AADC as a Leading Company in the Region - Assignment Example

Introduction The students were welcomed into the institution at the reception. The students waited at the reception area for about 30 minutes and then they were directed at the media office. At the media office the student were given the overall operations at the company. The media officer then directed the students at the office of Electricity O&M Director. The director emphasized the importance of efficient delivery of electricity observing that currently electrical energy was the nerve of life. The director observed that latest energy participants had led to great revolution in introduction technical development field in the world. AADC was said to have become a leading company in the region in various aspects including adopting of new technologies, technological and technological systems in addition to methods in all departments. The company endeavored to introduce latest equipment to realize modernization of power distribution network so as to achieve the goals set by the company. Electricity was pointed out as being a dynamic factor that had a great effect on the county’s economy. The company is well aware that it is its responsibility to maintain, develop and strengthen the main distribution network so as to ensure that the demands for the expanding city and neighboring regions are met. The Electricity O&M directed the students to the technicians who gave explanation of the operations. Distribution system layout After generation of electricity, transmission is done at high voltages of 110kV and above with the main objective being to avoid energy losses during the long distance of transmission. The power supply is usually done through overhead power lines. In some circumstances there the transmission can be underground but this is costly and is done in urban areas or other sensitive areas. The fact that it is not possible to store electrical energy is a key limitation in the distribution effort of electrical power and this means that the electricity generated should always meet the demand. After the power has been transmitted near to the consuming population the high voltage power is stepped down by transformers at the substations so as it can be distributed to both commercial and residential users. Distribution work involves sub-transmission level at 33kV to 132kV which the actual distribution is done at 3.3 to 25kV. In order to meet the demands several projects have been executed through commissioning of a number of primary stations and distribution stations in addition of provision of high capacity transformers so as to meet the ever increasing changing loads and to ensure the strengthening of the existing loads and improvements of their respective performance and overall quality. At the distribution level the Distribution Management System has been expanded with an enhancement of the monitoring level. Operation and maintenance of a protection system, carrying out off required test to International standards is also another function that are carried out at distribution level so as to ensure that the distribution networks are maintained. The protection system is included at the distribution level so as to take care of power supply interruptions problems that occurs frequently in addition to the task of analyzing the related breakdowns and provision of the required solutions. At AADC Substation Control and Monitoring System (SCMS) find a wide application in the grid stations and in the newly commissioned primary stations so as to have enhanced secure operations in addition of provision of a digitalized tool that are used in network control and operation analysis. The other important equipment is the Interface Settlement Meters which the supply by Transco Buck Supply is settled. Alain distribution system layout The Al Ain distribution system layout is well represented by the single line diagram, which is the best way of avoiding the use of a complete diagram of power system that represent all the three phases as the three phases representation becomes complicated and cumbersome for a system practical size. In the single diagram components are represented symbolically with the generator and load being represented by a circle, the transformer is indicated by use of primary and secondary coils, the representation of a circuit breaker is a square, a horizontal straight line represent transmission line while bus bar representation is by a single vertical line (Hensman,2002). In a single line diagram transformers and generators connection such as delta, star and neutral earthing are represented symbolically through side representation. The rating of the generators, transformers and motors will always be represented below the diagram. Single line diagram Working of Power System Normal Condition In normal working conditions the power is generated from remote areas by generators which act as the source of power. The power generated is at 11kv to 25kv and is then stepped down by use of a step down transformer designated T1 to a voltage range of 66kv to 765kv with main aim of reducing transmission losses. After being transmitted over long distances the power is then stepped down to the required levels by use of transformer T2. Abnormal Condition There is sometimes abnormal occurrence in the power line. The abnormal occurrence is as a result of defects in the electrical circuit of the electrical equipment that cause the diversion of current from its intended path. Due to the fault impedance being low it results into the generation of relatively high fault currents. When there are faults in the line there will be diversion of power flow towards the fault and the neighboring areas end up being affected. The circuit breakers are included in the power system so as to ensure that there is isolation of the faulty section from the healthy part and thus ensuring that continuity is achieved in the supply. Protection of Power System The AADC power system is similar to any modern system which is characterized by having more generators, transformers and also large network in the system. it is in this connection that a high degree of reliability is mandatory as a way of ensuring the system is well protected. As a way of ensuring that the system is well protected from fault currents and abnormal voltages which are brought about by faults the system protective devices such as circuit breakers and relays have been included. Short circuiting is a common hazard which the protection is required (BS EN 6100-3-4, 1998). The need for protection is also need to take care of overloads, under/over-voltage, power swings, open phase and also under and over-frequency. Distribution system substation and equipment In the past decade there has been a lot of transformation in the power industry which can also be witnessed at AADC. The transformation in the industry has resulted in the transmission and generation systems having increased reliance in advanced digital and computational elements for protection and control in the substation and transmission. The Substation Control and Monitoring System (SCMS) which is used at the company is an advanced system management. This ensures that there is better control and faster performance that are achieved through performance of local tasks in the substation (Kueck, 2004). Through the use of this system there is good protection of valuable substation equipment. The SCMS also ensures that there is accommodation of the intelligence electronic devices (IED) and also brings about the integration of new technologies and equipment control, protection, recording of any disturbance and the monitoring of the prevailing conditions at the substation (Lee, 2011) . The system is also compatible with Distributed Management System (DMS). Metering equipment At AADC the metering is through use of equipment from market leaders who engineering excellence where the meter installation is done with very high precision. The approach taken is the combination of innovation coupled with reliable delivery with packaged with end- to-end solutions. The metering model used is designed such that it has the ability to optimize reliability, and to give a high level of data protection and throughput which is very essential for large energy systems like AADC system. The metering system has high accuracy with the outstations being designed in-house and are also type approved for use both at the Grid entry and also at the Grid Supply Points (Short,2010). The metering service also incorporate an Operational Summator (OMS) that is used in the supplying of summated data and also real time operational data and real time operational data that is delivered to the grid control centre. The meter installed are of high reliability and AADC benefits from laboratory services which are accredited by international body which in away reduces financial risk and uncertainty that come with measuring of wholesale energy transfers. The metering is usually delivered on agred timescales so that there is no prolonged disruption to business. There is a proactive approach of doing things and thus the laboratory team schedules the frequency of maintenance, make arrangement for collection, calibration and the returning of the metering equipment thus ensuring there is full compliance with quality assurance regulations. Summary The visit to AADC was found to be very beneficial to all the students as the practical aspect of all the theories read in class was seen during the visit. The students were able to understand the activities that take place at the substations and also to interact with the personnel. It was through the visit that the students so the need to be excellent in there academic work because to work at the company one need to fully understand the operations at the company. It was also noticed that there are some mandatory preparations that can make students visits to be more beneficial. The students need to be fully with information collection materials including writing materials, cameras and if possible video cameras. The students also need to be encouraged to read about the company they are to visit in advance so as to be able to prepare some questions. The students need to know the need to be highly disciplined when visiting companies as this will enhance the type of reception they will receive at the company. Time management is very important when student go visiting. References BS EN 6100-3-4 (1998). Limits for Harmonic Emissions in LV Supply Systems rated greater then 16A. Hensman,G.(2002). Connecting Non-linear Loads to Public Electricity Systems- a Guide to G5/4 Power Engineering Journal. IEEE 1547 Standard, 2003. “IEEE Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems”, Kueck D.J., et. al., (2004) “Voltage regulation - Tapping Distributed Energy Resources”, Public Utilities Fortnightly. Lee, H. W. (2011) “Power Distribution Planning Reference Book”, Short. T. (2010). Electric Power Distribution Handbook”, Yan Xu, et. al., (2007). Dynamic Voltage Regulation Using Distributed Energy Resources”, 19th International Conference on Electrical Distribution (CIRED.) Read More