Distribution Transformer Failures In Port Harcourt

¹John Tarilanyo Afa, and  ²Anireh Vincent Ike Emeka

¹Department of Electrical Engineering,Niger Delta University,

Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria E-mail:jhnafa@yahoo.co.uk Tel: +2348036908502

²Department of Electrical/Computer Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

E-mail:viaemeka@gmail.com

Tel: +2348033229172

Accepted 01 August 2014

Abstract

Seventy-five percent of power consumed in Rivers State is within Port Harcourt city and about four thousand distribution transformers are spread within various distribution areas. These transformers range from 200KVA to 1.5MVA. Most of the transformers that have been installed about 25 years are usually taken out of service due to damage of various parts. Transformers have no moving parts and are designed to last for over 40 years. It is therefore necessary to look at the reasons of failures of the transformers. This will enable engineers to regulate and monitor the transformers for better performance. From the study it was clear that the problems were as a result of lack of care, unscheduled loading, and unbalance operation of the transformer and activity of the vandals (transformer oil). If good maintenance programmes is provided it will increase the life span of the transformer.

Keywords: Insulating oil, magnetostriction, Pressboard, Dielectric strength, radial and axial stress.