and so on.
ii. Gas kit: This contains the gas pipes and nozzles, for the purpose of gas filling like the SF6
gas type Circuit Breaker.
iii. Insulation resistance tester: a testing tool/meter for detecting the states and conditions of
equipment and bushings.
iv. Distilled Water: used during maintenance of batteries.
v. Oil dielectric strength tester: as the name suggests, it is used to test the dielectric strength of
transformer oil.
vi. Funnel and Bucket: this is used during jobs that involve oil.

3.3.2 EXPERIENCE GAINED

Electrical maintenance department was actually an interesting department, because a lot of things
were been gained in this particular section. I have been able to understand some fundamental

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concept about how to properly handle tools when a work is to be done. The following are some of
the highlights of the work done and the experience gained.
a) Changing oil of the Oil Circuit Breaker (OCB): when the oil inside the 15MVA Primary
Oil Circuit Breaker was observed to be carbonized at Ilorin Transmission Station (Ilorin
TS).The process of the work done is as follow;
i. The carbonized oil was drained out of the OCB through oil drainage tap.
ii. The oil tank or oil sump was loosen and suspended using pull jack.
iii. The fixed and moving contact surfaces were filed to remove the built up carbon on it.
iv. The oil sump was cleaned by rinsing it with new oil.
v. New transformer oil was filled into the oil sump/tank of the OCB to it normal
indicated level.
vi. The suspended oil sump was raised to it normal position and tightened with its nuts.
vii. The OCB was charged manually and local tripping and closing was test and found
working okay, figure 4.
viii. The OCB was restored back to services.

Figure 3: Lowering the Oil Sump of OCB Figure 4: Tripping test on OCB

b) The broken Isolators: The T1-60MVA 132/32kV secondary isolators of blue and
yellow phases stack isolator were observed broken at Omu-Aran TS. The broken stack
isolators were replaced with new ones. The bolts and nuts of red phase was also
replaced.
c) The Circuit Breaker Repairing: The 33kV Egbe line Circuit Breaker at Omu-Aran TS
had mechanism problem, the moving mechanism was stiffed. Troubleshooting was
carried out on it. The stiffness was caused by the motor that is driving the mechanism
part of the CB. The motor was replaced with new one and test was carried out on it, it
was restored back to services.

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d) Fixing of a Surge Arrester: New surge arrester was installed at the Ilorin Transmission
Station. Surge Arrester is a device designed to protect electrical equipment from
transient over voltages, to limit the duration and amplitude of the follow current. It is
normally connected between line and earth and close to the equipment, so as to protect
(usually transformers). The surge arrester is expected to have the following qualities
i. It should behave as a perfect insulator for the highest system voltage to ground.
ii. It should discharge any over-voltage into the ground safely.
iii. It should restore itself as an insulator after discharging the excess voltage.
The new Surge Arrester's resistance was tested with the High Voltage Insulation Tester
(Mega) in order to ascertain the capability of the equipment to serve its purpose, after which
its base was on the supporting base structure. The Surge Counter was installed in series
between the Surge Arrester and earth, lines connection was made ensuring continuity in the
wires, the Arrester and Surge Counter was properly earthed.

Figure 5: Surge Arrester

e) New Interrupter Heads of 33kV Otte feeder’s Circuit Breaker at Ilorin TS was
installed on Red and Blue phases. The interrupter head was damaged by the lightening
on the line and was not able to retained gas.
i. The interrupter heads was carried using car crane to its mounting position on the
interrupter of the Circuit Breaker, figure 7A.
ii. The bolts and nuts alignment was set and tightened, the interrupter mechanism and
gas pipe was also set and align then tightened firmly, figure 7B.
iii. The SF6 gas was fill through the Circuit Breaker
iv. Tripping and Closing test was performed the Circuit Breaker Locally and was okay.

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 f) Annual preventive maintenance was carried out on T2B 60MVA Transformer
132/33kV at Ilorin TS. On the course of maintenance
i. The temporal grounding lead was used to ground the secondary side of the
transformer to discharge the residual flux/field in the Transformer and to prevent any
back feed from the secondary line in other not to harm the maintenance crew.
ii. The curb-web was cleaned and dust off the dust on the transformer in other to
prevent tripping because too much accumulated dust conduct electricity and can always
cause tripping of the protective Circuit Breaker.
iii. The loosen Bolts and Nuts on top of the Transformer was retightened in order to
stopped the oil splashing and leaking of the oil on the transformer
g) Insulation Resistance Test: This was performed on each of the porcelain Insulator of
the transformer (i.e. the both the primary and secondary bushing). The Insulation
Resistance (IR) Test performed was to be sure if the Transformer was probably insulated
either from the ground or body of the transformer. If the IR meter reads thousands of
ohms, the test shows that it is probably insulated but if the test read zeros or very lower
values of hundreds, the transformer is not probably insulated. All the Insulation
Resistance test performed on the transformer are all okay and very well insulated. This is
also known as a Megga Test.

3.4 SYSTEM OPERATION DEPARTMENT

This is responsible for the functioning and monitoring the systems of the whole station and
protecting the equipment of the station by monitoring and operates the whole system. That is,
decides which power station load shedding to know the one to comes on and when and by how
many Mega-Watts (MW), decides which transmission line should be supplied, responsible for the
operations on equipment in the switchyard and control room. Highlights on some of the work done
are as follows:
i. System Control and Data Acquisition operation: SCADA is one of the solutions available
for data acquisition, monitoring and control system covering large geographical areas. It
refers to the combination of data acquisition and telemetry.
SCADA systems are mainly used for the implementation of monitoring and control system of an
equipment or a plant in several industries like power plants, oil and gas refining, water and waste
control, telecommunications. Use in TCN Ganmo for control and monitoring e.g. opening and
closing of a circuit breaker using the SCADA system from the computer. Also using this system,

13
data as relates to the condition of an equipment can be acquired easily e.g. voltage and current
reading on a transformer as well as the power consumption monitoring.
ii. Remote Operation: This involves operating equipment from the control room or at a
distance.
iii. Electrical Operation: This involves operating equipment using the Electrical interfaces like
switches and knobs on the control panel.
iv. Mechanical Operation: This is use for spring charging the motor of a circuit breaker by
manual rotation of the motor to charge the springs.
v. System Control and Stability. System control involves the monitoring of the values of
energy generated and comparing with energy consumed; to ensure there is a balance. When
this balance is not there, two things could be done depending on the cause of imbalance.
Load is reduced if energy consumption is greater than generation or load is increased if
energy consumption is less than generation; this activity is referred to as system stabilizing.

3.4.1 MATERIALS AND TOOLS USED

The following are the basic tools that are mostly used by the department
i. A Computer System: this is a normal PC with normal windows operating system used for data
collections and cataloguing of data acquired from the SCADA system for recording purposes
and some other utilities of the use of PC computer e.g. Load Flow.
ii. Operating Forms: these are booklets that are used during the course of operation.
Examples are the log book, (OF1)trouble and repair report, (OF4) application for station
guarantee, hourly reading sheet, transformers and feeders daily load flow, (OF2)work
permit, work and test permit.
iii. Isolating Rod: this is used to carry out isolation manually; some isolators can be operated
remotely (mostly for high voltage levels-132KV and 330KV).
iv. Frequency Monitor: this helps to read the frequency of the system at a particular instance.
It fluctuates with increase or decrease in system frequency due to variations in generation
and consumption energy values at that time.
v. Log Book: this is a book in which activities taking place in the system are recorded, for
proper system control and stability, and also for reference purposes. Activities such as when
a feeder is out for any reason, application and issuance of station guarantee, when reports
are received from sub-stations under the area control, when reports are passed to the regional
control centre, raising of a trouble report et cetera are recorded in the log book.

14
 vi. Hourly Reading Sheet: this is used for taking hourly readings, which include transformer
voltage and current levels, transformer winding temperature, system frequency at that hour,
load on every available feeder in the station.

3.4.2 WORK EXPERIENCE

The experiences gathered during the attachment in this department are as follows:
i. Receiving and passing reports: reports including tripping and transformer and feeder load
flow are received from substations within the area control; reports of the station activities
are also passed to the Regional Control Centre (RCC).
ii. How to apply for, and issue station guarantee for several purposes. Also learnt how to
isolate and de-energize a line, also to lift isolation and energize.
iii. Routine inspection and daily checks: this involves a walk around the switchyard by the
operator, inspecting and checking the working conditions of the equipment, ensuring the
pressure in the gas circuit breakers are normal, taking readings of the temperature of the
windings of the transformers in the station, test-running the standby generator to ascertain its
working capability so that it can serve as a backup for the station in a case when the station
is out of supply, and checking the electrolyte level in the batteries (for batteries that use
electrolyte) so it does not get below the minimum, also inspecting the terminals for
corrosion.
iv. Taking hourly readings from the SCADA system form all the outgoing terminal feeders.

3.5 PROTECTION CONTROL AND METERING PC&M DEPARTMENT

The Protection, Control and Metering department is responsible for the monitoring of equipment
and system activities and providing safety to life and equipment. They make use of relays and
instrument transformers majorly to perform its responsibilities. And they mostly do maintenance of
the Circuit Breaker, instrument Transformers and their respective control panels, they detect a fault,
troubleshoot the fault and then correct the fault.

3.3.1 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED

The materials and equipment that are used in the department for carrying out there works include
the following:
i. Tools Box: this contains a lot of tools used for work which include: spanners of various size
sand types (flat, ring, ball and socket), pliers, screw drivers, hack saw, Allen key, file,
punch, chisels of various sizes.

15
 ii. Multimeter: They are of various types for different works such includes ( Digital Meter,
Clamp on Ammeter, Omicron Multimeter). All this are used for measuring and testing of
voltage, current, or resistance during work.
iii. Cable Belt is used to hold cables together or to the wall of the panel, they come in different
sizes. Cable Ferro is a small ring-like material on which numbers or alphabets are written;
used for cable identification.
iv. Cable Gland is used to hold the cable firmly, usually at the entrance of the cable from the
bottom of the panel from the trench.
v. Cable Lug is used to terminate a cable neatly and safely; also come in various sizes
depending on the size of the cable.
vi. Manufacturer drawings: these are the drawings that were used during the installation of
equipment in the station and serve as reference during work on such equipment.
vii. Secondary Injector and Primary Injector: This equipment is used for simulation of faults
by injecting a known value of signal into the circuit under investigation.

3.5.2 EXPERIENCE GAINED

This the most busy and interesting department among them all, so a lot of experiences were gained
despite the department is also the most technical. The gained experienced are as follows:
a) Installation of Under-Frequency Relay: the under frequency relay is installed so as to
monitor the frequency of the system and take necessary action (put out some measure of
load) when the system frequency falls below the normal frequency allowable which is set on
the relay. This installation is done at Omu-Aran TS. The installation process involved is as
follow;
i. Determination of where the relay is to be installed: this is necessary so as to achieve the purpose
of the installation. The relay should be installed on a feeder that carries much load so that a
significant drop in load is attained when the feeder is put out upon operation of the relay.
ii. Measurements and estimation of cables and material required for the installation.
iii. Open the feeder.
iv. Prepare the terminals of the cable to be used.
v. Identify the terminals to which the cores are to be connected from the voltage transformer to
the relay using the drawings in the relay manual and the as-built drawing of the feeder. Do
the connections.
vi. Cross-check connections ensured they are accurate and tight. Preferably not done by the
person who did the connections.

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vii. Test-run the circuit using the secondary injector.
viii. Put the circuit into service and observe for a while.
b) Circuit Breaker Commissioning and Decommissioning: the process of decommissioning
is to remove out of service equipment that is beyond repair while the process of commissioning is
to installed new equipment into its sited positioning. The decommissioning of 132kV Line Circuit
Breaker at Omu-Aran and Commissioning new ones was observed. The problem identified with the
spoiled CB was leaking of gas and the place of leaking was not able to be corrected.

The decommissioning process;

A drawing was prepared for the Terminal Block Diagram in order not to misplace or interchange
the terminal connectors when reconnecting it back on the new Circuit Breaker to be installed.
The instrumentation cable was identified by using the As-Built circuit drawing of the Breaker.
The identified cables was Ferro and removed from it terminal blocks.
The bunch of cables was removed from the breaker.
Electrical Maintenance Department completed the rest of the works which involved removing the
entire Breaker itself.
The Commissioning process;
After the mounting and installation of the new Circuit Breaker by EMD and they have done their
installation part.
i. PC&M is to do the wiring part of the Circuit Breaker system and configure it for normal
operation.
ii. The cables removed from the old Circuit Breaker as it goes to the switch gear in Control
room was inserted into its proper positioned.
iii. The As-Built Circuit drawing of the Circuit Breaker was used in conjunction with the jotted
Terminal Block drawn from the previously disconnected Circuit Breaker was used for
reconnection of the new Circuit Breaker.
iv. The connection was cross checked for error by another trained engineer in charge later by
the Head of the Department.
v. After successfully and proper connection, the Circuit Breaker was put to test locally and
later remotely.
vi. The test run showed that the CB can be restored back to services but it was not restored back
to service that day because Lines Department still have some works to do on the circuit
network which will required some HV connections on the CB interrupter head.

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 Figure 6: Connections of wiring and configuration of Circuit Breaker

c) Carrier Signal Test: this is a test to determine the functionality of tele-protection

scheme on a line. Tele-protection is a protection backup for the normal protection scheme
employed for equipment in the station. The carrier signal is transmitted along the power line
via the communication network. The test involves sending a carrier signal from the station
along the line to the source and confirming the signal reception at the source; and vice versa.
There is a special panel design for the test at Control room. The test is perform on a weekly
basis, every first working day of the week.
i. The operator in charge of the respective source stations (Jebba and Oshogbo) had
been communicated and on standby for the tests.
ii. The IN and OUT was switch to OUT, signal was sent along the line by pressing
green pushbutton LAMP TEST for continuity test, figure 9. It was confirmed okay
from each of the respective sources. The switch was then switch to IN, a signal was
received from the respective sources by the indicating red LAMP.
iii. Second current was sent along the line as the signal. Both sent and received signal
was also confirmed okay by the following same procedure in (i) except the
pushbutton used for sending the current was CARRIER PB, figure 9.
iv. The report on the carrier signalling test was recorded at system operation log book.

d) Installation of Current Transformer (CT): new Current Transformers CTs was

commissioned for installation at Ilorin TS for Ogbomosho Line Feeder. The CTs are for
instrumentation and metering service as well as for protections. Each phase of the line (i.e.
Red, Yellow and Blue phases) are to be installed with separate CT i.e. single CT for a single
phase. The installation process involved is as follow;

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 i. The transformation ratio test was performed on the CTs respectively by injecting known
current in ampere through the primary terminal of the CT using the Injection Machine.
The second terminal was shorted and Clamp-on Leakage Current Tester was used to
measure the leaking current in milliamp (mA). The ratio test is performed in order to
know the status of the winding turns and its conditions to the ones on its name-plate
before mounting or installed. The formula used in calculating the number of turns is
equal to the ratio of injected current at primary terminal to the leakage current
measured at secondary terminal i.e the Insulation Resistance IR test was also
performed on each of the CTs by using IR tester respectively. The ground probe was
connected to the body of the CT and the line probe was connected to the primary
terminal of the CT. The IR tester was switch to 5000Volts and the resistance of the
coil to the ground is measured and recorded okay. This test is done in order to also
know the states of the windings inside the CTs respectively.
iii. Car crane was used to carry the CTs and to its respective mounting place and bolts
and nuts was used to tighten it.
iv. The lines conductors were connected to the primary terminal of the CTs respectively
v. The secondary connector cables were also connected to each of the CTs secondary
terminal respectively.
vi. Test-run was performed on the circuit using secondary injector.
vii. The CTs was put into service and observed for a while.

Figure 7: Mounting the CT on its stand

e) Maintenance on Circuit Breaker and Feeder: The maintenance was carried out on
faulted CBs. The actual work done process is given below;

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 Ganmo Works Centre Breaker Maintenance scope of work done on 33kV Otte/Afon
Feeder;
i. Troubleshooting was carried out on the feeder circuit which led to the discovery
of broken Cross-arm.
ii. The broken Cross-arm was removed
iii. New Cross-arm was installed
iv. This led to the proper functioning of the Feeder and it was restored back to
services.
Ilorin TS Circuit Breaker Maintenance scope of work done on 132kV Line Circuit
Breaker is as follow;
i. Troubleshooting was performed on the CB which leads to the discovery of the
damaged Tripping Coil and some connections errors.
ii. The damaged Tripping Coil was removed.
iii. New and working Tripping Coil was installed.
iv. All connection errors were corrected.
v. The CB was tested locally and then remotely and was operated okay.
vi. The Breaker was restored back to services.

The department has really been so helpful that I learn the following.
i. The important of instrumentations on any sectors that are using bigger machines either
statics or motion machines.
ii. The important of safety and providing safety for the equipment and personnel.
iii. The process of well installation of equipment and the important of inspection before
installing.
iv. How to troubleshoot any faults using either line diagrams or any circuit diagram of any
circuit either electrically and/or electronically.
v. How to arrange and important of terminal block on electrical equipment.
vi. How to relate what was done in lecture hall (i.e. theory aspect) to the real life situation on
fields.
vii. How to works in a group to accomplishes any task given to the crew.

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 CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 THE EQUIPMENT

This chapter entails the equipment used, the functions of the equipment used and the descriptions
of their usage during the cause of this attachment at Transmission Company of Nigeria, Ganmo.
The equipment used is as follow;
a) Circuit Breaker
b) Wave Trap
c) Secondary Injector
d) Leakage Current Tester (Clamp on)
e) Auto-Transformer
f) Instrument Transformers
g) Relays
h) Grounding/Earthing Transformer
i) Lightning Arrester
j) Isolators

4.1 THE EQUIPMENT USED AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

4.1.1 CIRCUIT BREAKER

A Circuit Breaker is an automatically operated electrical switching device which is designed to

protect an electrical circuits from damage caused by excess current from an over load or short circuit.
Its basic function is to interrupt current flow after a fault is detected.
There are basically four type of circuit breaker namely;
i. Vacuum Circuit Breaker
ii. Oil Circuit Breaker
iii. Air Break Circuit Breaker
iv. SF6 Circuit Breaker
v. Air Blast Circuit Breaker.
But the most used types in Transmission Company of Nigeria Ganmo are Oil Circuit Breaker
(OCB) and SF6 Circuit Breaker.

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 Figure 8: Circuit Breaker

USAGES OF CIRCUIT BREAKER

This is used to make or break a circuit, for the purpose of preventing Electrical Energy from
getting to certain segments of the transmission station. The circuit breaker can operate under
normal (when it is operated deliberately) and abnormal conditions (when its contacts open on
discovery of a fault within its jurisdiction). Its contacts are embedded in a medium which
function as insulation and arc quenching during operation. Its contacts are not visible to the
human eyes; however it could have an indicator telling whether the circuit breaker is open or
closed. The medium could be air, oil, gas (Sulphur hexafluoride SF6 gas is widely used), vacuum
(absence of oxygen eliminates combustion).
In addition, the mode of operation of a circuit breaker could be hydraulic or by spring action
(mostly used).
FUNCTIONS OF CIRCUIT BREAKER
The main functions of circuit breakers are;
i. It has the ability to break and make in normal conditions
ii. Sense the current flowing in the circuit
iii. Measure the current flowing in the circuit
iv. Compare the measured current level to its pre-set trip point
v. It pick up actions within a predetermined period by breaking the circuit quickly so as to
limit the rate of energy that is allowed to flow after the trip point has been reached.

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4.1.2 WAVE TRAP

Wave trap is a device designed in a parallel tuned inductor - capacitor tank circuit made to be
resonant at desired communication frequency. It is installed in the substation for trapping the
high frequency communication signal sent on the line from remote substation and diverting
them to the telecom panel in substation control room. A wave trap is connected between
buses and the transmission line which allow only 50 Hz signal to pass through it.

FUNCTIONS OF A WAVE TRAP

i. It reduces corona losses in transmission lines in power system.
ii. It has low impedance (less than 0.1Ω) for power frequency (50 Hz) and high impedance
to carrier frequency. This unit prevents the high frequency carrier signal from entering
the neighboring line.
iii. It allows only a particular frequency to pass through it that it filters the signals coming on
to it.
USAGE OF A WAVE TRAP
Wave trap is installed in the substation for trapping the high frequency communication signal
sent on the line from remote substation and diverting them to the telecom panel in substation
control room. These high frequency signals should not be coming on the buses as these may
damage the equipments. It is used to trap/catch the wave. The substation uses the power line for
communication purpose also. They use high frequency waves to communicate between the
substations. Communication between the substations was done using the power lines in the days
where communication through the telephone/communication lines was difficult. But still PLCC
is adopted in the substations as it is faster, easier, cost effective and also very safe to transmit the
messages without any interference.

4.1.3 SECONDARY INJECTOR

It is a method of connecting a secondary injection test set to a trip unit (trip device, over current
module, protection device, OCR, ETU etc.) on a circuit breaker, VT and CT, and injecting a
simulated current to prove it works at different levels.

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 Figure 9: Secondary Injector

FUNCTIONS OF SECONDARY INJECTIOR

i.Primary and secondary current injection tests are normally conducted to check the operation of
breaker and their protective relays/devices.
ii. The protective devices installed vary from circuit to circuit depending on the protection
needs but typical relays/devices include overload, over current, reverse power, earth fault,
and differential protection.

USAGE AND/OR APPLICATION SECONDARY INJECTOR

i. Secondary injection testing normally involves disconnection of the protective device

from its normal VT/CT and connection to a specialist test set that can inject and
measure/record the required operating signal directly into the protective device relay to
cause it to operate the circuit breaker.
ii. The testing involves with CT and VT are to disconnect the lines from their main poles
and injects currents and voltages respectively for simulations of the state of the CT and
VT respectively.
iii. At the same time it tells us CT ratio by measuring CT secondary current and dividing it
with known applied rated current or leakage current measured with Clamp on meter.
iv. Secondary injection testing is normally conducted when the circuit breaker is closed but
is not carrying any current through its main poles. It involves connection of the circuit
breaker to a test set that can inject and measure the current required in the device relay to
cause it to operate.

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4.1.4 LEAKAGE CURRENT TESTER (CLAMP ON)

FUNCTIONS OF CLAMP ON
Some electrical circuit, some current will flow through the protective ground conductor to
ground. This is usually called leakage current. Leakage current most commonly flows in the
insulation surrounding conductors and in the filters protecting electronic equipment around the
home or office. So what's the problem? On circuits protected by GFCIs (Ground Fault Current
Interrupters) e.g. Circuit Breaker, leakage current can cause unnecessary and intermittent tripping.
In extreme cases, it can cause a rise in voltage on accessible conductive parts.

Figure 10: Clamp On

USAGE OF LEAKAGE CURRENT TESTER
The Clamp-on is use in TCN to detect leakage current in secondary terminal of a CT while
performing maintenance and detecting the start of the windings and insulation of the CT. The
Clamp-on is clamp on the shorted secondary terminals of the CT while a known current has been
injected to the primary side of the CT to test.

4.1.5 AUTO-TRANSFORMER
A transformer is a static device that transfers electric energy from one circuit to another without
changing frequency. Auto-transformer is a single-winding transformer with taps. With primary
voltage applied to the primary terminals, the required secondary voltage from zero volts to the
rated primary volts can be availed from the secondary by varying the taps.

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 Figure 11: 150MVA 330/132/33kV Auto-transformer
FUNCTION OF AUTO-TRANSFORMER

i. It is a power transformer used in electrical power stations

ii. Auto-transformer is a power transformer that has incorporated into it a higher level of
control techniques and is mostly used in transmission station. An autotransformer is used
mainly for the adjustment of line voltages to either change its value or keep it constant.
iii.It functions as step down transformer and it keeps the output voltage i.e. secondary voltage constant
by the use of tap-changer feature of the auto-transformer.
USAGES OF AUTO-TRANSFORMER
i. Auto-transformers are frequently used in power applications to interconnect systems
operating at different voltage classes, for example 330kV to 132kV for transmission.
ii. On long rural power distribution lines, special autotransformers with automatic tap-changing
equipment are inserted as voltage regulators, so that customers at the far end of the line
receive the same average voltage as those closer to the source. The variable ratio of the
autotransformer compensates for the voltage drop along the line.
iii. The usage of autotransformer in Transmission Company of Nigeria is to step down the High
Voltage Alternating Current to a certain values and maintain a constant output voltage i.e.
secondary voltage by tap-changing the winding inside the transformer using the Tap-
Changer built with the transformer for the ability to change the position of the secondary
winding to maintain a constant output secondary voltages. There are two power
autotransformers of the different capacity (Power) used in TCN Ganmo namely

26
 (i) 150MVA Transformer for stepping down the 330kV incoming line voltage to 132kV
which in turn are transmitted to the two substations under TCN Ganmo namely to Ilorin TS
and Omu-Aran TS. (ii) 60MVA Transformer for stepping down 132kV to 33kV which can
now be transmitted to District Stations (Distribution Stations) for domestic and industrial
use.
4.1.6 INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMERS
Instrument transformers are high accuracy class electrical devices used to isolate or transform
voltage or current levels. The most common usage of instrument transformers is to operate
instruments or metering from high voltage or high current circuits, safely isolating secondary
control circuitry from the high voltages or currents. The primary winding of the transformer is
connected to the high voltage or high current circuit, and the meter or relay is connected to the
secondary circuit. Instrument transformers may also be used as an isolation transformer so that
secondary quantities may be used in phase shifting without affecting other primary connected
devices.
Types of instrument transformers

i. Current Transformer (C.T.)

ii. Current transformers (CT) are a series connected type of instrument transformer. They are
designed to present negligible load to the supply being measured and have an accurate
current ratio and phase relationship to enable accurate secondary connected
metering.Current transformer is used to step down the current of power system to a lower
level to make it feasible to be measured by small rating Ammeter (i.e. 5A ammeter).
Therefore, sometimes it also called series transformer. A typical connection diagram of a
current transformer is shown in figure below

Figure12: Current Transformer

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 iii. Voltage Transformer (VT)
Voltage transformer is also known as Potential transformer is used to step down the voltage
of power system to a lower level to make is feasible to be measured by small rating
voltmeter. Hence, sometimes it is also called the parallel transformer. This Transformer is
having few turns and connected directly to a voltmeter. It operates almost in open circuited
condition.

FUNCTIONS OF INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMERS

i. To provide possibilities of standardizing the instruments and relays to a few rated currents
and voltages
ii. To transform currents or voltages from a usually high value to easy to handle for relays and
instruments.
iii. To insulate the metering circuit from the primary high voltage system.
iv. By using the instrument transformers, measuring instruments can be standardized, Which
results in reduction of cost of measuring instruments. More ever the damaged measuring
instruments can be replaced easy with healthy standardized measuring instruments.
v. Instrument Transformers are used in AC system for measurement of electrical quantities i.e.
voltage, current, power, energy, power factor, frequency.
vi. Instrument transformers are also used with protective relays for protection of power system.
Basic function of Instrument transformers is to step down the AC System voltage and current. The
voltage and current level of power system is very high.
USAGES OF INTRUSMENT TRANSFORMERS

i. It used for protections of both the equipment in the station and personnel.
ii. The secondary voltage is used for metering and operating protection relays such as Over
Voltage protection, Under Voltage protection, Over frequency protection, Under frequency
protection, Distance Protection.
iii. The secondary windings proportionally transform the primary levels to typical values of
110V phase to phase.
iv. The secondary voltage can be used in switch gear compartments, where it may be used to
drive motors that open and close circuit breakers.
v. The secondary voltage can be used in voltage regulators, where it can power a tap-changing
drive motor of the Power Autotransformer above.
vi. The CVT is also useful in communication systems. CTVs in combination with wave traps
are used for filtering high-frequency communication signals from power frequency. This
forms a carrier communication network throughout the transmission network.

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4.1.7 RELAYS

Relay is an automatic protective device designed to trip a circuit breaker when a fault is detected.
The protective relays were electromagnetic devices, relying on coils operating on moving parts to
provide detection of abnormal operating conditions such as over-current, over-voltage, reverse
power flow, over-frequency, and under-frequency.

Some Relays used in Sub-Station

i. Over Current Relay
ii. Over Voltage Relay
iii. Differential Relay
iv. Restricted Earth Fault Relay
v. Buchholz Relay.
FUNCTIONS OF A RELAY AND ITS USAGE
It protects the transmission station against the following:
i. It protects against over current. The relays trip when a current rises above a set point which
can be caused by either the load or the supply such as a sudden increase in load due to faulty
electronics or physical load on a motor. Additionally, a drop in voltage could also cause an
over-current situation.
ii. It function as a protective device when there is an over voltage. That is, relays trip when a
voltage rises above a set point. An overvoltage is a sustained system voltage in excess of
transformer capacitor, motor, generator, or reactor voltage rating. Overvoltage’s can lead to
equipment failure or be due to equipment failure, such as failure of a load tap changer
controller or by a sudden loss of customer load.
iii. It also acts when there is an Under current. In this situation, relays trip when the current drops
below a set point. Under currents can occur if there is a fault with the power supply, or if a
loaded motor becomes unloaded, sometimes an overvoltage situation will cause under-current
and can cause damages to the equipment.
iv. It provides protection against earth fault. That is, relays detect any undesired current path
from a point of differing potential to ground.
v. It sometimes functions as a separator. This is when the relay respond to the difference
between incoming and outgoing voltages associated with the protected apparatus. The electrical
quantities entering and leaving the system are compared by current transformers. If the net
between the circuits is zero, then there is no fault or problem. If the net is not zero then an
internal problem can be identified.
vi. It is self checking and communication facility

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4.1.8 GROUNDING TRANSFORMER
A grounding or earthing transformer is a type of auxiliary transformer used in three-phase electric
distribution systems to provide a neutral point where the main power source is unavailable. The
earthing transformers may in addition supply a local auxiliary load. It is sometimes classified as
standard reactors.

Figure13: Grounding Transformer

FUNCTIONS AND USAGE OF A GROUNDING TRANSFORMER

i. Grounding transformers let three-wire (delta) system supplies accommodate phase-to-
neutral loads by providing a return path for current to a neutral.
ii. Grounding transformers are very common on generators in power plants and wind farms.
iii. The grounding point of the transformer may be connected through a resistor to limit the fault
current on the system in the event of a line-to-ground fault.
iv. This is used as earthing for the auto transformer and likewise as auxiliary supply for station. The
earthing transformer serves as the neutral for the secondary of the transformer as step down of
the 33KV at the tertiary to 415V, which is used for station auxiliary supply.

4.1.9 LIGHTNING ARRESTER

A lightning arrester is a device used on electric power systems and telecommunication systems to
protect the insulation and conductors of the system from the damaging effects of lightning.
Lightning arresters help in by passing voltage surges that are harmful to the connected loads and
system. When a lightning surge (or switching surge, which is very similar) travels along the power
line to the arrester, the current from the surge is diverted through the arrester, in most cases to earth.

30
 Figure14: Lightning Arrester

FUNCTIONS AND USAGE OF LIGHTNING ARRESTER

i. Lightning arresters are used to protect electric fences. They consist of a spark gap and
sometimes a series inductor.
ii. It is used to protect the equipment against flashing of light or overvoltage by providing low
impedance path for current to ground.
iii. It is used to protect against lightning-produced extreme voltage spikes in incoming power
lines that can damage electrical home appliances or even produce death.
iv. It improves system reliability by reducing multi-phase and multi-circuit line outage rates.
v. It also helps to control switching over voltages.

4.1.10 ISOLATORS

Isolators are a mechanical switching device used to disconnect some portion of the circuit. It is
basically operated when the load is already cut off. Like circuit breaker, Isolator is also used in
making and breaking the circuit, but there is major difference that is, Circuit Breaker is on Load
device and isolator is operated when the load is off or disconnected. Whenever its operated on
Load, there will be a heavy arc produced which might damage the circuit.

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Types of Electrical Isolators

There are different types of isolators available depending upon system requirement such as
i. Double Break Isolator
ii. Single Break Isolator
iii. Pantograph type Isolator.
Depending upon the position in power system, the isolators can be categorized as
i. Bus side isolator – the isolator is directly connected with main bus.
ii. Line side isolator – the isolator is situated at line side of any feeder.
iii. Transfer bus side isolator – the isolator is directly connected with transfer bus

Figure15: Isolator

FUNCTIONS AND USAGE OF AN ISOLATOR

i. Isolators are used to open a circuit under no load.

ii. It is a manually operated mechanical switch which separates a part of the electrical power.
iii. Isolators are generally used on both ends of the breaker in order that repair or replacement of
circuit breaker can be done without and danger.
iv. Isolators connected on any line or circuit can be electrically or manually operated for either
emergency or maintenance purpose.

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 CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 SUMMARY

Transmission Company of Nigeria, Ganmo has given me the opportunity to have an experience in
general, considering my level of involvement in some technical work and being able to witness the
various application of the theoretical aspect of education which I am conversant with. It has given
me the opportunity to relate with typical situations relating to the Electrical Energy Transmission to
understand the process of generating, transmitting and distributing electricity which is a nucleus of
most of our activities during this program.

5.2 PROBLEM ENCOUNTERED DURING THE SIWES

i. The problems of securing a place of attachment as some of the organizations don’t want to
accept SIWES students.
ii. Finance department of the company did not make proper provision to pay SIWES student
nor do draft any allowance, packages so as to relief the expenses for the six months
programme.
iii. Difficulty to understand some technical explanations as limited time is met for work done.

5.3 RECOMMENDATION

i. The SIWES letter should be given to students early enough so as to avoid attachment in
irrelevant organization.
ii. I recommend that substantial percent of the National budget should go into the development,
improvement and sustenance of the power sector. Doing this would help improve Electricity
production and in turn improve development and industrialization and subsequently, the
income the country generates.
iii. dequate safety wears for staff and ensuring their usage; putting in mind that the health of the
staff influences its efficiency and delivery, and subsequently profit output.

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