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An electric power system includes a generating subsystem, a transmission subsystem and a distribution subsystem. An electrical power network is larger and more complex so that, automation of power system is required to monitor and control an electrical power network. Automation of power system mean use of computer to collect data along power network, transferring data to a distribution control centre, displaying the data and carrying out analysis for control decision and improvement in system operation. Currently, TANESCO has feedback concerning the real-time (automatic system) operation at the level of the generation subsystem to high voltage level, but has no feedback concerning the real-time status of their networks at medium and low voltage level. Therefore, the use of automation system in TANESCO entire network will facilitate reduction of number of activities along electrical power network, number of staffs, operational costs and provide better service to consumers.
This study was aimed to determine the concepts of automation of management of power systems from generation points to end users in which researcher included the challenges involved in automation of power systems. Also, researcher described communication systems identified for automation of power systems and monitoring systems of automation of power systems.
Challenges involved in automation of power system were established in this study. Also, four communication systems (PLCs, Optical Fibers, Satellite Communications and Wireless Communications) for automation of power systems were identified but, two communication systems (PLCs and Optical fiber) were selected as most effective communication systems for automation of power systems. Monitoring tools such as ETAP software and PSS/E software were identified; PSS/E tool was selected because of its availability. With the aim of determining the concepts of automation of management of power systems, researcher conducted simulation using PSS/E tool and the parameters were used during simulation are power flow and short circuit condition.
This study employed case study design; Studying different documents and Interview guide are the methods were used to collect data related to communication systems, monitoring tools and challenge involved in automation of power systems.
It is recommended for utility company to use automation of power systems. The use of power system automation reduces numbers of activities, staffs and failure can be observed timely to effect action timely and this means that, makes quick fault detection, isolation, service restoration and therefore better services to consumers. |
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