INVESTIGATION OF VOLTAGE CHARACTERISTICS IN A

DISTRIBUTION SUBSTATION; A CASE STUDY OF FEDERAL

POLYTECHNIC ADO EKITI

BY

JOHN OLUWAFERANMI NATHANIEL

FPA/EE/21/3-0004

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, ADO-EKITI,

EKITI STATE, NIGERIA.

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THR AWARD OF

HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA (HND) IN

ELECTRICAL ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

MARCH, 2023
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In normal operation, direct current (dc) voltage levels are stable at a value that is
close to zero or very low (below 50 volts), whereas alternating current (ac)
voltage levels are measured by a voltmeter in amps, which may be positive or
negative. The stability of voltages in power systems depends on the manner in
which the system is designed and operated. Good design can ensure stable
voltage conditions through three key elements: maintaining the correct
frequency, known as harmonics; matching or balancing loads within a distribution
network; and providing adequate Ohmic losses so that there will always be some
residual voltage drop across resistive components.
A power system is said to be well designed if it gives a good quality of
reliable supply. Good quality basically means the voltage levels are maintained
constant or within the prescribed permissible limit. Too wide variations in voltage
may cause erratic operation or even malfunction of consumers' appliances.
SOME OF THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLTAGE CHARACTERISTICSIN A
DISTRIBUTION SUBSTATION

Voltage characteristics are an important consideration in the design and

operation of distribution substations.
The voltage level and quality of the electricity supplied to customers must
be within certain limits to ensure safe and reliable operation of electrical
equipment and appliances. The following are some of the key reasons why
voltage characteristics are important:

 Equipment protection: Electrical equipment is designed to operate

within specific voltage ranges. If the voltage level is too high or too low,
it can damage the equipment or cause it to malfunction. Voltage
 characteristics must be carefully monitored and controlled to ensure
that the equipment is not subjected to excessive voltage variations.

 Power quality: Voltage fluctuations can cause power quality problems,

such as flicker and harmonics, which can affect the performance of
sensitive electronic devices. Voltage regulation is necessary to maintain
stable voltage levels and minimize power quality issues.

 Safety: High voltage levels can be hazardous to personnel and

equipment. Voltage characteristics must be monitored to ensure that
the voltage level is within safe limits.

 Energy efficiency: Efficient operation of electrical equipment and

appliances depends on the voltage being maintained within a certain
range. Overvoltage can cause excessive energy consumption, while
under voltage can result in decreased efficiency.

In summary, voltage characteristics are critical to the safe and reliable

operation of a distribution substation. Monitoring and controlling voltage levels is
essential to ensure the proper functioning of electrical equipment and appliances,
maintain power quality, and promote energy efficiency.

The voltage characteristics in a substation include:

 Voltage stability: Voltage stability is the ability of the power system to

maintain a steady voltage level under varying load conditions. Voltage
stability can be affected by factors such as the size of the load, the distance
between the substation and the consumer, and the condition of the power
transmission lines.
  Voltage fluctuations: Voltage fluctuations refer to rapid changes in voltage
levels that can be caused by sudden changes in load conditions or faults in
the power system. Voltage fluctuations can cause damage to electrical
equipment and disrupt the operation of sensitive electronic devices.

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE INVESTIGATION

The investigation of voltage characteristics in a distribution substation serves
several purposes, including:

 Identifying voltage issues: The investigation can help to identify any voltage-
related issues in the distribution substation, such as overvoltage or under
voltage. These issues can impact the performance of electrical equipment and
appliances, and can also be a safety hazard.

 Determining the cause of voltage problems: The investigation can help to

determine the cause of any voltage-related issues. This may involve testing
the substation equipment, measuring the voltage levels at various points in
the system, and analyzing the data to identify any patterns or trends.

 Optimizing voltage regulation: The investigation can help to optimize the

voltage regulation in the distribution substation. This involves adjusting the
voltage levels to ensure that they are within safe limits and that they are
stable and consistent. Optimizing voltage regulation can help to improve the
performance of electrical equipment and appliances, and can also help to
reduce energy consumption.

 Planning for future upgrades: The investigation can help to identify any
potential upgrades or improvements that may be needed in the distribution
 substation. This may include upgrading equipment, installing new voltage
regulation devices, or adding new circuits or transformers to the system.

Overall, the investigation of voltage characteristics in a distribution substation is

an important part of ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the electrical
system. By identifying and addressing voltage-related issues, optimizing voltage
regulation, and planning for future upgrades, the investigation can help to
improve the performance and efficiency of the distribution substation.

1.2 AIM OF THE PROJECT

The objective of this endeavor is to examine the voltage behavior of a distribution

substation in a friendly manner.

1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT

The importance of examining the voltage attributes of a distribution substation
cannot be understated. Through this investigation, it can be determined how the
substation will function in various situations and how to best ensure a stable supply
of electricity.

1.4 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT

To measure Voltage Characteristic of the substation in Federal Polytechnic Ado-
Ekiti, we use a custom made software. The voltage characteristic includes voltage
profile, frequency response and phase angle variation. The voltage characteristic
can be easily obtained by using one or two digital multi-meters and measurement
instruments.

1.5 LIMITATION OF THE PROJECT

Data availability plays a critical role in voltage investigations, as the ability to
collect accurate and reliable data is necessary to identify potential hazards
effectively. In some cases, the information may not be readily available or may
require specialized equipment to collect and analyze.

1.6 OVERVIEW OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC ADO EKITI

The Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti distribution substation is an electrical facility
that serves as a power supply hub for the Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti, a higher
education institution located in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The substation is
responsible for receiving power from the national grid and distributing it to various
buildings and facilities within the polytechnic.

The substation is equipped with transformers, switchgear, and other equipment that
help to regulate the voltage and ensure the safe and reliable distribution of
electricity to the polytechnic. The substation is also connected to backup power
sources, such as generators and inverters, to ensure uninterrupted power supply in
the event of a power outage.