Odin Osauande Technical Report 2023

REPORT ON
STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

TRAINING PROGRAMME
AT
TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA, BENIN SUB-

REGION, SAPELE ROAD.
BY
ODIN OSAYANDE
ENG1805417
TO
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY OF BENIN
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

AWARD OF BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (B.ENG)
IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
FROM
JULY TO DECEMBER 2023

DECLARATION
I, ODIN OSAYANDE, a student of the

department of Mechanical Engineering,
University of Benin, Benin city, with
matriculation number ENG1805417, hereby
certify that this Industrial Training report was
compiled by me in accordance to the
requirements of the Student’s Industrial Work
Experience Scheme (SIWES) as a summary of
my experience during the period of my
industrial attachment which ran from JULY to
DECEMBER 2023, at Transmission company of
Nigeria benin sub region
1.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I wish to give my deepest gratitude to God almighty for his

grace and protection from the beginning of my life till this
very moment and beyond.
I thank my family for their support with transport fare and
bearing with me during this time
I will like to thank and I don’t even know where to start.
However, I will like to thank the Industrial Training Fund for
their foresight in putting this program in place and also to the
Mechanical Engineering department, University of Benin for
providing the platform on which I was engaged in the
training.
I have taken effort in this report. However, it would not have
been possible without the kind of roles played by all the
technical staffs of TCN substation for their relentless
supports, guidance, constant supervision and explanation of
work(s) done despite the fact that the work was so hectic.
Other members of staff of TCN who contributed in one form
or the other are deeply appreciated and to the people who
have willingly helped me out with their abilities and
resources. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of
them.
2.
LETTER OF CERTIFICATION
3.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----DECLARATION
----ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
-----LETTER OF CERTIFICATION
----TABLE OF CONTENT
-----CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO THE TRAINING PROGRAM
----CHAPTER 2 : TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA
----CHAPTR 3 : TRAINING PROGRAM DONE
-----CHAPTER 4 : EQUIPMENT USED
-----CHAPTER 5 : CONCLUSION
4.

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION TO TRAINING
PROGRAM
--INTRODUCTION TO SIWES
SIWES is an acronym for Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme. SIWES is
a skilled training program designed to expose and prepare students of
Engineering, Agriculture, Technology, Environmental science, Medical Science
and Pure and Applied sciences for the industrial work situations which they are
likely to meet after graduation.
It is also designed to expose and prepare students of Universities, Polytechnics,
Colleges of Technology, Colleges of Agriculture and Colleges of Education for
the industrial work situation they are likely to meet after graduation. The
scheme also affords students the opportunity of familiarizing and exposing
themselves to the needed experience in handling equipment and machinery that
are usually not available in their Institutions. Before the establishment of the
scheme, there was a growing concern among our industrialists that graduates of
our Institutions of higher learning lacked adequate practical background studies
preparatory for employment in Industries. Thus, the employers were of the
opinion that the theoretical education going on in higher institutions was not
responsive to the needs of the employers of labour. It is against this background
that the rationale for initiating and designing the scheme by the Industrial
Training Fund (ITF) during its formative years – 1973/74 was introduced to
acquaint students with the skills of handling employers’ equipment and
machinery. The ITF solely funded the scheme during its formative years. But as
the financial involvement became unbearable to the Fund, it withdrew from the
Scheme in 1978. The Federal Government handed over the scheme in 1979 to
both the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Board for
Technical Education (NBTE). Later the Federal Government in November 1984
revert the management and implementation of the SIWES Programmed to ITF
and it was effectively taken over by the Industrial Training Fund in July 1985
with the funding being solely borne by the Federal Government.
5.

OBJECTIVES
.Provide students with industrial skills and needed experience with

their course of study.
.Expose students to work methods and techniques in handling

equipment and machinery that may not be available in their
institutions.
.Ernest placement and strengthen employee’s involvement in the

educational process of preparing student for employment in
industries.
.To teach students the techniques and method of working with

facilities and equipment that may not be available within the
walls of an educational institution.
.Provide students with an opportunity to apply their

knowledge in real work situation thereby bridging the gap
between theory and practice
.Make the transition from school to the world of work easier,

and enhance students’ contacts for later job placement.
IMPORTANCE OF SIWES
.The function and introduction of SIWES is to equip students

with skills pertaining to their field. To make them employable.
6.
.It provides students with an opportunity to apply their
theoretical knowledge in real life situations.
. its way of igniting the entrepreneurship fire in students. It

helps them identify ways and sub-fields they can capitulate
on.
.It strengthens links between the employers, universities

and industrial training fund (ITF).
.It also prepares the students for the labour market after
graduation
7.
CHAPTER 2
TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA
The unbundling of NEPA started when President Olusegun Obasanjo signed into
law the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSR Act) which led to the formation
of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) with a transitory framework
in March, 2005. By this act, NEPA was unbundled into 18 companies: Six
Generation Companies, One Transmission Company and Eleven Distribution
Companies. All were issued Operations Licenses. On its part, TCN was on July
1st, 2006 issued a Transmission License with the responsibilities of wheeling
power at high Voltage, operate the National Grid and Market Operation Service
and Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz is the substantive Managing Director/Chief
Executive Officer of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
NIGERIA'S POWER SYSTEM
Nigeria uses these process to transmit power.

the processes involved in Generation, Transmission and Distribution of power in
Nigeria
.GENERATION
This is the process of generating electric power from other primary sources ie
water , gas, sun. though it is often generatedat a power station by
electromagnetic generators driven byheat engine fueled by
combustion .Electricity is generated at between 11–16kV and stepped up by a
step-up transformer to 330kV at the Power Stations. This is done so as to take
care of power losses (I2R losses) along the line of transmission since the
electricity generated is to be transmitted over long distances. Power generated
at various generating stations in the Nation is connected to the National Grid
and then transmitted.
.TRANSMISSION
Transmission begins with the transportation of voltage, 330kV along
transmission lines (otherwise referred to as conductors) and is stepped down
by a transformer to 132kV at the Transmission substation, this voltage is
further transported along transmission
8.
. .DISTRIBUTION
Distribution of electricity starts at this point. The voltage is stepped down by a

distribution transformer to 11 kV which in turn is stepped down to 0. 415kV and
further stepped down to 240V before it gets to our homes or offices.
HISTORY
In response to the increase in Nigeria’s demographic figures over the decades
which is put at about 160 Million and the lack of commensurate increase in
energy supply to meet the country’s growing economic and infrastructural
development objective, the Federal Government of Nigeria realized that there was
the need to break up defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) into
small, effective units, as adequate and efficient electric power is a major factor in
modern industrial development.
The unbundling of NEPA started when President Olusegun Obasanjo signed into
law the Electric Power Sector Reform Act
(EPSR Act) which led to the formation of the Power Holding Company of
Nigeria (PHCN) with a transitory framework in March, 2005. By this act, NEPA
was unbundled into 18 companies: Six Generation Companies, One
Transmission Company and Eleven Distribution Companies. All were issued
Operations Licenses.
On its part, TCN was on July 1st, 2006 issued a Transmission License with the
responsibilities of wheeling power at high Voltage, operate the National Grid and
Market Operation Service
9.

VISION OF THE TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA
The Company’s vision is to be “a Transmission Company with a solid reputation
for delivering reliable, cost-effective Electric power to end users in Nigeria and in
West Africa Sub-region”. Its mission statement is “to cost effectively provide,
operate and maintain the required assets, equipment and transmission grid
network for evacuating and dispatching high quality Electricity with minimal
losses”.
SCOPE OF ACTIVITIES
Activities carried out by TCN include: Electricity transmission, System operation,

and Electricity trading which is ring-fenced. Its major function is to collect
generated Electric Power from Generating Companies and wheel it to Distribution
Companies. TCN comprises of nine Transmission Regions and the National
Control Centre (NCC), viz: Enugu, Bauchi, Kaduna, Shiroro, Benin, Osogbo, Lagos,
Kwara and Port Harcourt.
10.

ORGANOGRAM
11.
DEPARTMENTS AT TCN BENIN
The TCN Benin sub station is divided into units of various
departments, namely;
.Administration and HR Department

.Security Department
.Protection Control and Metering (PC&M) Department
.Electrical Maintenance Department (EMD)
.System Lines Department
.Communication Department
functions
The functions of the departments above are as follow;
.ADMINISTRATION AND HR DEPARTMENT:

Provide essential administrative support to the executives and department managers
(HODs) of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), benin. With their computer,
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 TCN benin,at TCN benin
substation this department is responsible for accepting, processing and stamping of
industrial training letter and logbook with other necessary documents presented by
students.
12.
.SECURITY DEPARTMENT :
: a department responsible for the security of the institution's property and workers It
is the role / responsibility of the security department to formulate and implement a
security plan and policies that will take in consideration the all factors of the
organisation.
Security Plan formulates how key Security-activities can be undertaken. In other words
it should be the framework for achieving an organisation’s strategic business goals,
objectives and
.PROTECTION CONTROL AND METERING (PC&M) DEPARTMENT:

The function of the department is to maintain the electrical and electronics
equipment, protects the life personnel and maintain and/or configure the metering
equipment of the Works Centre and the substations under the TCN BENIN Works
Centre, before any installation of equipment(s) is done at TCN newhaven
substation the PC&M department will test the working conditions of the
equipment such as the transformation ratio test for transformers (CT, VT, etc), the
magnetising current test of the transformer, in comparism to the standard
working conditions in use, the results obtained determines whether the
equipment(s) will the installed or not, The PC&M department is responsible for
installations, commissioning and decommissioning, maintaining, troubleshooting
and repairing the critical system used for detecting and responding to power
system faults, controlling system devices, metering schemes and data voice transfer
throughout the region/area that Transmission Company of Nigeria, BENIN
substation covers.
13.

.ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT (EMD):
the department functions are to install, commissioning and decommissioning,
troubleshoot, maintain, and protects the life of the equipment in the TCN new
haven benin Works Centre and the substations under them. The department and its
crew are usually on the field doing the works. The department also maintains the
wiring of the office blocks and control room, during equipment maintenance period
they are responsible for testing the strength of the workstation equipment, examples
of such tests like oil dielectric test using dielectric tester kit, transformer live to
ground resistance test etc., from the results gotten it shows the strength of the
materials or the equipment and the results determines whether the equipment is
suitable for use or not.they are incharge of installing new equipment in a switch
yard ie transformer and they maintain them quarterly periodically, monthly or
weekly depends on the equipment to be maintained and they also stay in watch just
incase any abnormally occur in the switch yard
.SYSTEM LINES DEPARTMENT:
: The functions of this department are to maintain the transmission lines

wires in a way of avoiding earth 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 is also responsible for the tightening and
maintenance of the line’s conductors on the switch yards and repairing the
hotspots identified by the operators on duties of the TCN benin and its
substations.
14.
.COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
: This department is responsible for 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, helps to improve the quality of
job done in and relating to the station, and the equipment and the control and
protection scheme employ communication in order to function.
THE POSTED DEPARTMENTS AT TCN, BENIN

The departments that I was posted to and the duties are as follow;
.SAFETY DEPARTMENT:
: In this department I spent two (2) weeks where we were taught about the
importance and uses of safety equipment and need to ensure ones safety before
conducting any work, before conducting any maintenance work on the station,
safety department crew will ensure that caution tape is first used round the area
mark for work with the help some official forms collected from the system operation
department which shows the area safe for work or areas whose power flow
connections has been isolated to avoid accident of touching equipment on duty
leading to a severe injury ,also this department is responsible for the welfare of the
various department crew that participated during the equipment maintenance.
We learnt that safety is the proper planning of work, exercise of good judgement,
intelligent supervision and proper usage of safety tools and it is nor particular to a
place but every where
15.

.ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT (EMD):
Where eight(8) weeks were spent and part of the responsibilities along with the
maintenance crew is to: Carrying out schedule maintenance of power transformer of
various ratings and capacities; Conduct insulation resistance test, oil Dielectric
strength test on transformer and circuit breakers; servicing maintaining and repair of
power circuit breakers such as oil circuit breaker, Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) circuit
breaker, and conduct insulation and performance test on same and maintenance of
battery and charger; Carry out construction and installation works on a new
substation as per the design and physical positioning of the substation equipment
such as CBs, Transformers, Isolators etc.
i learnt about circuit beaker,device designed to automatically interupt or trip the flow
of current in a circuit when certain conditions occur such as an overload or short
circuit.
i learnt about relays , relays can be used to minitor and provide signals to a control
system that can in turn cause a circuit breaker to trip
16.

CHAPTER 3
TRAINING PROGRAM DONE
THE WORK DONE & WORK’S EXPERIENCE

The first and foremost most important experience gained is the important and
very significant of safety because any single mistake makes at switch yard will leads
to instant death by electrocution, there is no second chance of mistake at TCN
because of the Very High Voltage dealing with. So emphasis and precautions were
always taken before entering the switch yard to perform any kind of work done
even for inspection purposes. One must be issue permit letter by the operator in
charge before stepping into switch yard. The scope of work done and experience
gained will be analyzed below on each of the department visited in order of
visitation.
ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT (EMD)
This department is headed by Engr. Richard as the Senior Manager (HOD). The
Electrical maintenance department is responsible for all maintenance of equipment
within the benin substation and areas under the benin
substation ,during maintenance operations on equipments the crew does the
dismantling of electrical equipments to allow easy access for tests to be carried out on
it, and after other departments is done with their test the electrical maintenance
department does the overall coupling of the equipment before the lines men connects
the transmission cables to the equipment for power flow, in electrical maintenance
department, there exist preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance.
Preventive maintenance is procedures carried out on the equipment to ensure proper
functioning and avoid breakdown. For example: changing of silica gel, filling of gas or
changing of oil in a circuit breaker, transformer oil filtration, electrolyte topping in
lead acid batteries et cetera while Corrective maintenance is a type of maintenance
that is carried out to correct a problem on hand. For example:changing of lightning
bubs, spring charging of circuit breakers, bleeding of the transformer, et cetera.
17.
EQUIPMENT USED
. Grounding Stick/Lead and Wire:

This is used to provide a temporal ground for conductors that may be partially
charged due to induction, around the working site to avoid electrocution, before
lines men start performing any operation on the transmission line the grounding
lead is use to tease the line to check if there is charge on the line after that isolation
work the transmission line starts and after maintenance operations processes on
the equipment(s) the grounding lead is then use to ensure grounding path while
connecting the lines back to the equipment (s).
. High Voltage Insulation Resistance Tester (Megger):

The Megger is the instrumentuses for measuring the resistance of the insulation. It
works on the principle of comparison, i.e., the resistance of the insulation is
compared with the known value of resistance. If the resistance of the insulation is
high, the pointer of the moving coil deflects towards the infinity, and if it is low,
then the pointer indicates zero resistance. The accuracy of the Megger is high as
compared to other instruments.
18.

. Battery Hydrometer
: A hydrometer is used to test the state of charge of a battery cell. This is performed
by measuring the density of the electrolyte, which is accomplished by measuring the
specific gravity of the electrolyte. The greater the concentration of sulfuric acid, the
more dense the electrolyte becomes, and if the electrolyte is in a good condition then
the only solution for a wet cell is to always top the battery with a distilled water so as
. Funnel and Bucket:

This is used during jobs that involve oil or battery electrolyte, this is mainly used by
the electrical maintenance department EMD during maintenance operations to
collect oil from the transformer on test or from the battery on test so as to check
the working conditions of the equipment.
. Hand Pump:
This is used for pumping oil from drum to equipment (e.g. oil circuit breaker,
current transformer, voltage transformer, conservator tank, etc.
. 19.
. Hose
: Usually connected to the hand pump during oil jobs, it is mainly used due to
distance differences between the oil point and the equipment to supply the oil to.
. Multimeter:
The multimeter is a measuring device use to detect and measure various electrical
quantities such as voltage, current, continuity, and resistance . The output of this
device is usually in digital form some others are anolog which uses deflection for its
measurement. The one used in the field was a digital multimeter which could read
upto 1KV. The more the voltage it can measure the more expensive and the more
robust it becomes.
Electrical quantities are measured by connecting the probes to the terminals of the
equipment being measured. This device is capable of measuring both AC and DC.
20.
. Toolbox:
The tool box is a collection of different electrical tools such as spanners of
different sizes,screw drivers,wrenches, pliers, cutting knife, Allen keys,
measuring tape etc used for repair and preventive maintenance operations
21.

WORK DONE AND EXPERIENCE
The scope of major work done as well as the experience gained at EMD includes
the following:
. Battery bank maintenance

The scope of major work done as well as the experience gained at EMD includes the
following: ion of cells connected together in series to increase output voltage.
Maintenance is often carried out on these battery banks to ensure efficiency and also
maintain battery life. we have two type of battery cells the wet and dry cell each
being 2v DC, The dry cell are the type of battery bank cells that does not need
topping up with a distilled water but the wet battery cell need to be top up whenever
there is a shortage in its electrolyte water level, The electrolyte inside the wet
batteries cells of the battery banks
There are two sections of this Battery banks; One is at the 330KV control station
while the other is at the 132KV control station. The Battery bank at the 330KV
station is a dry cell, the procedure of maintenance includes checking with a
multimeter the battery voltage when charger is connected, when the charger is
disconnected aswell as checking again every 15mins interval to know if the battery
decays rapidly. A minimal difference between the intervals indicate good battery
health. At the end of the process the overall decay rate is calculated, this shows if the
battery is in good condition or not. The battery bank at the 132KV control station is
a wet type with a mixture of tetraoxosulphate (vi) acid and distilled water as it's
electrolyte. The same procedure for maintenance is carried .out to determine the
health of the battery bank. The battery banks are used to ensure continuous supply
of power to protective equipment in the switchyard even in the event of power
failure in the switchyard. These protective equipments include circuit
breakers,relays etc.
22.

. Experience Gained
when the electrolyte of the batteries got lower and lower, the overall performance
of the batteries is also reduced . The electrolyte is subjected to the voltage induced
by the electrolysis. This is rectified by topping the low level electrolyte cells with
distilled water up to required level respectively.
REFILL OF SF6 GAS ON THE CIRCUIT BREAKER

The circuit breaker was reading low on surphur hexafluoride gas (SF6) When the
gas in a circuit breaker is low it sends a signal using a relay to the control room
where it is analysed and deduced. The circuit breaker has a manometer or a guage
upon which the level of gas can be read from.
23.

The gas is used to extinguish the arc that forms when the circuit breaker is closed.
Due to Very high voltage passing through, the arc formed tend to cause fire
outbreak hence the use of the gas to extinguish such arc The procedure for refill
is such that upon arrival after permit has been issued,the reading of the
manometer is taken as "as met" the an the valve is opened with a spanner and the
gas is connected to the valve of the circuit breaker using a hose.
The cylinder containing the gas is opened gradually to allow gas into the breaker
and monitored using the manometer until it reaches an acceptable level of 7.0 or
7.5mm
Experience Gained
The circuit breaker is a protective device which is used in the switchyard
protective purposes
Due to the Very high voltage which they operate with, they tend to cause arcs
when the circuit is closed. The gas is present to extinguish the arc which occur
during closing.
Weekly preventive maintenance on circuit breaker
This is weekly maintenance done on the circuit breakers in the 330KV

switchyard.
The circuit breaker found in the 330KV switchyard is the compressor unit
circuit breaker which is pneumatically operated. The process involves checking
for the oil level using the oil guage on the compressor. If the oil is low it will be
topped by adding more compressor oil and also checking for possible leakage.
The circuit breaker has an air chamber where the pressure is high caused by the
compressor which builds up pressure in the chamber.
24.

Bleeding is also carried out on the cylinder or air chamber of the circuit breaker to
remove moisture which tends to build up; as the compressor sucks in air from the
atmosphere the pressure builds up but this air is not free from moisture present in
the atmosphere,as this process continues the moisture accumulates and takes up
space in the chamber. Upon bleeding this moisture is expelled and only air is
present in the chamber and the pressure builds up. This pressure is used to operate
the the spring during opening or closing of the circuit breaker.
EXPERIENCE
I was able to understand the working principle of the circuit breaker how it uses the
compressor to build up pressure in the air chamber using air sucked from the
atmosphere. I also understood the maintenance routine for this particular circuit
breaker. Other circuit breakers may have minimal maintenance as compared to this.
FIXING OF A BROKEN TRANSFORMER BREATHER

The 300MVA transformer had its breather broken due to some careless handling by
some contracted workers around the areas. We went and fixed the breather using a
spanner.
A transformer breather is a device which is connected to the inlet valve of the
transformer it helps to absorb moisture from the transformer oil. Due to cooling
and other atmospheric factors moisture maybe deposited on the windings of the
transformer and are dissolved into the transformer oil, the presence of this
moisture in the oil tends to break down the dielectric strength of the transformer
oil hence, the breather which contains silica gel is used to absorb moisture present
in the transformer oil.
25.
Experience Gained
The dielectric strength of the transformer must be maintained at a certain level to
prevent short-circuit in the transformer. The transformer uses the ONAF and
ONAN system of cooling which sometimes introduces moisture which is capable of
causing breakdown of the dielectric strength.
Collection of oil Samples

Transformer oil is meant to be tested to determine the strength of the oil, the
density and gas content in the oil. The collection of this oil sample is Very key as
goes along way in affecting the quality of result.
Sample is taken from the top valve of the transformer in a small collectable
container after about well labelled "top"and another taken from the bottom.
These two samples are tested using separately tested. The test is carried out by a
Breakdown Voltage (BDV) Tester, an acceptable level for the dielectric strength of
the oil must lie from 45 and above
26.
Transformer oil test (common to all categories of transformer):
Transformer insulating oil is subjected to deterioration due to various service

conditions and these changes affect the proper functioning of transformer and
reduce the life span. There are three basic enemies to insulating oil; oxidation,
contamination and excessive temperature. Various tests are done on transformer
oil to determine if the oil is still in good condition. But we will emphasize on two;
Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA): This test for total dissolve concentrated gas present
in the oil. The presence of the following gases are checked in percentage; hydrogen,
water, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ethane, methane, acetylene. The result is compared
with standard allowed percentage of these gases.
Dielectric Strength: This is determined by the presence of acids, water, particulate
matter and
27.

Experience Gained
During the maintenance period I was able to learn how to conduct

insulation resistance test, oil dielectric test using dielectric tester kit were
the oil is tested six times to check its strength to withstand the supply
voltage as the oil acts as an insulator the values during the testings are
noted and it's average is taken for analysis purposes, also I learnt
transformer ratio and magnetising current test is done on a transformer
etc.
Computing using a Desktop 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.
28.

CHAPTER 4
THE EQUIPMENT USED
the equipment used, the functions of the equipment used and the descriptions of
their usage during the course of this attachment at Transmission Company of
Nigeria, BENIN. The equipment used are as follow;
• Earthing Reactor • Wave Trap
• Grounding/
Earthing
Transformer
• Isolator
• Relays
• Circuit Breaker
Instrument
•
Transformer Insulation Resistance Tester
• (Megohmmeter otherwise known as Megger)
29.

• INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMERS
Instrument transformers are primary used to provide isolation between the
main primary circuit and the secondary control and measuring devices. This
isolation is achieved by magnetically coupling the two circuits. In addition to
isolation, levels in magnitude are reduced to safer levels.
Types of Instrument Transformers Used in TCN Benin South Subregion

Instrument transformers are divided in to two categories:
•Voltage Transformers (VT): VT has a successor called Capacitor Voltage

Transformers (CVT). The primary winding of VT is connected in parallel with
monitoring circuit, in the switchyard.
• Current Transformers (CT): the primary winding of the CT is connected in

series with monitoring circuit,in the switchyard.
• Functions of Instrument Transformers
To transform currents or voltages from a usually high value to a safe and

measurable value which can easily be tolerated by equipment in the station.
Instrument transformers comes in different capacity and sizes depending on
the magnitude of voltage and current and aswell as the transformation ratio.
Some instrument transformers are have transformation ratio of 500A/2A for
Current transformer and 10KV/2V safe enough for relays to operate with
30.

• To insulate the metering circuit from the primary high voltage system.
To provide possibilities of standardizing the instruments and relays to

•
a few rated currents and voltages.
Uses of Voltage Transformer (VT) and Capacitor Voltage

•
Transformers (CVT)
• The secondary windings proportionally transform the primary levels to

typical values of 110V phase to phase
• The secondary voltage can be used in switchgear compartments, where

it may be used to drive motors that open and close circuit breakers.
• The secondary voltage can be used in voltage regulators, where it can

power a tapchanging drive motor of the Power Autotransformer above.
• It used for protections of both the equipment in the station and

personnel.
• 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, Transformer Differential protection et cetera.
31.

• 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.
USAGES OF CURRENT TRANSFORMER (CT)
• To transforms the current on the line to that which is suitable for the
meters and relays to function.
• Metering of power to track energy use.
• Monitoring of current flow through a circuit. This can be used to monitor

the amount of current drawing by are line and the maximum allow
current can be set on relay to trip on over current protection.
• Relay of power through an energy grid.
Protection of instruments and appliances connected to AC power

•
supplies as well the personnel working at TCN.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Electrical circuit breaker is a switching device which can be operated manually

as well as automatically for controlling and protection of electrical power
system respectively. As the modern power system deals with huge currents, the
special attention should be given during
32.

designing of circuit breaker to safe interruption of arc produced during the
operation of circuit breaker. There are four type of circuit breaker namely; Air
Circuit Breaker (ACB), Oil Circuit Breaker (OCB), SF6 Circuit Breaker and
Vacuum Circuit Breaker. They types that is employed at TCN Newhaven and
its substations are Oil Circuit Breaker (OCB) and SF6 Circuit Breaker.
• Functions of Circuit Breaker

The main functions of circuit breakers are;
• Sense the current flowing in the circuit
• Measure the current flowing in the circuit
• Compare the measured current level to its pre-set trip point
• within a predetermined time period by opening the circuit as quickly

as possible to limit the amount of energy that is allowed to flow after
the trip point has been reached.
•Usages of Circuit Breaker
This equipment is used to make or break a circuit or segment of it, for the
purpose of preventing Electrical Energy from getting to certain segments of the
transmission and/or 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). The advantages of Gas Circuit
Breaker (GCB) over the Oil Circuit Breaker (OCB) are as follows;
33.

• Oil is combustible and could cause fire outbreak if arcing current is very
high.
• Carbonization of the oil takes place when the contacts are made or
broken due to arcing.
• When the contacts are made or broken, the oil gradually reduces in
insulation strength and may result in breakdown, or must be changed
regularly.
• The gases used in the GCB are usually more efficient than using the
OCB.
• The GCB provides neater working environment around the breaker
than the OCB. In addition, the mode of operation of a circuit breaker
could be hydraulic or by spring action (mostly used).
RELAYS
A relay is automatic device which senses an abnormal condition of electrical

circuit and closes its contacts. These contacts in turns close and complete the
circuit breaker trip coil circuit hence make the circuit breaker tripped for
disconnecting the faulty portion of the electrical circuit from rest of the healthy
circuit. There are two type of protective relays used in TCN which are
Electromagnetic type of relay and digital type relay modern ones which is
mostly used now a days.
34.
Types, Functions and Usages of Relays
• Voltage Sensitive Relay

Voltage relays identify overvoltage, under voltage, or both. They can only
detect an abnormal condition on the line side of where the relay is connected.
This allows the device to provide prestart protection. Voltages relays are easy
to install, do not require current transformers, and are therefore less
expensive. These require only voltage connections so that they may be applied
independent of the system load.
• Under voltage: Under voltage relays trip when the voltage drops below
a set point. An under voltage is a sustained system voltage below
transformer, motor, generator, or voltage ratings that can lead to
equipment failure. They can be caused by a system overload or
equipment failures. Special care should be given for under voltages
because many power systems loads are MVA loads (motors,
uninterrupted power supplies, etc.). This means that as the voltage
decreases, the load current increases while the power system transfer
capability decreases. Under voltage relays are usually instantaneous
devices and should complete their function every time input voltage
drops below the set point. Load transfer, voltage regulation, and motor
protection are all applications for under voltage protection relays.
• Overvoltage: Overvoltage 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. Overvoltage relays may be instantaneous or time-
delayed devices. Voltage regulation, bus and back- up protection, and
generator protection are applications for overvoltage protective relays.
35.

• Differential Relays
Differential voltage relays 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. This
type of relay is applicable to all parts of the power system and is often the
primary choice for protection.
• Current Sensitive Relay
Protective relays and monitoring relays include current-sensitive relays.

Current sensing relays offer an advantage over voltage sensitive relays because
they do not respond to back electromotive force (EMF), which accompanies a
phase failure on motor loads. They can detect a problem on either the line side
or the load side in a branch circuit in which the relay is used.
Under-current - Under-current relays trip when the current drops below a

•
set point. Undercurrents can occur if there is a fault with the power supply, or
if a loaded motor becomes unloaded. Often an overvoltage situation will cause
under-current and can cause damages to the equipment.
• Over-current – Over-current relays trip when a current rises above a set point.
Overcurrent 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.
36.

• Differential current conditions - Differential current relays respond to the
difference between incoming and outgoing currents associated with the
protected apparatus. The principle of differential relays is the same for a station
bus and for generators; the device monitors for the sum of all the currents into
and out of the bus or generator to be equal to zero. If there is a fault then there
will be a net flow of current and the differential relay will be triggered.
WAVE TRAP
Wave trap, its name indicates that it is used to trap some waves. They are used at
substations to prevent the transmission of high frequency
• Functions of Wave Trap
Carrier signal of power line communication to The carrier energy on the

transmission line must be directed toward unwanted destinations, wave trap also
called line trap. They are part of PLCC (Power Line and not toward the station
bus and it the remote line terminal must be isolated from bus impedance
variations. This task is performed by theCommunication Carrier) used to
transmit line trap. A parallel resonant circuit has high impedance at its tuned
communication signal over transmission lines. frequency, and it then causes
most of the carrier energy to flow toward the remote line terminal. The coil of
the line trap provides a low impedance path for the flow of the power frequency
energy. Since the power flow is rather large at times, the coil used in a line trap
must be large in terms of physical size. Hence a line trap unit/Wave trap is
inserted between bus bar and connection of coupling capacitor to the line. It is a
parallel tuned circuit comprising of inductance (L) and capacitance (C). 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 neighbouring line
37.

• INSULATION RESISTANCE TESTER (MEGGER)
The Megger is the instrument uses for measuring the resistance of the insulation.
It works on the principle of comparison, i.e., the resistance of the insulation is
compared with the known value of resistance. If the resistance of the insulation is
high, the pointer of the moving coil deflects towards the infinity, and if it is low,
then the pointer indicates zero resistance. The accuracy of the Megger is high as
compared to other instruments.
Functions of Megger
Insulation resistance quality of an electrical system degrades with time,
environment condition i.e. temperature, humidity, moisture & dust particles. It
also get impacted negatively due to the presence of electrical & mechanical
stress, so it’s become very necessary to check the IR (Insulation resistance) of
equipment at a constant regular interval to avoid hazard of any form.
Figure 36 insulation resistance tester.
Uses of Megger
A Megohmmeter usually is equipped with three terminals. The "LINE" (or "L")
terminal is the so called "hot" terminal and is connected to the conductor whose
insulation resistance you are measuring. The tests are performed with the circuit
de-energized. The "EARTH" (or "E") terminal is connected to the other side of
the insulation, the ground conductor.The
"GUARD" (or "G") terminal provides a return circuit that bypasses the meter.
For example, if you are measuring a circuit having a current that you do not
want to include, you connect that part of the circuit to the "GUARD" terminal.
38.
EARTHING TRANSFORMER AND EARTH REACTOR
The general purpose of earthing system is to protect life and property in the
event of 50/60 Hz faults (short-circuit) and transient phenomena (lightning,
switching operations).
Functions and Usages of Earthing Transformer
• 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.
• For cases where there is no neutral point available for Neutral Earthing (e.g.
for a delta winding), an earthing transformer may be used to provide a return
path for single phase fault currents.
• In such cases the impedance of the earthing transformer may be sufficient to
act as effective earthing impedance. Additional impedance can be added in
series if required. A special ‘zigzag’ transformer is sometimes used for
earthing delta windings to provide a low zero sequence impedance and high
positive and negative sequence impedance to fault currents.
• In a three-phase delta connected AC system, an artificial neutral grounding

system may be used. Although no phase conductor is directly connected to
ground, a specially constructed transformer (a "zigzag" transformer) blocks the
power frequency current from flowing to earth, but allows any leakage or
transient current to flow to ground.
39.
CHAPTER 5
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The whole experience gained during the attachment at TCN BENIN was very
enlightening. The basic practical skills as well as the real practical skills were
exposed to and the opportunity to relate with typical situations relating to the
Electrical Energy Transmission. These experiences have successfully broadened
my understanding and interest in Electrical and Electronics Engineering as a
profession especially in the field of Electrical Power. The training was worthwhile
has it accorded me the privilege of gaining insight into job preparation as well as
what it meant to carry out proper inspection and also working condition under
stress which in a way prepares undergraduates for the outside world after school.
The program gave me the privilege to relate with senior professionals and other
students from different institutions and this experience makes me appreciate the
nature, benefits and intricacies of my chosen field of study both in the classroom
and in the society at large while also gives me the opportunity to put into practice
the theoretical knowledge acquired throughout my stay in school. The program
has given me the rare privilege of gaining practical knowledge and widened my
knowledge about the application of Electrical and electronics engineering in the
world… especially in the field of electrical power.
I was fortunate to learn the significance of preventive maintenance and corrective
maintenance of electrical power equipment used at TCN G/W; installation of
circuit breaker (SF6 type) as well as various pre-commissioning tests for power
transformer to mention but few which helped me in relating the knowledge
obtained from class to real life scenarios which in turn has built a good degree of
confidence especially in my ability to perform under stress.
40.
PROBLEM FACED DURING THE SIWES
Some the problems experienced during the course of the SIWES program.
These are as stated below;
• Limited orientation before starting the program.
•The workload is too broad to the extent that engineers were unable to
explain the importance of work done on particular equipment to me as well
as how it relates to the theoretical knowledge garnered.
•
There is also difficulty in getting a placement since placement letter was not
issued on time.
• The main problem encountered during the program was problem of

transportation. It is difficult to get to the TCN BENIN every working day.
Since remuneration or allowance is not given, so it is very difficult during the
time of government owing our parents salaries coupled with road
construction going on en route to BENIN
RECOMMENDATIONS
Base on the experience and knowledge acquired at the course of the SIWES
training, I hereby give the following recommendation base on my
observations;
• Proper orientation should be given to the students by the university before

they go on SIWES at least before mid-semester break of first semester
41.
• .The placement letter should be given to students early enough so as to avoid
attachment in irrelevant organization.
• 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.
• Transmission Company of Nigeria should put safety into great consideration;

providing adequate 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.
• Transmission Company of Nigeria should also ensure that any newly

recruited technical staff goes for a technical training course before they
should be allowed to work on the field because electrical power maintenance
require a careful and wellhandled personnel
• Student should avoid prioritizing money over work and experience and
should develop a good attitude, good work ethics and be a good ambassador
of the university they are representing.
•Institution and ITF should ensure that students are attached at relevant
establishment for effective training, experience and exposure related to their
course of study in the university.
.
42.
REFERENCES
•G. Okwaraoh, "A report of work done at Home Base Development Limited,
Real Estate Developers", 2017, [Online]. Available: http://www.unn.edu.ng/
publications/files. [Accessed: 11-Feb-2018]
• P. O. Akerejola, “Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES),”

Information and Guidelines for Students Industrial Work Experience
Scheme, no. 04-04-2012, pp. 5-6, 2012.
• A.A. Olayinka, “Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES),”
held at Transmission Company of Nigeria, November, 2015.
• Nsong.org, “The Nigeria Electricity System Operator,” Nsong.org, 2018,

[Online]. Available: http://www.nsong.org/Pages/ContentPageLink1.aspx.
[Accessed: 14-Mar-2018]
• https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://
www.researchgate.net/public
ation/339297541_SIWES_REPORT_held_at_Transmission_Company_
of_Nigeria_ TCN_33013
233kV_Ganmo_works_center&ved=2ahUKEwiVju21r9X3AhVDQhoK
HWBFDTc QFnoECBA
QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3s3J_34yJfhcBsvXLGYonb.
• R. O. Kolawole, “Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme
(SIWES),” held at Transmission Company of Nigeria, June, 2017.
•
A. B. Olaoye, “Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES),” held
at Transmission Company of Nigeria, June, 2017.
• P. C. & M. Department, “Basic Power Relaying Protection Course-P1

(manual),” National Power Training Institute of Nigeria-NAPTIN, 2013, pp.
168-180.

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REPORT ON

STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA, BENIN SUB-

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

JULY TO DECEMBER 2023

I, ODIN OSAYANDE, a student of the

I wish to give my deepest gratitude to God almighty for his

-----CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO THE TRAINING PROGRAM

----CHAPTER 2 : TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA

----CHAPTR 3 : TRAINING PROGRAM DONE

-----CHAPTER 4 : EQUIPMENT USED

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.Provide students with industrial skills and needed experience with

.Expose students to work methods and techniques in handling

.Ernest placement and strengthen employee’s involvement in the

.To teach students the techniques and method of working with

.Provide students with an opportunity to apply their

.Make the transition from school to the world of work easier,

.The function and introduction of SIWES is to equip students

. its way of igniting the entrepreneurship fire in students. It

.It strengthens links between the employers, universities

TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA

Nigeria uses these process to transmit power.

Distribution of electricity starts at this point. The voltage is stepped down by a

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Activities carried out by TCN include: Electricity transmission, System operation,

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The TCN Benin sub station is divided into units of various

.Administration and HR Department

.ADMINISTRATION AND HR DEPARTMENT:

.PROTECTION CONTROL AND METERING (PC&M) DEPARTMENT:

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.SYSTEM LINES DEPARTMENT:

: The functions of this department are to maintain the transmission lines

THE POSTED DEPARTMENTS AT TCN, BENIN

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THE WORK DONE & WORK’S EXPERIENCE

ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT (EMD)

. Grounding Stick/Lead and Wire:

. High Voltage Insulation Resistance Tester (Megger):

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. Funnel and Bucket:

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. Battery bank maintenance

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REFILL OF SF6 GAS ON THE CIRCUIT BREAKER

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Weekly preventive maintenance on circuit breaker

This is weekly maintenance done on the circuit breakers in the 330KV

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FIXING OF A BROKEN TRANSFORMER BREATHER

Collection of oil Samples

Transformer insulating oil is subjected to deterioration due to various service

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During the maintenance period I was able to learn how to conduct

Computing using a Desktop Computer System

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• Earthing Reactor • Wave Trap

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Types of Instrument Transformers Used in TCN Benin South Subregion

•Voltage Transformers (VT): VT has a successor called Capacitor Voltage