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I, Timothy Andambike, declare that to the best of my knowledge the project presented here
as part of the fulfillment for the award of Bachelor degree in electrical engineering is a work
of my origin. All references used from books, articles, reports, papers etc in preparation of
this project have their sources acknowledged in the reference list.
Signature
Timothy Andambike
May 2014
Supervised by
Signature....
Mr. Ndimba
May 2014
ABSTRACT
This project presents a case study for an investigation undertaken in order to establish the
causes for the frequent failures of porcelain housed lightning arresters in TANESCO
distribution networks specifically at Mlimba.
The TANESCO customers at Mlimba have been experiencing the frequent power
interruption. After investigation it was realized that the lightning arresters have been failing
before reaching their expected service life time in the distribution network, resulting in
frequent feeder outages. This has been causing poor quality of services to the utility
customers.
Once this problem of frequent failures of lightning arresters is solved, power stability in the
distribution networks will be improved, costs for replacements of the arresters will be
reduced, power technical losses will be minimized, power sales revenues will increase as well
as national income and quality of services offered by the power utility company to the public
will be improved.
Data analysis has revealed the existence of poor earth resistance values for most of the sites
visited, for measuring earth resistance of the distribution transformers. Hence reflecting the
problem to be the possible cause for failures of porcelain housed lightning arresters in the
TANESCO distribution network at Mlimba.
To eradicate this catastrophe it is advised to regularly check earth resistance values and
where the reflected values are poor the immediate measures should be taken, as a remedy for
improvement of the earth resistance so as to get values acceptable by IEC regulations.
Also lightning arresters should be installed on both sides of the transformer ,primary side and
secondary side for proper protection.
These attempts for earth resistance values improvement will add value to the power utility
by reducing the possibilities of porcelain housed lightning arresters failures in the distribution
networks at Mlimba, reduction of feeders outages resulting from malfunctioning of lightning
arresters in the networks, minimization of technical losses in the distribution networks,
boosting of energy sales through minimization of feeder outage times as well as improved
quality of service to power consumers in the area due to reliability of power supply.
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First of all I would like to thank our creator the Almighty God for giving me these chances
to pursue the Bachelor degree in engineering programmed and preparation of this project
report.
I would like to extend my thanks to my project supervisor Mr. Ndimba .T for his valuable
advice and guidance during the planning as well as implementation of this work.
I am also deeply indebted to the project coordinator Dr. A. Kilimo for the help and
directives he extended to me while preparing this project.
My thanks and appreciation should also go to all academic staff of electrical engineering
department for the tireless advices, assistances supports and encouragement towards making
this project successful.
My appreciation are also due to my employer for trusting and granting me the opportunity
for pursuing studies at DIT. I also extend my thanks to my fellow workers who supported me
in one way or another in fulfillment of this task.
Also special thanks to my family members for their encouragement and support throughout
the preparation of this work.
As it is not possible to thank everyone, I would like to thank all people who have helped
and inspired me during my project.
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION........................................................................................................................I
ABSTRACT..............................................................................................................................II
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.......................................................................................................III
TABLE OF CONTENTS.........................................................................................................IV
LIST OF SYMBOLS...............................................................................................................VI
LIST OF TABLES.....................................................................................................................V
LIST OF FIGURES:................................................................................................................VI
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS.................................................................................................VII
CHAPTER ONE.......................................................................................................................V
1.1 INTRODUCTION:.......................................................................................................... V
1.2. PROBLEM STATEMENT..............................................................................................2
1.3. PROJECT OBJECTIVES...............................................................................................2
1.3.1. MAIN OBJECTIVE:................................................................................................3
1.3.2. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:.......................................................................................3
1.4. METHODOLOGY..........................................................................................................3
1.5. SIGNIFICANCE.............................................................................................................3
1.6. CHRONOLOGICAL SEQUENCE OF THE PROJECT................................................3
CHAPTER TWO........................................................................................................................5
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW.................................................................................................5
2.1 LIGHTNING....................................................................................................................5
2.1.1 TYPES OF LIGHTNING..........................................................................................5
2.1.1.1 Intra-Cloud lightning:.........................................................................................5
2.1.1.2 Cloud to Cloud Lightning..................................................................................5
2.1.1.3 Cloud to Ground lightning:................................................................................6
2.1.1.4 Cloud to Air:......................................................................................................6
2.1.1.5 Bolt from the blue:............................................................................................7
2.1.1.6 Anvil Lightning:.................................................................................................7
2.1.1.7 Heat Lightning:..................................................................................................7
2.2 LIGHTNING PHENOMENA..........................................................................................8
2.3 SURGES PROTECTION...............................................................................................9
2.4 LIGHTNING ARRESTERS...........................................................................................9
2.4.1 TYPES OF LIGHTNING ARRESTER..................................................................10
2.4.2 HOW LIGHTNING ARRESTERS PROTECT POWER SYSTEMS...................12
2.4.3 CONNECTION OF LIGHTNING ARRESTERS.................................................13
2.4.4 ARRESTERS SELECTION AND APPLICATIONS.............................................15
2.4.4.1 CONTINUOUS SYSTEM VOLTAGES..........................................................16
2.4.4.2. TEMPORARY OVER VOLTAGES...............................................................17
2.4.4.3. SWITCHING SURGES..................................................................................17
2.4.4.4 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION.........................................................................18
2.4.4.5 ARRESTER FAILURE AND PRESSURE RELIEF.......................................18
iv
LIST OF SYMBOLS
vi
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.1 : Chart for Project Implementation...........................................................................11
Table 3.1 Porcelain housed lightning arrester specifications................................................... 28
Table .3.2 Indicating various weather measured parameters................................................... 28
Table 3.3.Earth Resistance measured at various distribution transformers at Mlimba............32
Table.3.4 Showing Transfomer with only primary side lightning arrester...............................33
Table 3.5 Monthly lightning arresters failures from January, 2012 to September,2013 in
TANESCO distribution networks at Mlimba..........................................................................33
Table 3.6 For arresters prices................................................................................................... 34
Table 4.1 Percentage deviation calculation from measured resistance.................................... 35
Table 4.2 Analysis of Transformers with lightning arresters on only primary side................38
Table 4.3 For comparison of data from lightning arrester specifications and those from
Mlimba climate........................................................................................................................ 39
Table 4.4 Analysis of monthly lightning arresters failure for the year 2012 at Mlimba..........39
Table 4.5 Costs of replacing defective lightning arresters for 11kV as well as 33kV............41
Table 5.1 Estimated costs for implementation of this project..................................................44
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1: block diagram of the existing system with lightning arresters................................2
Figure 2.1: Cloud to Cloud Lightning........................................................................................6
Figure 2.2: cloud to ground lightning........................................................................................6
Figure 2.3: Cloud to Air lightning..............................................................................................7
Figure 2.4.bolt from the blue lightning......................................................................................7
Figure 2.5 Cloud-to-ground lightning discharge showing a bright main channel and secondary
branches......................................................................................................................................9
Figure 2.6: Porcelain housed lightning arrester.......................................................................12
Figure 2.7.Single line diagram of a pole mounted substation having lightning arrester
,isolators and other switch gears.............................................................................................14
Figure 2.8 Block diagram of the single line power system connected to the lightning arrester.
..................................................................................................................................................15
Figure.2.9: Metal Oxide Surge Arrester( MOSA )with porcelain housing that failed.............19
catastrophically in service........................................................................................................19
Figure.2.10.Porcelain housed lightning arresters of various sizes and rating........................20
Figure.3.1.Climate Graph of Mlimba showing annual and monthly temperature as well.......22
as annual and monthly rainfall.................................................................................................22
Figure 3.2: Chauvin Arnoux Earth and Resistivity Tester. Number C.A 6471....................23
Figure 3.3 : Earth kit:for measuring existing earth resistances................................................24
Figure 4.1.For percentage deviation of earth resistance from IEC standard............................30
Figure.4.2 Percentage of Transformer with only primary side protection.............................32
Figure 4.3 Percentage failures of 11kV lightning arrester in the system................................34
Figure 4.4.Percentage failures of 33kV lightning arrester in the system.................................34
vi
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
AC
Alternating Current
BIL
DIT
HV
High Voltage
Kj/kV
kV
kilo Volt
MCOV
MOV
RMS
TANESCO
TOV
Voltage
LA
Lightning arrester
CB
Circuit breaker
LT
Low Tension
Resistance
I
P
Current
Resistivity
vii
CHAPTER ONE
This chapter covers the introduction, statement of the problem, objectives of the project,
methodology and significance of the project.
1.1 INTRODUCTION:
Mlimba is located in south-east part of Morogoro region in Kilombero district and
surrounded with Udzungwa mountains. It has a population of about 68725 residents as per
2012 national census carried on October. The area are supplied with electric power from
Kihansi hydro Power Plant hence contributing to abrupt development in the area especially
in industrial sectors, irrigation and other activities. Due to presence of TANESCO power
supply , Mlimba has become famous business centre.
So TANESCO deals with Generation , Transmission , Distribution and Marketing of
electrical energy .
TANESCO at Mlimba area has been facing the problem of frequent feeder outage. After
investigation it was realised that it was due to failures of Porcelain housed lightning
arresters employed for safe -guarding the Distribution Transformers against over voltages
thus causing poor quality of services to the utility customers due to unreliability of power
supply , and as a result of revenue loss .
Lightning Arrester technically is a protective device for limiting surge voltages by
discharging or by-passing surge current to the ground.
Mlimba is among of the areas which are frequently reported by eyewitness having
Lightning arresters failures by booming and breaking at different sites. This have led me to
study the causes of failures of lightning arresters at the area.
This case study intends to visualize into this problem and outline the causes of the current
frequent failures of the lightning arresters and come up with proposal for improvement of
situation and betterment of services to the customers.
viii
to the lightning
Transformer
Tank
Lightning Arresters
Ground
Figure 1.1: block diagram of the existing system with lightning arresters
ix
ACTIVITY
Project tittle
selection
Defending
project tittle
Literature
review
Data collection
Data analysis
Conclusion and
recommendation
Report
submission
Final
presentation
MONTH
OCT
NOV DEC
JAN
FEB
2013
2013 2013
2014
2014
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
2014
2014
2014
2014
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter covers the general knowledge on lightning and the phenomenon
behind it, surges protection, lightning arresters and how they protect power system networks,
xi
xii
Frame1
frame 2
frame 3
Figure
lightning
2.1.1.5 2.3:
BoltCloud
from to
theAir
blue:
2.1.1.5.Bolt from the blue lightning
A positive lightning bolt which originates within the updraft of the storm, travels
horizontally for many miles, then strikes the ground. See figure 2.4. below
xiv
The initial flash or streamer, called the dart leader starts from cloud and carry the
accumulated charge along with it. The dart leader continues its downward descent until its tip
maintains the proper break down potential gradient, if the gradient is not maintained it is
quite probable that complete stroke is not formed and it does not reach the earth. The dart
leader propagates through air in jerks and probably at a speed of 30cm per microsecond and
carries current in the vicinity of 100kA.
When the dart reaches near the earth, electro-static field is increased and a streamer
shoots up from the earth resulting into a sudden spark and a contact with the center of the
cloud and earth, the action can well be compared with closing of a switch between the
positive and negative terminals.
Lightning is one of the most serious causes of over- voltages surges. If the outdoor substation is not protected the lightning over voltages will cause failure of insulation. To have a
rough idea of a number of lightning strokes in a day it has been estimated that throughout the
world there occur about 40,000 lightning storms a day and about 100 lightning strokes per
second.
Lightning strokes decompose oxygen and create ozone. They help environmental balance
on earth.
The Lightning also causes damage to buildings, farms and commercial houses. The
damage to human life is comparatively less. It is suggested that whenever there is a thunder
storm one should not do the following
1. Sit under the tree.
2. Swim in the open water
However the danger from lightning can be reduced if one sits inside the building .In order to
prevent failure of power due to lightning, the power equipments must be protected. As you
can see below that one is the cloud to ground lightning discharge with bright main channel
and secondary branches propagating to the earth surface.
xv
Figure 2.5 Cloud-to-ground lightning discharge showing a bright main channel and
secondary branches.
2.3 SURGES PROTECTION
Surges is the suddenly increase in voltage or current in power system. Surge protection
has been a primary concern when connecting devices and equipment to low voltage, medium
voltage, and high voltage electrical systems. As the use of products and equipment with
components and insulation systems vulnerable to voltage surges and spikes continues to
increase, the requirement for surge arresters to protect against the effects due to lightning
strikes, switching phenomenon etc , continues to increase as well. From personal computers
to HV transmission and distribution systems, everything is susceptible to these surges and
their destructive effects. Appropriate selection and application of Arresters is important.
Lightning Arrester is a device used on Power Systems that contains billions of electronic
switches that divert lightning around sensitive equipment and saves them from damage or
also can be defined as a device used on power system to Protect other equipment from
Lightning and Switching Surges.
Lightning arrester is a switch gear .It is a device that inhibits surges as a result of
lightning towards live conductors. It also inhibits transients caused by switching done in the
power system. It accomplishes these objectives by drawing sufficient current to dissipate the
energy associated with the surges and /or transients.
2.4.1 TYPES OF LIGHTNING ARRESTER
Originally, there were three types of surge arresters. They are:
1.Expulsion type
2.Nonlinear resistor type with gaps (currently silicone-carbide gap type)
3.Gapless metal-oxide type.
Of the three types noted above, the expulsion types are no longer being used. The
nonlinear resistor type with gaps was utilized through the middle of the 1970s and is
currently
being
phased
out. The
conventional
gap
type
with
silicone-carbide
blocks/discs are still being used and the gapless metal-oxide type are the most widely
used today.
A good lightning arresters should satisfy the following criteria.
1. To provide high or infinite impedance during normal system voltages, to minimize
steady- state losses.
2. To provide a low impedance during Surges, to limit voltage.
3. To dissipate or store the energy in the surge without damage to itself.
4. To return to open-circuit conditions after the passage of a surge.
5. Should have long protection distance.
6. Should be stable against shock and vibration.
7. Should have long life and light weight ,life span should be greater than 30 years.
8. Should be proof against ageing.
9. Good anti-moisture capability, resistant to pollution.
10. Good sealing capability to ensure reliable operation.
A lightning arrester, consisting of an air gap in series with a non linear silicon carbide
resistor, satisfies all criteria. The gap eliminates losses at normal voltages and arcs over
during over voltages. The resistor has the property that its resistance decreases sharply as the
xvii
current through it increases, thereby limiting the voltage across the resistor to a specified
ceiling. The resistor also dissipates the energy in the surge. Finally, following the passage of
a surge, various forms of arc control, quench the arc within the gap, and restore the surge
arrester to normal open circuit conditions.
The gapless lightning arresters consisting of a nonlinear metal oxide resistor with no air gap,
also satisfies all criteria. At normal voltages the resistance is extremely high, limiting steadystate currents to microamperes and steady-state losses to a few watts.
resistance decreases, thereby limiting over voltage while dissipating surge energy. After the
surge passes, the resistance naturally returns to its original high value .
One advantage of the gapless arrester is that its ceiling voltage is closer to its normal
operating voltage than is the conventional arrester, thus permitting voltage than is the
conventional arrester, also permitting reduced BILs and potential saving in the capital cost of
equipment insulation.
There are four classes of surge/lightning arrester, namely
1. Station arresters.
Station arresters, which have the heaviest construction are designed for the greatest range
of ratings and have the best protective characteristic.
2. Intermediate arresters
Intermediate arresters, which have moderate construction, are designed for systems with
nominal voltages 138kV and below.
3. Distribution arresters
Distribution arresters are employed with lower- voltage transformers and lines where
there is a need for economy.
4. Secondary arresters
Secondary arresters are used for nominal system voltages below 1000V.
xviii
So basically a lightning arrester is a device used on power systems that contains billions of
electronic switches that divert lightning around sensitive equipments and saves them from
damage.
There are different types and sizes of lightning arresters, installed depending on the
magnitude of the voltage inherent to the protection zone, eg. Silicon carbide for low voltage
up to 400V and/or Zinc oxide which is popular for medium and high voltages. Modern
lightning arresters are equipped with isolators. The function of these isolators is to disconnect
the transient and/or surge voltages if they persist for a long time. The isolator is essentially a
fusing structure that can handle high short-time current, but cannot handle long term current
such as would occur if the arrester break over voltage dropped below the peak line voltage.
So, unless there is an isolator, the arresters would act as a fault. The job of the lightning
arrester is to clip the induced voltage transient caused by lightning strike at a level below the
Basic Insulation level (BIL), but above the normal operating voltage, of the protected
equipment.
The lightning arrester should be an insulator or open circuit at any voltage below the
protected voltage, and a good conductor or closed circuit at any voltage above, to pass the
energy of the strike to ground.
In the case of direct strokes to transmission line phase conductors, traveling waves are set
up in two directions from the point of the stroke. Flashover of line insulation diverts part of
the lightning current from the arrester.
Only in the case of a direct stroke to a phase conductor very near to an arrester where no line
flashover occurs, the arrester discharge the full lightning current.
2.4.3 CONNECTION OF LIGHTNING ARRESTERS
Lightning arresters are installed close and parallel to the devices to be protected. There are
two types of arrester voltage levels in compliance to the feeders voltage levels along which
they are employed for the protection of distribution transformers in the distribution networks.
(i) The 33kV arresters, which are connected close to the 33kV to 0.4kV or 0.23kV
distribution transformers.
(ii)The 11kV arresters which are connected close to the 11kV to 0.4kV or 0.23kV
distribution transformers.
The taping by jumpers (pilot) from the power line (33kV or 11kV) to the transformers
is done in parallel with the lightning arrester connected to a particular phase by the isolator
circuit as illustrated from figure 2.7 below.
xx
The other end of the arrester, being connected by a common bus (crossarm) to the ground by
copper wires with normally 16mm2 cross- sectional area. The cross arm is clamped to the pole
(usually a wooden pole) on which the copper wires to ground is gripped.
Lightning arresters for distribution transformers protection are connected in parallel with
the equipment from each phase to ground as it can be seen from figure 2.8 below. The
function of the lightning arrester is hereby to maintain its voltage at a ceiling voltage below
the BIL, it protects. So the crest value of the wave is called the Basic Impulse Level (BIL) of
the equipment. Lightning arresters are coordinated with standard electrical equipment
insulation levels so that they will protect the insulation against lightning over voltage. This
coordination is obtained by having an arrester that will discharge at a lower voltage level than
the voltage required to break down the electrical equipment insulation. The difference
between the equipment breakdown voltage and the lightning arrester ceiling voltage is the
Protection Margin (PM).
Figure 2.7.Single line diagram of a pole mounted substation having lightning arrester
,isolators and other switch gears.
xxi
Figure below shows the connection of lightning arrester with the equipment to be protected.
Figure 2.8 Block diagram of the single line power system connected to the lightning
arrester.
2.4.4 ARRESTERS SELECTION AND APPLICATIONS
The primary objective in arrester application is to select the lowest rated surge arrester
that will provide adequate protection of the equipment insulation and be rated such that it will
have a satisfactory service life when connected to the power system. An arrester of the
minimum rating is preferred because it provides the highest margin of protection for the
equipment insulation system. There is a fine line between protection and service life of a
surge arrester. Higher arrester ratings will increase the capability of the arrester to survive on
a specific power system but reduce the margin of protection provided for the insulation level
of the equipment it is protecting. Therefore, one should consider both issues of arrester
survival and equipment protection when selecting surge arresters.
The best location for installation of a surge arrester is as close as possible to the equipment
it is protecting, preferably at the terminals where the line is connected to the equipment. This
is based on the mathematics of wave theory addressing incident and reflected waves at a
junction (or protected equipment terminal). Lead length for the connection of the surge
arrester to the equipment terminals and to ground should be minimized and installed as
straight, minimizing bends in the leads, as possible. This will ensure that the surge energies
are shunted to ground by the most direct path.
xxii
Increases in the lead length will reduce the protection capabilities of the surge arrester, due
to the additional increase of impedance in the lead.
The rating of the arrester is defined as the RMS voltage at which the arrester passes the duty
cycle test as defined by the referenced standard.
There are some basic considerations when selecting the appropriate surge arrester for a
particular application, these are:
1. Continuous system voltages
2. Temporary over voltages
3. Switching surges (more often considered for transmission voltages of 132kV and higher,
capacitor banks, and cable applications)
4. Lightning surges
5. System configuration (grounded or ungrounded/effectively ungrounded).
2.4.4.1 CONTINUOUS SYSTEM VOLTAGES.
When arresters are connected to an electrical system, they are continuously exposed to the
system operating voltage.
For each arrester rating, there is a recommended limit to the magnitude of voltage that may
be applied continuously. This is termed the Maximum Continuous Operating Voltage
(MCOV) of the arrester.
The arrester rating must be selected such that the maximum continuous power system
voltage applied to the arrester is less than, or equal to, the arresters MCOV rating.
Consideration should be given to both the circuit configuration (wye or delta) and arrester
connection (Line-to-ground or line to line). In most cases the arresters are connected line-toground. If arresters are connected line-to-line, then phase-to-phase voltage must be
considered. In addition, in determining the arrester rating, attention should be given to the
grounding configuration of the system, either solidly grounded or effectively ungrounded
(impedance/resistance grounded, ungrounded, or temporarily ungrounded). This is a key
factor in the selection and application of an arrester. If the system grounding configuration is
unknown, one should assume the system is ungrounded. This will result in choosing an
arrester with a higher continuous system voltage and/or MCOV rating. Also, attention should
be given to special arrester applications such as that on the delta tertiary winding of a
transformer where one corner of the delta is permanently grounded. In this instance, the
xxiii
normal voltage continuously applied to the arrester will be the full phase-to-phase voltage,
even though the arresters are connected line to ground.
2.4.4.2. TEMPORARY OVER VOLTAGES
Temporary over voltages (TOV) can be caused by a number of system events, such as
switching surges, line-to-ground faults, load rejection and ferro resonance. The system
configuration and operating practices should be evaluated to identify the most probable forms
and causes of temporary over voltages. If detailed transient system studies or calculations are
not available, it is acceptable, as a minimum, to consider the over voltages due to single lineto-ground faults. The configuration and details of the system grounding will determine the
over voltages associated with single line-to-ground faults. The arrester application standards,
gives the guidance in determining the magnitude of over voltages associated with single lineto-ground faults. The primary effect of temporary overvoltage( TOV) on metal-oxide
arresters is the increased current and power dissipation, and a rising arrester temperature.
These conditions affect the protection and survivability characteristics of the arrester.
The arresters TOV capability must meet or exceed the expected temporary over voltages of
the system. Temporary overvoltage capabilities have been defined independent of system
impedance and are valid for the voltages applied at the arrester location.
2.4.4.3. SWITCHING SURGES
The arresters ability to dissipate switching surges can be quantified to a large degree in
terms of energy. The unit used in quantifying the energy capability of metal-oxide arresters is
kiloJoules/kiloVolt (kJ/ kV).
The maximum amount of energy that may be dissipated are defined assuming multiple
discharges distributed over a one-minute period. In applications where the discharges are
distributed over a longer period of time, arresters will have considerably more capability. As
noted previously, arresters applied correctly can repeat these capabilities; therefore, after a
one-minute rest period the above discharges may be repeated. The one-minute rest period
allows the disk(s) temperature distribution to reach equilibrium and become uniform. These
energy ratings assume that the switching surges occur in a system having surge impedances
of several hundred ohms, which would be typical for overhead transmission lines. In low
impedance circuits having cables or shunt capacitors as elements, the energy capability metaloxide arresters may be reduced because currents can exceed the values noted.
xxiv
Such a failed arrester is shown in Figure 2.9. In case of arresters with polymer
housing, the housing may burst open, but the risk for objects being scattered is more
limited.
2. The arrester can be causing an earth fault due to internal flashovers etc. Such
arresters can be difficult to locate.
3. Aged or overloaded arresters may show reduced protection against overvoltage, i.e.
during severe transient overvoltage, for instance due to multiple lightning stroke or
high-energy temporary overvoltage, the arrester can fail before it actually has
suppressed the overvoltage.
Thus, the apparatus that the arrester is set to protect may be subject to overvoltage that can
cause damage to it.
Figure.2.9: Metal Oxide Surge Arrester( MOSA )with porcelain housing that failed
catastrophically in service.
xxvi
Figure below shows various sizes of porcelain housed lightning arresters used in the system.
xxvii
CHAPTER THREE
11kV ARRESTERS
9.4kV
-100C~500C
33kV ARRESTERS
27.5kV
-100C~ 500C
TEMPERATURE
ANNUAL RAINFALL
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
SYSTEM FREQUENCY
CREEPAGE DISTANCE
HIGH CURRENT IMPULSE
100mm~1500mm
10%~95%
45Hz~55Hz
320mm
65kV
100mm~1500mm
10%~95%
45Hz~55Hz
1160mm
65kV
30m/s
30m/s
WITHSTAND
MAXIMUM WIND SPEED
PARAMETERS
ANNUAL TEMPERATURE
ANNUAL RAINFALL
HUMIDITY
WIND SPEED
25.80C
1310mm
53%~93%
5m/s~15m/s
Figure 3.2: Chauvin Arnoux Earth and Resistivity Tester. Number C.A 6471.
Tester Employed: Earth and Resistivity Tester.
Make: Chauvin Arnoux , Number C.A 6471, Made in France.
Method Used: 62% Method using two stakes.
This measurement requires the use of the Earth Kit components. These include
Two smooth T-shaped earth rods
100m of red lead on reel.
60m of blue lead on reel.
10m of green lead on reel.
xxx
6. Press the TEST button until the measurement is displayed and record it.
7. Reconnect the ground terminal bar to the earth conductor.
By Ohms Law,
V = R x I ..( 1 )
Where:
V is Volts
R is the resistance in Ohms
I is the current in Amperes
Maximum ground resistance targets typical for a power utility company.
- Generating station: maximum 1.
- Large sub-station: maximum 1
- Small sub-station: maximum 5
Earth resistance values ,measured at various distribution transformers in the area are as
tabulated below:
Table 3.3.Earth Resistance measured at various distribution transformers at Mlimba.
TRANSFORMER LOCATION
VIWANJA SITINI
MIKOROSHINI
TRANSPORTER
CHITA
CHISANO
KAMWENE
26
MIWANGANI
12
KKKT RELINI
4
MIEMBENI
5
KALENGA KERO
21
MATANGINI
13
All visited transformer were found with lightning arresters only on one side as it can be
tabulated below.
Transformer with lightning arresters on only one side.
Table.3.4 Showing Transfomer with only primary side lightning arrester
TRANSFORMER LOCATION
VIWANJA SITINI
MIKOROSHINI
TRANSPORTER
CHITA
CHISANO
KAMWENE
MIWANGANI
KKKT RELINI
MIEMBENI
KALENGA KERO
OBSERVATION
Only primary side protected
Only primary side protected
Only primary side protected
Only primary side protected
Only primary side protected
Only primary side protected
Only primary side protected
Only primary side protected
Only primary side protected
Only primary side protected
11kV
ARRESTERS
33kV
ARRESTERS
JAN 2012
FEB 2012
MARCH 2012
APRIL 2012
MAY 2012
JUNE 2012
JULY 2012
AUG 2012
SEPT 2012
1
1
1
0
3
2
2
1
3
0
1
0
0
1
1
1
2
1
xxxiii
OCT 2012
NOV 2012
DEC 2012
JAN 2013
FEB 2013
MARCH 2013
APRIL 2013
MAY 2013
JUNE 2013
JULY 2013
AUG 2013
SEPT 2013
TOTALS
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
2
1
1
0
1
22
1
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
3
1
2
18
(ii)Arresters costs
Table 3.6 For arresters prices
ARRESTER RATING
11kV
33kV
PRICE IN TSHS.
50545.00
92365.00
xxxiv
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 DATA ANALYSIS.
This chapter deals with analysis of collected data.Analysis of the collected data is
done as follows.
4.1 Analysis of measured Earth Resistance values..
This is done by evaluating the earth resistances measured at different locations of
distribution transformers with the International Electro-technical Commission( IEC)-623053:2006-01 recommended value, and by calculating the percentage deviation of measured
earth resistance with respect to the standard one.
According to IEC regulation, standard for protection against lightning it have been stated that
the earth resistance at small substation for proper protection against lightning should not
exceed 5, thus the computation of percentage deviation of field obtained data was done with
the reference of 5 (IEC standards):
So the maximum IEC recommended earth resistance value is 5 for small substation.
The comparison between earth resistances measured values and the IEC recommended
maximum value is shown in the table below:-Also percentage deviation can be calculated as
follows.
%deviation=Earth resistance measured from transformer-5 100.(2)
5
The results are as shown below
Table 4.1 Percentage deviation calculation from measured resistance.
xxxv
S/N TRANSFORMER
MEASURED
Analysis of % deviation,
EVALUATION
LOCATION
EARTH
On earth resistance
BASING ON IEC
VIWANJA
RESISTANCE
2
SITINI
MIKOROSHINI
6 -5 100=20%
5
BAD
TRANSPORTER
15
BAD
CHITA
11
CHISANO
KAMWENE
26
MIWANGANI
12
KKKT RELINI
MIEMBENI
15 -5 100=200%
5
11 -5 100=120%
5
3-5 100=-40%
5
26-5 100=420%
5
12 -5 100=140%
5
4 -5 100=-20%
5
5 -5 100=0%
5
21 -5 100=320%
5
13 -5 100=160%
5
BAD
1O
KALENGA
5
21
11
KERO
MATANGINI
13
2 -5 100=-60%
5
VALUE(5)
GOOD
BAD
GOOD
BAD
BAD
GOOD
GOOD
BAD
4.1.1 Chart for analysis of percentage deviation of earth resistance in the system.
xxxvi
Table 4.2 Analysis of Transformers with lightning arresters on only primary side
S/N
TRANSFORMER LOCATION
VIWANJA SITINI
MIKOROSHINI
TRANSPORTER
CHITA
CHISANO
KAMWENE
MIWANGANI
KKKT RELINI
MIEMBENI
10
KALENGA KERO
11
MATANGINI
xxxviii
Parameters
Annual
temperature
Annual
rainfall
Humidity
Maximum
wind speed
Arrester specifications
-10C~50C
Mlimba climate
25.80C
Status
Good
100mm~1500mm
1310mm
Good
10%~95%
30m/s
53%~93%
5m/s~15m/s
Good
Good
From the above analysis it can be established that Mlimba climate are within the range of
arresters specifications. So climate has no contribution on the failures of lightning arresters
at the area.
Analysis of monthly failure of lightning arresters in percentage for 11kV as well as
33kV arresters.
The table below shows the monthly failure of lightning arrester in Percentage for the year
2012
Table 4.4,Analysis of monthly lightning arresters failure for the year 2012 at Mlimba.
MONTHS
11kV
ARRESTERS
%failure for
11kV
33kV
ARRESTERS
%failure for
33kV
JAN 2012
FEB 2012
MARCH 2012
1100%=6.67%
15
1100%=6.67%
15
1100%=6.67%
0100%=0%
8
1100%=12.5%
8
0100%=0%
xxxix
1
0
APRIL 2012
MAY 2012
JUNE 2012
JULY 2012
AUG 2012
SEPT 2012
OCT 2012
NOV 2012
DEC 2012
Total
15
15
0100%=0%
15
3100%=20%
15
2100%=13.33%
15
2100%=13.33%
15
1100%=6.67%
15
3100%=20%
15
0100%=0%
15
0100%=0%
15
1100%=6.67%
15
0
1
1
1
2
1
1
0
0
8
0100%=0%
8
1100%=12.5%
8
1100%=12.5%
8
1100%=12.5%
8
2100%=25%
8
1100%=12.5%
8
1100%=12.5%
8
0100%=0%
8
0100%=0%
8
4.4.1 Chart below is for analysis of percentage failures of 11kV Lightning arresters in the
TANESCO distribution network
11kV Arresters
52245.00
65265.00
30000.00
147510.00
xli
33kV Arresters
98525.00
65265.00
30000.00
193790.00
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter presents the summary of findings, conclusion and recommendations, costs for
preparation of this project as well as the references used.
5.1
Conclusion.
The data analysis section of this project depicts that the earth resistance values for most of the
visited distribution transformer sites are beyond the acceptable maximum recommended
values by IEC of 5 Ohms, so it means that most of the earth resistance values are poor. With
regard to the data collected and the data analysis it can be said that failure of the arresters
seems to be a result of poor earth resistances.
Since the data obtained from the arresters specification tally with those from weather
forecasting office for Mlimba climate,so the climate of Mlimba does not contribute to the
failures of porcelain housed lightning arresters at Mlimba area.
From the sample collected it has been found that about 63.64% distribution transformers have
got higher resistance than the recommended one, this results into improper conduction of
overcurrent to ground hence burning of the equipment.
xlii
Also from the analysis it has been found that almost 100% of distribution transformers at
Mlimba have lightning arresters only on primary side. In this case these transformers
have got high possibility of being burnt by lightning incase the lightning strikes the
secondary side.
5.2 Recommendations.
In order to maintain the earth resistance values at different locations of distribution
transformers within the IEC maximum recommended value. It is recommended that:
First of all regular checks of earth resistance values should be done in order to establish the
existing earth resistance status at different locations.
Secondly purposeful initiatives should be taken to improve earth resistance values
accordingly where poor values are found.
Both sides of transformer (primary and secondary side) should be protected by lightning
arresters. Since both sides of the transformer can be affected by lightning .
5.2.1 Possible causes for deterioration of a ground system and become ineffective.
1. Corrosion and weather influences exert mechanical strain on ground rods and cause
metallic corrosion over time. As a ground rod corrodes, its resistance rises and it loses its
effectiveness.
2. Soil resistivity can vary considerably with changes in climate and temperature.
3. Water tables
5.2.2 Steps proposed for improving ground system.
Chemically treat the soil to reduce seasonal variations.
xliii
ACTIVITY
ESTIMATED
Field Visits
Reports preparations and printing
Flash 1 piece
TOTAL
COSTS
150,000/=
230,000/=
20,000/=
400,000/=
REFERENCES
C.L Wadhwa (2007), High Voltage Engineering (2nd Edition), New Age International (P)
Limited, Publisher
Dr. S.L. Uppal and Prof. S. Rao (2009). Electrical power systems. (15th Edition). Khanna
Publishers.
Edwin B. Kurtz and Thomas M. Shoemaker, McGraw-Hill Book Company
(1976),The Linemans and Cablemans Handbook, Fifth Edition
E. Kuffel, W.S Zaengly and J.Kuffel (2000), High Voltage Engineering (2nd
Edition).Butterworth-Heineman Publisher.
George W. Walsh, A Review of Lightning Protection and Grounding Practice,
IEC