An Internship Report on General Activities of Dhaka Electric Supply Company (DESCO)

Limited

Submitted by
Tanzim Al Mahmud
1906148
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), BUET, DHAKA
Father’s Name: Md. Hemayet Uddin Khan
Signature:

Submitted to
Mohiuddin Mostofa Kamal
Deputy General Manager, Human Resource Management Division Dhaka Electric Supply
Company (DESCO) Limited
Date : 07/07/24
 Letter of Transmittal

Date: 07/07/24
Mohiuddin Mostofa Kamal
Deputy General Manager, Human Resource Management Division Dhaka Electric Supply
Company (DESCO) Limited
Subject: Submission of Internship Report.
Dear Sir,
I'd like to submit a report based on my internship experience at DESCO in Dhaka as part of our
graduating program. The training duration was divided among DESCO's several departments so
that we could obtain a comprehensive understanding of their functions. Our supervisors,
respective trainers, and distinguished guests contributed invaluable insights throughout the
process, for which we are grateful.
Sincerely Yours,
(Tanzim Al Mahmud)
1906148
EEE BUET
 Acknowledgement

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all consumers and staff of DESCO, Dhaka, for their scholarly
and consistent comments and cooperation in preparing the report. I am also grateful to the
DESCO Department and all of its officials for their unwavering assistance and caring attitude, as
well as many others involved in the report's preparation. Thank you all.
Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Rationale of the Report

1.2 Origin of the Study

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1.4 Scope of the study

1.5 Methods

1.5.1 Data Collection Procedure

1.5.2 Data Processing & Analysis:

1.6 Limitation of the Study Chapter

2: Literature Review

2.0 Literature Review

Chapter 3: Overview of the company DESCO

3.1 Historical Background of DESCO

3.2 Profile

3.3 Vision of DESCO

3.4 Mission of DESCO

3.5 Main objectives of DESCO

Chapter 4: General Activities & Services of DESCO

4.1 Basic activities of ICT.

4.2 SCADA, Grid and Energy Audit Division

4.3 Basic function of MVSS department.

4.4 General Activities of Sales & Distribution Division (System, Commercial, & IT).

4.5 Testing (MRT) & Repairing (X-mer) Procedure.

Chapter 5: Analysis & Findings

5.1 Analysis of DESCO’s Activities.

5.2 Findings of Report

Chapter 6: Conclusion

Bibliography Reference……
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Rationale of the Report
The goal of the Short-Term Industrial Visit/Attachment was to introduce DESCO's duties and
divisions. DESCO is a distribution firm that provides energy to customers in Dhaka's northern
region, including Uttara, Mirpur, and Gulshan. Our training findings provided insight into
DESCO's technical and management operations. The report provides an overview of DESCO's
operations, from purchasing electricity to responding to consumer complaints.
1.2 Origin of the Study
The DESCO training program was designed to provide internship opportunities for
undergraduate students beginning in their fourth year. Other universities or departments provide
similar opportunities, and we are introduced to such a program in order to gain practical
experience before pursuing a job. With the scheduled activities supplied by DESCO
management, we were able to gain a clear understanding of how workflow works in a
hierarchical fashion.
1.3 Objectives of the Study

➢ Understand DESCO’s association with PDB(Power Development Board)

➢ Gain basic knowledge of Electricity meters, Topology Network, Software Development ➢

Field visit to substations and understand substation maintenance

➢ DESCO SCADA, Server and GIS (Geographical Information System) familiarization

➢ Repair workshop and storage of electricity supply equipment familiarization

➢ One-Point-Service center complaint application

➢ Sales and division department work function familiarization

1.4 Scope of the study

➢ Understand DESCO’s jurisdiction and authority over electricity supply

➢ Understand about DESCO’s Electricity Court and its independent operation

➢ Understand customer rights and DESCO’s capability of handling customer problems

➢ Understand limitations of prepaid-postpaid meters and tampering with these devices

➢ Understanding connection and disconnection rules

1.5 Methods
DESCO management organized consecutive training seminars and supplied transportation for
field trips. Training officers and renowned guests provided valuable insights for our
understanding of DESCO. DESCO provided valuable first-hand experience through substation
visits, customer service, SCADA, and GIS project introductions. DESCO efficiently planned our
study methodologies.

1.5.1 Data Collection Procedure

Data was primarily the observations we gathered in our field visits and training classes.
1.6 Limitation of the Study

➢ Limited duration of the training program

➢ Field visits to Generation or, Distribution plants to understand DESCO’s association with
them are still to be introduced

➢ DESCO Electricity court work function is still to be introduced

2.0 Literature Review

Our prior study on DESCO were only through our respected teachers’ insights in classrooms. So,
before the training, we knew DESCO mainly as an electricity supplying company and were not
introduced with the many departments of DESCO that are at the heart of operations throughout.
DESCO consists of employee training center, SCADA and GIS projects, multiple substations,
Repair workshop and Storage facility, Sales and Division Center, One-Point-Service Centers etc.
that each have their own contribution to the total service. DESCO was founded to ease the
problematic job of securing safe supply to the customers even in the deepest areas of Dhaka city.
Since its construction DESCO transformed the prospect of handling supply management in
electricity infrastructure into a state-of-the art platform. Today, DESCO handles 13 lakh
customers with its advanced server, software and online facilities with a powerful workforce.
DESCO also monitors nation wide load, frequency and fuel usage to cope with any upcoming
event bound for Dhaka City. Its collaboration with other companies like Dhaka Mass Transit
Company Limited, Power Development Board etc. proves its reliability and full effort to supply
continuous electricity to all projects and customers.
Chapter 3: Overview of DESCO
3.1 Historical Background of DESCO

Figure 3.1.1: DESCO Training and Development Center, Nikunja 02, Dhaka

DESCO was formed in 1996 under the Companies Act issues in 1994 and established itself as a
Public Limited company. Bangladesh Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources is the
authority over the company and Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission decides the
regulation of electricity from DESCO to customers. The company presently utilizes its own
smart meters, Electricity court, Optical fiber communication to handle end users from big
facilities like Shahjalal International Airport Dhaka, Jamuna Future Park, Metro Train and
Stations etc. to residential areas like Lake City Concord Khilkhet Dhaka, Bashundhara
Residential Area Dhaka etc. Currently, DESCO has the capability to endure only 5% loss in
maintaining supply. Furthermore, DESCO shifted its major percentage of activities from
paperwork to online based media roughly from 2021, making it an ideal utility company in the
Smart Bangladesh campaign.
3.2 Profile
1. Public Limited Company formation : 03 November, 1996
2. Business administration start : 24 September, 1998
3. Public Company Transformation : 2006
4. SCADA Project : 2022
5. SCADA Servers : 2 main(Mirpur), 1 backup(Nikunja)
6. Supply Coverage area : 400 square kilometer
7. Service Centers : 24
8. Operational zones : 3 (Gulshan, Mirpur, Uttara)
9. Substation number : 26
10. Substation voltage rating : 33/11kv
11. Optical Fiber(Ring Structure) : 250 kilometer
3.3 Vision

➢ Safe and Reliable Electricity Supply

➢ Sustainable Service Provide

➢ Economic and Social Welfare Achievement

3.4 Mission

➢ Customer Comfort

➢ Association with business sectors

➢ Customer care with advanced services

➢ Efficiency in workflow of the company

➢ Reliability maintain through good service

3.5 Main objectives

➢ Provide 100% electricity to coverage area

➢ Modernization by using electric meters

➢ Communication through internet and app

➢ New connection with uttermost consideration

Chapter 4: General Activities & Services of DESCO

4.1 Basic activities of ICT Smart Meter
• Smart Metering consists of two facilities :
(1) MDM : Metered Data Management
(2) HES : Head End Server/Service
• Consumer End Meter Communication is done with GSM currently

Figure 4.1.1: Smart Meter Communication

• MDM is a two way data communication system. First, data is pushed into meter, then server-to-
meter data passing occurs. It can handle new consumer meter along with consumption, recharge
and sales strategy records.
• Smart Meter is an embedded system with a micro-controller that logically controls the relays
of the system. This can connect or, disconnect electric line to prevent overload.
• Flash memory and EPROM are two memory systems used by smart meter. Flash memory
collects energy reading and current reading data. Also, MOD/Monthly operational Data(taka,
units) is recorded and sent. Thus, load profile is sent to Smart Grid for further utilization.
• Operating System of Smart Grid is Firmware. Also, it uses PDU/Protocol Data Unit.
• Meter Tampering is easily detected by sensors in the meter. For example if terminal board is
opened then event is created and event data is sent.
Software Development
• Billing Cycle (Post Paid) is a crucial topology for reading-processing-correctingprint-
collection and certificate-issue. This process is done via software management. For overloaded
cases for more than 3 times, the relays automatically cut source to home while keeping source to
meter connection on. All the process done in the following workflow is carried by IT sector of
DESCO
Figure 4.1.2: Billing Cycle Workflow (IT Division)

• Inventory Management Software is a platform based on 9 layers of different modules. The

software that was developed for the company actively runs from September 01, 2019.
• PFC Charge is a concept where the software calculates PF deviation, transformer loss both in
households and industries
Network Structure

Figure 4.1.3: Network Structure

4.2 SCADA, Grid and Energy Audit Division
As part of our training, we visited DESCO SCADA Office, Mirpur 10 where we were introduced
to the SCADA project and GIS.

SCADA

• DESCO SCADA started operating from 2022. It has two Control rooms:
1. Main Control Room with 2 servers (Mirpur)
2. Back-up Control Room with 1 server (Nikunja)
• Digital Data or, data concerning Fault, Circuit Breaker, Isolator Switch is analyzed here.
• Analog Data or, data concerning Ampere, Voltage is also analyzed.
• Accumulated Data or, data concerning Energy meter is also analyzed
• Supervisory Control/SC requires data intake, electricity cancel via breaker action
• Also SCADA utilizes Data Warehousing/Historical Information System, Authority
Assignment/Area of Responsibility, Dynamic Network Coloring of SLD/Single Line
Diagram(i.e. volt level), Load Shed, Disturbance Analysis etc.
• PGCB allocates for load crisis handle i.e. load shed among feeders depending on priority of
feeders.
• Additional Features are:
1. Operator Training Simulator
2. Topology Processing
3. Load Flow Analysis (Study Analysis, Current Image Analysis)
4. Network Model
5. Short Circuit Analysis
6. Load Forecasting (module yet to be built)

• Distribution SCADA System Substation Control can be done manually or, through SAS/RTU

Figure 4.1.4: DESCO SCADA Data Flow

• ICCP/Inter Control Center Communication Protocol is maintained when receiving data to
prevent unwanted access.
• Database Server is equivalent to the HIS/Historical Information System. Exceeded data is
stored in portable Hard Drives. Also, Proxy Server houses applications to run other servers. Web
server is a replicated version of HIS server which is for view only purposes. SCADA Application
Server serves only when MCC or, BCC servers are down and it can store data only.
• VPS Display of SCADA uses GPS and GPS Antenna to communicate data
GIS/Geographical Information System
• Utilizes developed data
• Used for Visualization and Location tracking purposes
• ARCGIS, SAGA-GIS, ARCGIS PRO, CYME Electrical Analysis etc. are few GIS software
introduced to us by the trainer
• Gradual Integration of GIS into SCADA system can locate poles, faults, service points,
conductor situation, overloading etc. with minimal time possible
4.3 Basic function of MVSS department MVSS/Medium Voltage Substation
• We learned about importance of relay, breaker, bus coupler, insulation, capacitor bank,
grounding and need of maintenance. The instructors emphasized on how the substation works,
how underground cables are used, how single phase and three phase wires are supplied etc. Later
on, the safety and security issues regarding substation maintenance was discussed in details.
• Issues of maintenance:
1. Shut down accurately
2. Breaker off check-up
3. Marking of maintenance zone
4. Voltage free zone, Proper Grounding and Insulation check
5. Briefing-Grouping-Decision making before work
6. Resistor check
• Protection Checking Schemes:
1. Screen, Control check
2. Relay test
3. Transformer line performance test
• Danger Prevention
1. PPE/Personal Protection Equipment carry
2. SOP wise risk assessment of maintenance tasks
3. No over confidence
4. Previous Accidents analyze
5. Planning before work
6. Live wire check
7. Dust problems prevent (Sparking, Flushing, Insulation of breaker)
8. Proper switch ON/OFF

4.4 General Activities of Sales & Distribution Division (System, Commercial, & IT) System
• One Point Service Center is a customer care service where we got to experience multiple
customer dealings. We also saw how to apply for a connection and the documents required for
registration. The corresponding trainer also showed how to insert SIM into a meter so that it can
work via GSM system.
• Prepaid Metering is currently overthrowing postpaid meters due to their reliability and ease of
consuming proper amount of current according to payment. We learned about disadvantages of
postpaid meters and customer excuses to misuse meter system. We also, learned about Token
generation, card memory re-writing when card is inserted in the meter.
• New Connections were observed by going to households with trainer. This process starts by
applying for a new connection at the one-point-service center.
• Substation Operation and Maintenance is important to both customers and big projects. A mini
substation comprising of a transformer, LT Switch gear, PF meter is required for customers with
load usage greater than 80KW which is calculated by DESCO inspection officers by calculating
square feet area of home only. We visited a household in Bashundhara Residential Area to
inspect transformer installation by the owner. The following are the actual figures of the devices
installed for handling load capacity by the owner.
Commercial
• Commercial is one of the three customer care services dedicated for any DESCO utility user.
So, the services are:
(1) New Line Connection,
(2) Commercial and
(3) Prepaid meter.
For example, we saw a customer with lost bill paper excuse which was dealt with reprinting the
bill after his DESCO account was verified by a Commercial officer. However, severe complaints
are dealt by higher authority when it exceeds beyond any officers’ jurisdiction in the one-point-
service center. IT Sector
• IT sector handles full billing cycle process which we were introduced to the second day of
training. We observed in software how a customer’s historical data from meter for example: due
bills, unit consumptions, payment by bank or, cash can be extracted at any moment. The billing
cycle was clearly explained by senior officer for which a diagram is shown in Figure: 4.1.2. • We
also saw billing paper and collection paper. A sample of billing paper is shown below along with
gazette for unit-to-taka conversion rate declared in February 28, 2023
4.5 Testing (MRT) & Repairing (X-mer) Procedure
During our training in DESCO Testing and Repairing Center, Mirpur 10, Dhaka; we were given
a visit around storage and repairing facilities of electrical equipment such as transformers.
Meters are tested when they are either old, damaged or, new. Old meters are prone to tampering.
New meters require checking of Microcontroller Performance, Application Specific IC
performance, Counter-Register Combination Count Energy etc. Testing

➢ Meter Testing Lab

1. 3-Phase Testbench ST, LT connection tests such as Accuracy Test, No Load Test is performed
2. Meter collects data of tampering, faults, power tampering (i.e. problem in one of the 3
registers)
3. Solar data import/export check
4. OMF/Overall Multiplication Factor was also introduced to us by the instructor and given an
example on how to use it
5. CT meter has low inner resistance and so measures current
6. PT meter has higher resistance and so measures voltage
7. Heater inside the protection device controls moisture and temperature
8. Substation grounding is kept less than value 1.
Repairing Transformer

➢ Firstly, we explored the storage facility housing various electrical equipment .such as:

• RMU Unit
• Single Phase Smart Meter
• Wire Rack Figure
• Capacitor Bank
• Unboxed Items
• Clamps
• Parallel Grave Clamp
• Wire Connector/Disconnector
• Silica Gel Containers
• RMU Unit (Front View)

➢ Secondly, we were given a tour around the Repairing workshop where we observed the
following

• Transformer Cores
• Transformer Core (3 phase wires visible)
 • Winding Copper Wire
• Transformer Oil

➢ Transformer repairing is done in sequential steps. Firstly, the inner equipment are brought out
from the metal casing. The casing is scrubbed and washed properly and the inner equipment are
dried of oil which is used for insulation. Secondly, the core is dissembled after which windings
are removed. Thirdly, the core and wires are inspected after various load and rating tests to find
out the fault creating parameter. Eventually, if wires are burnt then new wire is used to rewind
the existing or, newly replaced core from wire bundle .

➢ Silica Gel is essential to prevent dust intrusions into the transformer.

➢ Transformer Oil provides insulation from various materials.

➢ Transformer Overload and Temperature monitoring are essential to prevent leakages and
accidents like transformer burn up.

➢ Finally, we were shown the usage of CT/PT meters that monitor incoming current and voltage

Chapter 5: Analysis & Findings

5.1 Analysis of DESCO’s Activities

➢ Purchases electricity from PGCB at a rate defined by BERC

➢ Regulates inspections in households to determine load capacity

➢ Instructs home owners on installation of Transformer, Switch Gear, PF meter

➢ Meter reading and line connection/disconnection training for field officers

➢ Billing cycle preparation and historical data analyze to spot irregularities

➢ SCADA and GIS incorporation to pin-point exact location of faults

➢ Swift response to emergency load shedding schemes 5.2 Findings of Report

➢ Smart meters are gradually replacing traditional load monitoring and billing systems

➢ Load prediction module is still to be introduced in DESCO SCADA System

➢ Paperless communication between customer and DESCO is expanding

➢ Electricity misuse, theft and misinformation regarding load capacity is tackled strongly ➢
Substation Maintenance is a long term process during which safety and security of workers are
considered severely.
Chapter 6: Conclusion
The internship attachment program provided strong insights of the life and work force of
DESCO. We visited the main sectors like SCADA, training center, Sales and Division, Repair
Center etc. from which many respected instructors and officers provided practical knowledge
through constructive learning. We experienced the modernization of electricity utility for which
DESCO is continuously working day by day. Furthermore, co-operation between upcoming
projects in Dhaka city can strengthen DESCO’s jurisdiction over its coverage areas.
Bibliography
Reference
1. https://desco.gov.bd/site/page/8479861f-c208-48b3-904a-8d9d3b56c4fe/-
2.Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited - Wikipedia