1.1 Introduction
Power system protection emerged at the beginning of the last century, with the application of the first electro-mechanical over-current relay. The majority of the protection principles currently employed in protection relays were developed within the first three decades of the last century, such as over-current, directional, distance and differential protection. The development of modern science and technology, especially electronic and computer technology, promoted the development of relay technology, such as materials, components and the manufacturing process of the hardware structure of relay protection device.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Power system protection is a branch of electrical power engineering that deals with the protection of electrical power systems from faults through the disconnection of faulted parts from the rest of the electrical network. The objective of a protection scheme is to keep the power system stable by isolating only the components that are under fault, whilst leaving as much of the network as possible still in operation. The devices that are used to protect the power systems from faults are called protection devices (Wikipedia, 2021).
The idea fits well with the concept of an overall integrated protection where the protection package would not only oversee individual units of a plant but also a section of the network. However, the idea has not been widely applied until recently, since there were no available computer hardware/software or communication technologies to support such an idea. Since then, relay technology has enjoyed successful developments based on the application of digital techniques. The introduction of microprocessors into protection in the 1980s generally followed the conventional approach with the implementation of distributed processing platforms that concentrated on protecting individual units of the system. Limited integrated protection was provided in the form of back-up protection and thus remained a secondary function.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Application of Potential Transformer in Power System Protection.
1.3 Statement of Problem
Power system networks and components are not entirely immune to faults or by attacks as a result of vandalisation. Faults are bound to occur in electrical equipment or apparatus due to ageing or exposure to adverse environmental conditions which could lead to degradation of the insulation. Once there is deterioration in the insulation between electrical conductors, between electrical conductors and earth or any earthed screen surrounding the conductor, the current will leave its intended path and deviate into non-current carrying elements of the installation. This current diversion to unintended paths constitutes a hazard and could expose individuals to risk of electric shock (Steemit, 2021).
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to scrutinize the Application of Potential Transformer in Power System Protection. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To find out the real life application of Potential Transformer in Power System Protection
- To keep the power system stable by isolating only the components that are under fault, whilst leaving as much of the network as possible still in operation.
- To proffer solution to the drawbacks of the existing Transformer in Power System Protection
1.5 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to Electrical Electronics Engineers, NEPA/PHCN and other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Application of Potential Transformer in Power System Protection in Nigeria.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.8 Definition of Terms
Transformer: A transformer is a passive component that transfers electrical energy from one electrical circuit to another circuit, or multiple circuits
Electric Power System: An electric power system is a network of electrical components deployed to supply, transfer, and use electric power.
