KENYA POWER

1.TITLE PAGE

NAME: KIBET NGETICH STEPHEN

REGISTRATION NO: 11765S22

SCHOOL: RIFTVALLEY TECHNICAL

TRAINING INSTITUTE

DEPARTMENT: ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS

ENGINEERING

SUBJECT: INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT

REPORT

CASE STUDY: KENYA POWER

UNIT: INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT 1

DATE: 9TH SEPTEMBER 2023- 9TH NOVEMBER 2013

TUTOR: MISS. GLADYS

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1. DECLARATION

I, KIBET NGETICH STEPHEN, do hereby declare that this report is my original work and to the

best of my knowledge, it has not been submitted for any certificate award in any polythecnic or

Institution.

Signed___________________________________

Date _____________________________________

KIBET NGETICH STEPHEN

2. CERTIFICATION

I have read this report and approve it for examination

Signed_______________________________________

Date_________________________________________

MISS. GLADYS

3. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would wish to render my gratitude to my institute supervisor, MS. Gladys for the great support

and direction that she extended, not to mention all the contribution she made towards facilitating

the success of my attachment.

I also extend a lot of appreciation to field supervisors, Mr. Charles Busienei and Miss. Mary

Kariuki who ensured that all facilities necessary for the industrial attachment exercise were at my

disposal. Thanks to the team I was patched with. All their directions, explanations, technical and

intellectual support amounted to the quality experience I gained.

I thank my family for the emotional and financial support they have given me. Finally, I

acknowledge the support of all my friends, lecturers and classmates.

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4. PHOTO GALLARY
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5. INTRODUCTION

Kenya Power originally known as Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited's

(KPLC), core business activities include the transmission, distribution and retailing of electricity

purchased in bulk from the Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited (KenGen),

Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited
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(UETCL). Kenya Power holds and operates the national transmission and distribution grid, and

is responsible for the scheduling and dispatch of electricity to more than 500, 000 customers

throughout.

The current top officials of the company include;

Dr. Eng. Joseph Siror MD & Chief Executive Officer

Joy Brenda Masinde Director

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Kairo Thuo Director

Humphrey Muhu Director

In the business and shareholding perspective of the company, Kenya has listed Mama

Ngina Kenyatta as its fourth largest individual investor, with 2.2 million shares or a 0.11 per cent

stake in the company, whose ownership is dominated by institutional investors like the Treasury

and National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

6. COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Kenya Power is a limited liability company which transmits, distributes and retails

electricity to customers throughout Kenya. Kenya Power is a public company listed in the

Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE). The company is a national electric utility company, managing

electric metering, licensing, billing and emergency, electricity service and customer relations.

Kenya Power headquarters are at Stima Plaza, Kolobot Road in Parklands, Nairobi; it operates

many offices throughout Kenya.

The following is a general summary description of the company

Full name: Kenya Power & Lighting Co. Ltd

Headquarters: Stima Plaza, Kolobot Road, Parklands, P.O Box 30099,

NAIROBI.

Status: Listed

Legal Form: Other non-liability limited

Operational Status: Operational

ISIN CODE: KE0000000349

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Financial Auditors: Ernst & Young (2009)

Total Employees: 7,015

Tel: +254 20 3201000 or 243366

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The aim of the company as obligated by law is to ensure that there is a consistent supply

of electricity to consumers to facilitate energy consuming activities within a typical household

such as lighting, cooking, refrigeration, water heating, laundry, ironing, and air conditioning. It

also ensures that entertainment equipment such as radio, TV, DVD, and VCR in common homes

are operational. This is because these appliances and activities improve our lifestyle. In order to

get maximum benefits from electricity, we should use these appliances and carry out these

activities safely and efficiently.

7. KENYA POWER QUALITY POLICY

KENYA POWER is committed to providing high quality customer service by efficiently

transmitting and distributing high quality electricity that is safe, adequate and reliable at cost

effective tariffs. The Board, Management and staff of KENYA POWER are committed to

effective implementation and continual improvement of the Quality Management System that

complies with ISO 9001:2008 in order to consistently meet its customers and other

stakeholder’s requirements and expectations. Kenya power is mainly involved in Electric-

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power transmission which is the bulk transfer of electrical energy, from generating power

plants to electrical substations located near demand centers. This is distinct from the local

wiring between high-voltage substations and customers, which is typically referred to as

electric power distribution. Transmission lines, when interconnected with each other, become

transmission networks. The combined transmission and distribution network is known as the

"power grid, the network is known as the "National Grid" located at Dandora (juja

substation).

It is done in a wide area synchronous grid, also known as an "interconnection" directly

connecting a large number of generators outputting AC power with the same phase, to a large

number of consumers.

8.1 COMPANY’S VISION

 provide world class power that delights our customers.

8.2 COMPANY’S MISSION

 To Powering people for better lives

8.3 COMPANY’S OBJECTIVES

 To buy efficiently and wisely, obtaining by an ethical means the best value for every
shilling spent.
 To maintain cordial relationship with other department for the overall benefit of the
organization.
 To develop staff policies, procedures and organization to ensure the achievement of set
objectives.
 To help add value to the development of services rendered
 To supply the organization with a flow of materials and services to meet its needs.
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 To ensure continuity of supply by maintaining effective relationship with existing sources

to meet emerging or planned needs.
 To develop specification in collaboration with user to ensure standardization is achieved.

8. PUBLIC RIGHTS IN THE KENYA POWER COMPANY

 Timely service and accurate information.
 Protection from harm or injury within the company services.
 Dignified, courteous, confidential and continuous care.
 Participation, planning and management of company resources.
9. COMPANY’S CORE VALUES

Kenya Power core values signify:

 Customer First

 One Team

 Passion

 Integrity

 Excellence

The company creates an environment where all people are passionate about performance based

on

 Integrity: Be honest, open & sincere

 Individual Initiative: Take pro-active steps to drive performance

 Customer Value: Exceed customer expectations & add value to Customers’ businesses

 Teamwork: Work with & support colleagues to raise overall performance

 People Development: Realize employee potential through training & development

 Mutual Trust & Respect: Treat each other with respect & dignity, & earn trust
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 Commitment: Be accountable & do as you say.

10. ATTACHMENT DESIGNATED AREA/AREAS ATTENDEND

Kenya power has different operational structures depending on the population of the region on

which operations are to be undertaken. I was attached at Narok branch which is located at a town

called Narok in Narok county, riftvalley province, Kenya.

Owing to the size of the region the branch operated in the following sub-departments

1. Development and construction department (D&C dept)

2. Emergency department

3. Mains department

4. Customer care

5. Metering department

6. Meter reading department

7. Survey department

8. Business development department

11.1 EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

According to the chores assigned to each departments, a lot of electrical and electronics tasks

were embedded in the Emergency department. Was thus assigned to a three days a week shift

daylight team that facilitated all the experience I gained in the field.

11.2 ROLE OF EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT/TEAMS

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The role of Emergency department and the teams is to ensure that there is consistence supply of

electricity as well as provide public safety and health by addressing different emergencies. Some

of these agencies exist solely for addressing certain types of emergencies whilst others deal with

ad hoc emergencies as part of their normal responsibilities. Kenya power engages in community

awareness and prevention programs to help the public avoid, detect, and report emergencies

effectively.

Emergency department and the teams operated on a 24 hours basis but in shifts. Every

call from a customer is recorded and printed then handed to workers who work in shifts

throughout the day and night. The main duties of the emergency services include:

 diagnosing of faults on low voltage overhead and underground lines

 basic repair and maintenance of low voltage network earthing systems

 use of overhead line tools and common instruments

 work safety

The description of the transmission line we operated on the daily basis is given below.

Line configuration

 The 132 kV single circuit lines constructed as follows:

 Line length: Approximately 225 km

 Line Configuration: Single Circuit, triangular configuration

 Conductors: Code name ’Lynx’ 30 Al/7 St x 2.79mm², nominal aluminum equivalent of

 175mm².

 Earth wires: 1 x OPGW

 Towers: Self supporting lattice steel

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 Foundations: Concrete pad & chimney

 Line Configuration: Single Circuit, triangular configuration

 Step down transformer: 132kv to 66kv/33kv

 66kv/33kv to 11kv

 Next step down level: 33kv/11kv to 415v 3phase and 240v single phase

The 132kv to 33kv Step down transformer serving the entire area under operation

Kenya 132kv transmission from generating power stations to the 132kv/33kv transformer
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My first field assignment: Working to install a 11kv to 415v 3phase and 240v single phase
5/5 Step down transformer
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11. SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS

The Kenya Electricity Grid Code set out detailed arrangements for the regulation of the

Kenya electricity supply industry and is enforceable under the Electric Power Act, No 11 of

1997. In addition to the Kenya Electricity Grid Code, the Kenya Safety Codes are reviewed.

They recognize the Factories Act, 1962 (Rev.1972) which requires an employee to use any

means or appliance provided by the Employer for securing safety and also not willfully to do

anything likely to endanger himself or others.

This Act applies to all workplaces where any person is at work, whether temporarily or

permanently. The purpose of this Act is to secure the safety, health and welfare of persons at

work, and protect persons other than persons at work against risks to safety and health arising out

of, or in connection with, the activities of persons at work. Some of the areas addressed here are

machinery safety, chemical safety and health, safety and welfare special provisions are also

provided in the ILO conventions on safety and health in construction recommendation, 1988

R175.

12.1 Kenya power Safety Rules for all employees

A safe work environment is not always enough to control all potential electrical hazards. You

must be very cautious and work safely. Safety rules help you control your and others risk of

injury or death from workplace hazards.

Rule no. 1

Avoid contact with energized electrical circuits. All circuits are to be assumed live unless proven

otherwise
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Rule no. 2

Treat all electrical devices as if they are live or energized.

Rule no. 3

Disconnect the power source before servicing or repairing electrical equipment.

Rule no. 4

Use only tools and equipment with non-conducting handles when working on electrical devices.

Rule no. 5

Never use metallic pencils or rulers, or wear rings or metal watchbands when working with

electrical equipment. This rule is very easy to forget, especially when you are showing some

electrical part pointing with metallic pencil.

Rule no. 6

When it is necessary to handle equipment that is plugged in, be sure hands are dry. Wear

nonconductive gloves, protective clothes and shoes with insulated soles.

Below are examples of Safety clothes, gloves and shoes

Rule no. 7
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If it is safe to do so, work with only one hand, keeping the other hand at your side or in your

pocket, away from all conductive material. This precaution reduces the likelihood of accidents

that result in current passing through the chest cavity.

Rule no. 8

Minimize the use of electrical equipment in cold rooms or other areas where condensation is

likely. If equipment must be used in such areas, mount the equipment on a wall or vertical panel.

Rule no. 9

If water or a chemical is spilled onto equipment, shut off power at the main switch or circuit

breaker and unplug the equipment. NEVER try to remove water or similar from equipment while

energized

Rule no. 10

If an individual comes in contact with a live electrical conductor, do not touch the equipment,

cord or person. Disconnect the power source from the circuit breaker or pull out the plug using a

leather belt. Always disconnect the power FIRST

Rule no. 11

Equipment producing a “tingle” should be disconnected and reported promptly for repair.

Rule no. 12

Do not rely on grounding to mask a defective circuit nor attempt to correct a fault by insertion of

another fuse or breaker, particularly one of larger capacity.

Rule no. 13

Drain capacitors before working near them and keep the short circuit on the terminals during the

work to prevent electrical shock.

Rule no. 14
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Never touch another person’s equipment or electrical control devices unless instructed to do so.

Rule no. 15

Enclose all electric contacts and conductors so that no one can accidentally come into contact

with them.

Rule no. 16

Never handle electrical equipment when hands, feet, or body are wet or perspiring, or when

standing on a wet floor.

Rule no. 17

When it is necessary to touch electrical equipment (for example, when checking for overheated

motors), use the back of the hand. Thus, if accidental shock were to cause muscular contraction,

you would not “freeze” to the conductor.

Rule no. 18

Do not store highly flammable liquids near electrical equipment.

Rule no. 19

Be aware that interlocks on equipment disconnect the high voltage source when a cabinet door is

open but power for control circuits may remain on.

Rule no. 20

De-energize open experimental circuits and equipment to be left unattended.

Rule no. 21

Do not wear loose clothing or ties near electrical equipment. Maintain codes of an electrical

engineer

12.2 Kenya power Safety Rules for all consumers

 Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.

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 Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.

 In homes with small children, make sure your home has tamper-resistant (TR)

receptacles.

 Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do

not have to use extension cords.

 Follow the manufacturer's instructions for plugging an appliance into a receptacle outlet.

 Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle

outlet at a time.

 If outlets or switches feel warm, frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping

circuits, or flickering or dimming lights, call a qualified electrician.

 Place lamps on level surfaces, away from things that can burn and use bulbs that match

the lamp's recommended wattage.

 Make sure your home has ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in the kitchen

bathroom(s), laundry, basement, and outdoor areas.

 Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) should be installed in your home to protect

electrical outlets.
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12. POWER GENERATION

Hydro-power constitutes around 60 per cent of the total electricity generated in Kenya. The bulk

of this electricity is tapped from five generating plants along the River Tana. The five stations

combined - Kindaruma, Kamburu, Gitaru, Masinga and Kiambere - have an installed capacity of

more than 400 MW. Turkwel Gorge Power Station in north-western Kenya has an installed

capacity of 106 MW. There are also several small hydro stations - Mesco, Ndula, Wanjii, Tana,

Gogo Falls and Selby Falls - all built before independence in 1963, with a combined generation

output of 40 MW.

Geothermal energy is generated using natural steam tapped from volcanic-active zones in

the Rift Valley. Some 127 MW is fed into the national grid from three plants located at Olkaria.

Thermal (fuel-generated) energy is generated in power stations at Mombasa and Nairobi. Kenya

Electricity Generating Company Limited, KenGen is the leading electric power generation

company in Kenya, producing about 80 percent of electricity consumed in the country. The

company utilizes various sources to generate electricity ranging from hydro, geothermal, thermal

and wind. Hydro is the leading source, with an installed capacity of 677.3MW, which is 72.3 per

cent of the company’s installed capacity.

KenGen is in direct competition with four Independent Power Producers who between

them produce about 18 percent of the country’s electric power. KenGen has a workforce of 1,500

staff located at different power plants in the country. With its wealth of experience, established

corporate base and a clear vision, the company intends to maintain leadership in the liberalised

electric energy sub-sector in Kenya and the Eastern Africa Region. KenGen Headquarters are

located at Stima Plaza Phase III, Kolobot Road, Parklands; Nairobi.

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13. TRANSMISSION

Electricity transmission is the process by which large amounts of Electricity produced at

power plants (such as hydro, geothermal, thermal and wind), is transported over long distances

for eventual use by consumers. Due to the large amount of power involved, and the properties of

Electricity, transmission normally takes place at high voltage (132-kilovolt or above) to reduce

losses that occur over long distances.

KENYA POWER is responsible for ensuring that there is adequate line capacity to maintain

supply and quality of electricity across the country. The interconnected network of transmission

and distribution lines covers about 23,000 kilometers. The national grid is operated as an integral

network, linked by a 220 kV and 132 kV transmission network. Limited lengths of 66 kV

transmission lines are also in use. The national grid impacts on the future growth of the energy

sector because any new generation capacity must take into consideration the existing network

and its capacity to handle new loads.

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KENYA POWER reinforces the power transmission and distribution network by constructing

more lines and substations. Although the network has been growing at an average rate of 4 per

cent over the past five years, lack of funds has hampered accelerated expansion. There are,

however, plans to expand it substantially to ensure reliable energy transmission. These include

the ongoing construction of 132 kV transmissions from Kipevu to Rabai, and the planned 220kV

line from Kiambere to Nairobi.

Efficiency of the transmission and distribution network continues to be enhanced in both

technical and non-technical aspects. Planned technical improvements include re-conductoring of

lines, installation of capacitors, and construction of additional feeders and substations. Non-

technical improvements include introduction of electronic meters, improvement of meter reading

accuracy, fraud control and resolution of billing anomalies. KENYA POWER is also undertaking

a loss-reduction study to complement measures aimed at reducing the total system losses,

currently at around 20 per cent.

KENYA POWER has more than 550,000 customers who consume an average of 3.6

billion kilowatt hours of electricity every year. For the past five years, for the past five years

growth in electricity has been affected by the severe drought experienced in 1999 to 2000 and the

decline in economic growth. This maximum demand is to be 850 MW by mid 2005.

In the long term, the installed capacity is projected to increase by 1342 MW between 2004 and

2018/2019 and will comprise geothermal (503 MW), hydro (220.6 MW) and thermal (568.7

MW) sources. National consumption of electricity is projected to rise from 4.9 billion kilowatt

hours in 2003/2004 to 5.1 billion in 2004/2005, and 6.9 billion kilowatt hours in 2009/2010 and

to 11.8 billion in 20/9/20.

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Electricity is usually transmitted to a substation near a populated area. At the substation, the high

voltage Electricity is converted to lower voltages suitable for consumer use, and then transmitted

to end users through relatively low-voltage Electricity distribution lines that are owned and

operated by the national Electricity utility.

The construction, operation, and maintenance of new high-voltage transmission lines and

associated facilities create a range of environmental impacts. The type and magnitude of the

impacts associated with transmission line construction, operation and maintenance varies

depending on line type and size, as well as the length of the transmission line, and a variety of

other site-specific factors.

14.1 The main components of high-voltage Electricity transmission lines and associated

facilities

1) Transmission Pylons (Towers)

2) Conductors (Transmission lines)

3) Right-of-Way (Way leaves)

4) Access Roads

5) Substations

14.11 Transmission Pylons (Towers)

Transmission pylons are the most visible component of the Electricity transmission system.

Pylons support high-voltage conductors (cables that transmit the electricity, otherwise known as

lines) above the ground and separate them from other lines, buildings, and people. Pylons vary in

design and dimensions. The transmission pylons are lattice steel between 33.5 and 46 meters tall.

A minimum of 30-metre right-of-way is needed for the area around the pylons and the spans

between the pylons.

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14.12 Conductors (Transmission lines)

Conductors are the cables on the transmission pylons that carry the Electricity to substations.

KENYA POWERwill have varying designs of pylons and lines depending mainly on the voltage

being carried. Conductors are constructed primarily of twisted metal strands, but newer

conductors may incorporate ceramic fibers in a matrix of aluminium for added strength with

lighter weight.

14.13 Right-of-way (Way Leaves)

The right-of-way for a transmission corridor includes the land set aside for the transmission line

and associated facilities, and land set aside for a safety margin between the line and nearby

structures and vegetation. Having the safety margin helps avoid the risk of fire and other

accidents. The right-of-way width needed for transmission lines ranges from 30 meters to 65

meters. The right-of-way is also used for access roads.

Vegetation that could pose a danger to a transmisssion line or tower is removed inside the right-

of-way and outside the right-of-way if it could come too close to lines and pylons. On the right-

of-way, low-growing vegetation is allowed to grow after construction and subsequently

maintained at an optimum level.

14.14 Access Roads

Access is needed to the transmission tower sites for both line construction and maintenance.

Grading and clearing vegetation may be required for access road construction. Roads are usually

murram. Access roads can be permanent or temporary depending on the need during construction
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and land use. On most rights-of-way, permanent access roads provide a way to repair and

maintain the pylons and line and are available for emergencies.

In farmland and other areas where the existing land use is not compatible with a permanent

access road, Kenya power uses temporary access roads during construction, then removes the

roads and replants or otherwise restores the original land use.

14.15 Sub-stations

The high voltages used for Electricity transmission (e.g., 500 kV) are converted for consumer

use to lower voltages (e.g., 11 kV) at substations. Substations vary in size and configuration but

may cover several acres, and are cleared of vegetation and surfaced with gravel. Access is

limited to authorized personnel and the substation is fenced and gated for safety and security. In

general, substations include a variety of structures, conductors, fencing, lighting, and other

features that result in an "industrial" appearance.

15. CONDUCTORS

15.1 CLASSIFICATION OF CONDUCTORS

Overhead power transmission lines/ Conductors are classified in the electrical power industry by

the range of voltages:

I. Low voltage – less than 1000 volts, used for connection between a residential or

small commercial customer and the utility.

II. Medium Voltage (Distribution) – between 1000 volts (1 kV) and to about 33 kV,

used for distribution in urban and rural areas.

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III. High Voltage (sub transmission less than 100 kV; sub transmission or transmission

at voltage such as 115 kV and 138 kV), used for sub-transmission and transmission

of bulk quantities of electric power and connection to very large consumers.

IV. Extra High Voltage (transmission) – over 230 kV, up to about 800 kV, used for long

distance, very high power transmission.

V. Ultra High Voltage – higher than 800kv

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15.2 KENYA POWER MOSTLY USED CONDUCTORS

AAC cable is widely used in overhead electric power transmission lines and distribution system

with various grade voltages in Kenya. It is one of the main products to form electrified wire

network. AAC - All Aluminum Conductor is made up of one or more strands of hard drawn 1350

Aluminum Alloy. Because of its relatively poor strength-to-weight ratio, AAC has had limited

use in transmission lines and rural distribution because of the long spans utilized. However, AAC

has seen extensive use in urban areas where spans are usually short but high conductivity is

required. The excellent corrosion resistance of aluminum has made AAC a conductor of choice

in coastal areas.

The following are images of AAC cable used by Kenya power

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An overhead transmission line has groups of conductors running parallel to each other, carried

on line supports. An electric transmission line conductor has four parameters: which are series

combination of resistance, inductance, shunt combination of capacitance and conductance. The

parameters are symbolized as R, L, C, and G, respectively. These are uniformly distributed along

the whole length of the line and representation of these parameters at any point on the line is not

possible. These are usually expressed as resistance, inductance, capacitance and conductance per

kilometer.

The first three parameters depend upon material used and physical dimensions of the conductor.

Shunt conductance, which is mostly caused by leakage over the insulators, is always neglected in

a power transmission line. The leakage loss in a cable is uniformly distributed over the length of

the cable, whereas it is different in case of overhead lines. In overhead lines, it is limited only to

the insulators and is very small under normal operating conditions, hence, it is neglected.

15.3 CONDUCTOR MATERIALS CHARACTERISTICS

The material used as conductor for power transmission and distribution lines must possess the

following characteristics:

 Low specific resistance leading to less resistance and high conductivity.

 High tensile strength to withstand mechanical stresses.

 Low specific gravity in order to give low weight per unit volume.

 Low cost in order to use over long distances.

 High strength to weight ratio

 Improved electrical properties

 Excellent resistance to corrosion

 Good Strength to Weight Ratio

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 Lower Electrical Losses

 Moderate Conductivity –52.5% IACS

 Better sag characteristics as shown below

Copper and aluminum conductors are used for overhead transmission of electrical power in

Kenya. In case of high voltage transmission, aluminum with a steel core is generally used.

Sometimes cadmium, copper, phosphor, bronze, copper weld and galvanized steel are also used

as transmission conductors. The choice of the conductor used for transmission purely depends

upon the cost, as well as required electrical and mechanical properties.

15.4 PROPERTIES OF OVERHEAD BARE CONDUCTORS USED

 High Current Carrying Capacity

 Strength

 Weight

 Diameter

 Corrosion Resistance

 Creep Rate

 Thermal Coefficient of Expansion

 Fatigue Strength

 Operating Temperature
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 Short Circuit Current/Temperature

 Thermal Stability

 Cost

15.5 CATEGORIES OF OVERHEAD CONDUCTORS

15.51 Homogeneous Conductors:

The core consists of a single strand identical to the outer strands. Since all the strands are the

same diameter, one can show that the innermost layer always consists of 6 strands, the second

layer of 12 strands, etc., making conductors having 1, 7, 19, 37, 61, 91, or 128 strands.

 Copper

 AAC( All Aluminum Conductor)

 AAAC (All Aluminum Alloy Conductor)

15.52 Non Homogeneous Conductors:

The number of strands always increases by 6 in each succeeding layer. Thus, in 26/7 ACSR, the

number of layers in the inner layer of aluminum is 10 and in the outer layer 16

 ACAR (Aluminum Conductor Alloy Reinforced)

 ACSR (Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced)

 ACSS (Aluminum Conductor Steel Supported)

 AACSR (Aluminum Alloy Conductor Steel Reinforced.

 The strands in the core may or may not be of the same diameter. In a 30/7

 ACSR conductor the aluminum and steel strands are of the same diameter.

 VR (Vibration Resistance)

 Non-Specular

 ACSR / SD (Self Damping)

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B. Choices of overhead depend upon:

Power Delivery Requirements

 Current Carrying Capacity

 Electrical Losses

Line Design Requirements

 Distances to be Spanned

 Sag and Clearance Requirements

Environmental Considerations

 Wind Loading

 Ambient Temperatures

16. SUBSTATIONS/TRANSFORMERS
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Introduction

Electrical transformers are used to "transform" voltage from one level to another, usually from a

higher voltage to a lower voltage. They do this by applying the principle of magnetic induction

between coils to convert voltage and/or current levels.

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In this way, electrical transformers are a passive device which transforms alternating current

(otherwise known as "AC") electric energy from one circuit into another through electromagnetic

induction. An electrical transformer normally consists of a ferromagnetic core and two or more

coils called "windings". A changing current in the primary winding creates an alternating

magnetic field in the core. In turn, the core multiplies this field and couples the most of the flux

through the secondary transformer windings. This in turn induces alternating voltage (or emf) in

each of the secondary coils.

Workability

Electrical transformers can be configured as either a single-phase or a three-phase configuration.

There are several important specifications to specify when searching for electrical transformers.

These include: maximum secondary voltage rating, maximum secondary current rating,

maximum power rating, and output type. An electrical transformer may provide more than one

secondary voltage value. The Rated Power is the sum of the VA (Volts x Amps) for all of the

secondary windings. Output choices include AC or DC. For Alternating Current waveform

output, voltage the values are typically given in RMS values.

Cores can be constructed as either a toroidal or laminated. Toroidal units typically have copper

wire wrapped around a cylindrical core so the magnetic flux, which occurs within the coil,
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doesn't leak out, the coil efficiency is good, and the magnetic flux has little influence on other

components. Laminated refers to the laminated-steel cores. These steel laminations are insulated

with a no conducting material, such as varnish, and then formed into a core that reduces

electrical losses. There are many types. These include autotransformer, control, current,

distribution, general-purpose, instrument, isolation, potential (voltage), power, step-up, and step-

down. Mountings include chassis mount, dish or disk mount, enclosure or free standing, h frame,

and PCB mount.

Main constructional parts of transformer

There are three main parts of a transformer. They include;

1. Primary winding of transformer – this produces magnetic flux when it is connected to

electrical source.

2. Magnetic Core of transformer – the magnetic flux produced by the primary winding,

will pass through this low reluctance path linked with secondary winding and creates a

closed magnetic circuit.

3. Secondary Winding of transformer – the flux, produced by primary winding, passes

through the core, will link with the secondary winding. This winding is also wound on

the same core and gives the desired output of the transformer.
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17. MAJOR CHALLENGES FACED BY KENYA POWER COMPANY

VANDALISM OF TRANSFORMERS AND CONDUCTORS

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Vandalism is the malicious and deliberate defacement or destruction of somebody else’s

property. A Vandal is somebody who maliciously and deliberately defaces or destroys somebody

else’s property .Vandalism is a man made Security Threat to KENYA POWER. It is all about

destruction and damage of KENYA POWER property that carry power from its Generation

plants, Transmission and Distribution networks and eventually to the commercial and domestic

users. The installations affected on this are transformers and the connecting cables because of the

following substances/accessories found in them:

In the transformer

 The Transformer Oil

 The Copper Windings

 Blades

 And Copper Cables at the transformer/earth mat

Other Threats

 Vandalism of tower members

 Conductor theft

 Armed robbery

 Meter tampering

 Illegal connections

18. CONDUCTOR THEFT

KENYA POWER as one of the largest users of electrical conductors is faced with large scale

conductor theft. Investigations have revealed that 99% of cable stolen from KENYA POWER is

sold to scrap dealers throughout the country. Both aluminum and copper are highly sought after
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in the scrap market with copper being the more desirable of the two due to its much higher price

in the market.

GENERAL EFFECTS AS A RESULT OF VANDALISM AND THEFT

 Replacement of the damaged installations by new ones

 Failure of maintenance and construction of new lines

 KENYA POWER spends more money in buying extra

 Materials to meet both maintenance and new jobs

 Few customers access to electricity. Only about 10% of the population has electrici

MOST AFFECTED TRX & DISTRIBUTION INFRASTRUC TURE

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 SUBSTATIONS

Power/distribution transformers

Earthing/grounding mat

Feeder pillars

 TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION LINES

a) Towers/pylons
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b) Conductor

c) Counterpoise cable

d) Earth wire

e) Insulators

 COMMUNICATIONS

a) Optical ground wires

b) Repeater stations

 METERS

ACTIONS OF VANDALS

1. ON SUBSTATIONS

Power transformer insulating oil siphoned away whilst in service

Silica gel removed from live transformers

Distribution transformers stolen

Grounding mat cut and removed

Feeder pillars stolen

Feeder pillar fuses removed

2. TRANSMISION LINES

towers/pylons cut and felled

conductor cut & stolen

counterpoise cable cut & stolen

earth wire cut & stolen

insulators removed
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3. ON COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

optical ground wires stolen

repeater stations removed

REASONS AS TO WHY THERE IS PROGRESSIVELY VANDALISM

1. ECONOMIC – MASSIVE INCREASES IN METAL PRICES

 Equipment sold for cash?

 Materials recycled into the system?

 Conductor smelted & sold as ingots?

 Conductor smelted and formed into other products?

 Conductor rewound for other applications?

 Earth wire rewound for stays?

 Tower members for beds, smelted, scrap market

2. MISCHIEF BEHAVIOURS

 shooting at glass insulators

 Sabotage?

 ignorance

IMPACT OF VANDALISM ON THE COMPANY

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 Outages

 Funds wasted on repairs rather than new projects

 Revenue loss

 Equipment damage

 Supply insecurity

 Adversely affects maintenance

 Poor supply reliability

 Loss of lives

 Project delays

 Diversion of effort & resource away from core business

 Increased project costs

 Indirect costs such as

 Legal

 Consequential

 Poor image

 Loss of perishables

 Loss of business

19 OBSERVED COMPANY FAILURES

1. MONOPOLY
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Kenya power being a monopoly in power transmission and distribution in some instances

tends not to be sensisitive on the customer’s needs. This is evident mainly on the many

delays in installation and emergency responses.

2. EMPLOYEES MALPRACTICES

In ethical malpractices by employees who steal the company assets mainly the cables.

3. ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS

Most illegal connections leads to dramatic losses because it is poorly done by non

qualified persons.

4. INSTALLATION COSTS

High costs of installation that leads to many households not being able to acquire

electricity.

5. POOR SUPERVISION

Lack of proper supervision of the employees

20 RECOMMENDATIONS

There are needs to formulate, enforce and review environmental, health, safety and quality

codes and standards, set, review and adjust electric power tariffs, approve power purchase

and network service contracts, examine and approve meters, investigate complaints between

parties, accredit energy auditors, ensure competition, collect and maintain energy data,

protect stakeholders interests, and prepare an indicative national energy plan.

For the issue of the vandalism situation the following recommendations should be considered
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DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

 anti-vandal bolts for towers

 deployment of tubular pylons

 block wall fencing of substations

 embossing/branding of materials

 use of special conductors

 use of steel earthing materials

 polymer insulators

 HV distribution network

 contract

OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

 actions in time regime of suspect trips

 increased patrol of transmission lines

 deployment of security agents in line patrols

 cooperation & information exchange with the police

 increased commitment in prosecuting culprits

 legislation on secondary metal markets

OTHER PREVENTIVE SCHEMES

• involving communities to secure distribution transformers

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• deployment of vigilante groups

• liaisons with community heads

• publications & media

• street lighting

21 CONCLUSION

Doing my attachment at Kenya power was the best decision to make as I acquired a lot of

experience and knowledge learned in class as theories. It was a structured, credit-bearing work

experience in my professional work setting during which i applied and acquired knowledge and

skills. It involved the application of learned skills in an organization related to me major. The

Industrial Attachment challenged me to examine the values of the organization involved in the

experience, and to assess my education as it relates to the Industrial Attachment.

Other benefits I gained from the Industrial Attachment include

1. Explored career interests

2. Learned new skills

3. Gained work experience

4. Developed a professional network

5. Understood workplace expectations

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6. Learned more about my career

7. Gained valuable experience to build my resume

8. Found out what it's like to work in my potential career

9. Got introduced to fellow engineer employers and made a solid network

10. Received credit for real world experience

Once more I appreciate all the people including my field supervisor, workmates and most

importantly my school supervisor, Ms. Gladys, who assisted me and gave all the guidance

necessary to achieve the objectives

THANK YOU