TECHNICAL REPORT ON

STUDENTS INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

CARRIED OUT AT

TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA (TCN)

PMB. 067

GOMBE SUB-REGION,

DUKKU ROAD GOMBE, GOMBE STATE.

BY
LAWAN KABIRU ABDULLAHI
17/47469U/2

SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA UNIVERSITY, BAUCHI

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE

AWARD OF BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY (B. TECH)
IN ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS ENGINEERIG TECHNOLOGY

NOVEMBER, 2023
CERTIFICATION

i
This is certify that LAWAN KABIRU ABDULLAHI with registration number 17/47469U/2

is a student of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, faculty of Engineerig and Engineering

Technology , Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi and has successfully completed

compulsory Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at the Transmission

Company Of Nigeria, Gombe sub-region, gombe state.

APPROVAL PAGE

ii
This Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) Report has been read and

approved as meeting the partial requirement for the award of B. Tech. in

Electrical/Electronics Engineering.

DR. AMINU HUSSAINI

………………………………………… …...…………………….
DATE
University Based Supervisor

iii
 DEDICATION

This report is humbly dedicated to my parents who taught me that even the largest task can be

accomplished if it is done one step at a time, to my beloved uncle Engr. BELLO GWARZO

and finally my colleagues.

iv
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My profound gratitude to the almighty ALLAH, the giver of life, wisdom and
strength, who keeps me alive and sound to the completion of this scheme and thereafter.

I wish to express my gratitude to my parents for their concern on whatever is related

to me throughout my life. I pray that may ALLAH shower his mercy on them while in one
way or the other contributed to my wellbeing.

I give special thanks to my beloved brothers Isah Kabiru Abdullahi, Magaji Kabiru
Abdullahi and my sisters who actively supported me with good advice and always show their
love to me.

To my colleagues Abubakar Adamu, Usman Haruna, Abdulaziz Baba Mahmoud,

Muhammad Jemilu, among others.

Finally, I glorify almighty ALLAH, the most beneficent, the most merciful for
making it possible for me in partaking the scheme successfully.

v
 ABSTRACT

This report is based on the techniques and experience acquired in the student industrial works
experience scheme (SIWES) undertaken at the 330/132/33KV Substation of the Transmission
Company of Nigeria, Located at Dukku road Gombe State. The report focus on the work
done, experiences gained, organization background and functions. It also points out some of
the aims and objectives of the programme (SIWES) the role of the students and that of
employees. It further focuses more on the technical exposure and experience gained from
various departments such as Electrical Maintenance Department (EMD), System Operation
Department (S/O) and Protection, Control and Metering Department (PC&M) at TCN Gombe
Sub-region. It finally gives an account of the equipment used; types and their function
respectively as well as some of the problems and challenges faced and provide
recommendations that can further improve the program.

vi
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title/Cover page………………………………………………………………i

Certification……………………………………………………………….….ii

Approval page…… …………………………………………………………..iii

Dedication……………………………………………………………………..iv

Acknowledgement…………………………………………………...…….….v

Abstract………...……………………………………………………………...vi

CHAPTER ONE (INTRODUCTION)

1.1 History of SIWES…………………………………………………………..1

1.2 Importance of SIWES…………………………………………….......….....2

1.3 Introduction to power system………………………………………………2

1.4 Historical background of TCN Gombe Sub-region…………………………3

1.5 Management setup…………………………………………………………..4

CHAPTER TWO (TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA)

2.0 Transmission Company of Nigeria………………………………………….6

2.1 Power System in Nigeria………………………………………....................7

2.2 The Departments at TCN, Gombe and their Functions………………..........8

2.3 The Posted Department at TCN Gombe…………………………………….9

CHAPTER THREE (WORK DONE AND THE EXPERIENCE GAINED)

3.0 Introduction……..………………………………………………………….11

3.1 Electrical Maintenance Department (EMD)……………..…………...…..11

3.1.2 The Work Done and The Experience Gained…..……………..…..11

3.1.3 Battery Maintenance……………………..…….………………….13

vii
3.2 System Operation Department………………………….………………...14

3.2.1 Components of Electric Power System…………………………....14

3.2.2 The work done and the Experience Gained…………………….....16

3.3 Protection Control and Metering (PC&M)….………………………….....18

3.3.1 Elements Of Protection……………………………………………18

3.3.2 The Work Done and The Experience Gained………………..........19

3.4 System Lines Department………………………………………………...21

3.4.1 The Work Done and The Experience Gained…………………......21

3.4.2 Tower and Its Components………………………………………..23

3.4.3 Lines Maintenance…………………………………………………26

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Summary and conclusion…………………………………………………27

4.1 Problems encountered…………………………………………………….27

4.2 Recommendations………………………………………………………..27

4.3 References..……………………………………………………………….28

viii
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is the accepted skills training

programme, which forms part of the approved minimum Academic Standards in the various

degree programmes for all the Nigerian Universities. It is funded by the Federal

Government of Nigeria and jointly co-ordinate by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and

the National Universities Commission (NUC) [1].

1.1 HISTORY OF SIWES

The programme (student industrial work experience scheme) was introduced in 1974

for students in institutions of higher learning in other to exposed the scope of what had been

taught theoretically into practical orientation.

It runs under the industrial training fund (I.T.F) which was designed to supplement

the theoretical learning of students from academic institutions and also to enhance the

participants in multi-various disciplines.

The scheme involves the students, employers of labour, institutions and the I.T.F.

Some of the Aims and Objectives of SIWES are listed below:-

1. Exposing the student to work method in handling equipment, machine and tools.

2. Exposing and preparing students for industrial working situations.

3. Bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical industrial work.

4. Preparing students for a business career by merging his analysed power with self-

reliance.

5. Strengthening relationship between educational institution and industrial sector.

1
 6. Enlisting the employer involvement in the entire educational process and preparing

students for employment after graduation.

7. Provide students the opportunity to develop attitudes conducive to effective

interpersonal relationships.

8. Ernest placement and strengthen employees involvement in the educational process of

preparing student for employment in industries

1.2 IMPORTANCE OF SIWES

1. It provides students with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in real

life situations.

2. It exposes students to more practical work methods and techniques.

3. It strengthens links between the employers, universities and industrial training fund

(ITF).

4. It also prepares the students for the labour market after graduation.

1.3 INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM

Electricity supply, basically requires an electric power generation, suitably connected

through switch gears, transformers, busbars, cables etc to a demand point. The

demand could be a fixed demand such as a simple light bulb an electric cooker, an

electric iron etc. it could also be a variable demand such as an air conditioner, a deep

freezer, washing machine, industrial motors etc.

When two or more electric power generators are interconnected to one another

through transmission lines to supply fixed and variable demands located at several

places, then an electric power supply has been established.

2
 The objective of building an electric power system of whatever nature is to

provide a reliable supply of electricity as economically as possible and within

statutory confines of quality.

1.4 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF TCN GOMBE, GOMBE SUB-REGION.

Out of the six regional control centres, Gombe sub-region fall within Bauchi regional centre,

the 132kv side of the station was commissioned in early1970s in other to supply the north-

eastern part of the country with adequate electricity. From Kaduna through Jos.

As time goes on, Urbanization and developmental activities enhanced, factories and

industries were built, institution and research centres of various discipline were set up and

consumption of electricity was also rapidly increased that finally resulted in the shortage of

electricity to the region.

To reduce the total black out or load shedding experienced in the region, the need of

bringing in the 330kv line into the region became necessary. The 330kv line station was

commission in 1983 with the view of improving the power allocated to the region.

However now the TCN Gombe sub-region transmits by receiving the incoming

voltage 330KV from Shiroro (power generation) through kaduna and jos (transmission

company). The 330kv line of the station has two 150MVA power transformers that steps

down the voltage from 330kv to 132kv and from there it is feeding Savannah,

Maiduguri/Damboa, Gombe complex, Ashaka/Potiskum and Bauchi all with 132kv line. It is

also transmitting 330kv line to Damaturu/Maiduguri and Yola respectively.

1.5 MANAGEMENT SET UP AND ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF

TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC GOMBE SUB RE-GION

Comprises the following departments;

3
 1. Electrical maintenance department (EMD)

2. Protection, control and metering department (PC&M)

3. System operation (S/O)

4. Line maintenance department (LMD)

5. Communication department (COMM)

6. Mechanical and store department (MMD)

7. Health safety and environment (HSE)

The overall station is headed by the Ass. General manager Principal manager and assisted by

sectional heads that are charged with responsibilities of heading the various departments or

sections to ensure efficient and reliable transmission of electrical power to all the stations

within the sub-region.

Mostly the departmental works are inter-related for example, the Electrical

maintenance department/system lines mostly works together with protection control and

metering department in all maintenance or repair work. The station was fully explained by

the organization chart shown in figure one

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART OF TCN GOMBE SUB-REGION

4
Figure1; The Organizational Structure of TCN Gombe Sub-region

5
Figure 2; Cross Section of Gombe State Switch Yard sub-station

Figure 3; Showing The 330KV Switchyard side of Gombe Sub-region.

6
 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA

Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) was incorporated in November 2005. TCN

emerged from the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) as a product of the

merger of the Transmission and Operations sectors on April 1, 2004. Being one of the

Eighteen(18) unbundled Business Units under the Power Holding Company of Nigeria

(PHCN), the company was issued a License transmission to generate power of 330/132kV on

1st July, 2006. Transmission Company of Nigeria licensed activities include: Electricity

Transmission, System Operation and Electricity Trading which is ring fenced.

2.1 POWER SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

When we press switch electricity come on, appliances work and large industries

manufacture products. Have we ever wondered how this is done? There are actually

processes involved in getting electricity to our homes and offices.

This has to do with the processes involved in Generation, Transmission and Distribution of

power in Nigeria as shown in the figure below.

7
 Figure 4: Process involved from power generation to distribution

a) GENERATION: In Nigeria, Electricity production over the last 40years has varied from

gas-fired, oil fired, hydroelectric power stations to coal fired stations with hydroelectric

power systems and gas fired systems taking precedence. Electricity is generated at

between 11–16KV and stepped up by a step-up transformer to 330kV at the Power

stations. This is done so as to take care of power losses (I2R losses) along the line of

transmission since the electricity generated is to be transmitted over long distances.

Power generated at various generating stations in the Nation is connected to the National

Grid and then transmitted.

b) TRANSMISSION: The next phase of getting power to the consumer is Transmission.

Transmission begins with the transportation of voltage, 330KV along transmission lines

(otherwise referred to as conductors) and is stepped down by a transformer to 132kV at

the Transmission substation, this voltage is further transported along transmission lines to

Injection substations and stepped down to 33kv

8
c) DISTRIBUTION: Distribution of electricity starts at this point. The voltage is stepped

down by a distribution transformer to 11 kV which in turn is stepped down to 0. 415kV

and further stepped down to 240V before it gets to our homes or offices.

2.2 THE DEPARTMENTS AT TCN, GOMBE SUB-REGION AND THEIR

FUNCTIONS

The TCN Gombe Sub-region is divided into units of various departments, namely;

1. Protection Control and Metering Department (PC&M)

2. Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)

3. Electrical Maintenance Department (EMD)

4. System Lines Department (SLM)

5. System Operation Department (S/O)

6. Communication Department

7. Administrative Department

The Functions Of The Departments Above are as Follows;

 PROTECTION, CONTROL AND METERING DEPARTMENT

This is a technical department saddled with the responsibility of ensuring correct and efficient

protection of the various component and devices in the transmission station. The department

actualizes this by carrying out correct circuit connection, clearing of faults, installation

programming and wiring of protection and metering devices like Circuit Breaker, Current

Transformers, Relay and so on, complete installation of other protective equipments, which is

why the department always work with their Circuit Diagram designed by the manufacturer of

the device. The department also conducts various scheduled maintenance and tests on power

equipments.

 HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT (HSE)

9
This department helps to educate new employees and interns on safety, health and the rules

and regulation of TCN. They also make sure that workers wear their safety gears when

working in the switchyard at all times.

 ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

The Electrical Maintenance Department as a maintenance department is concern with

Installation, Repair and Maintenance of the various electrical devices like Transformer,

circuit breaker, isolator, etc. The department is responsible for the maintenance of all the

electrical equipment in the station.

 LINES DEPARTMENT

This department is concerned with monitoring and maintaining the transmission lines from

the station to the designated substation. Patrol carries out their duties in a way of avoiding

earth tripping from the feeder’s relay, maintaining the transmission lines poles, cutting the

elongated trees that is disturbing the spaces between the transmission lines wire that cause the

feeder to trip on earth fault. The department carries out its duty by conducting scheduled

inspection and also responsible for the tightening the lines conductors on the switch yards and

repairing the hotspots identified by the operators on duties.

 SYSTEM OPERATION DEPARTMENT

The main responsibility of the System Operator includes load shedding, granting of outage

permit for the maintenance crew, taking load and energy readings. Its also operate the

transmission system by monitoring and operating switching devices like breaker, isolators,

e.t.c in a safe and reliable manner.

 COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT

10
This department is responsible for communication of sending and receiving information

necessary forthe operation of the station, monitor activities going on within the station and other

activities outside the station that influencing it between transmission stations and National

Control Centre (NCC), maintenance of the 48V battery bank used for communication, Power

Line Carrier Communication (PLCC), inspection for fault in the control room and filling of

trouble report.

2.3 THE POSTED DEPARTMENTS AT TCN, GOMBE SUB-REGION

According to the Transmission Company of Nigeria Ganmo policy, SIWES students are

usually posted to all the aforementioned departments in order to gain the maximum

experience possible and to understand the duties of the various departments and the Station as

a whole, so by implication I was posted to five (5) departments. The scope of work done and

experience gained shall be analyse below according to each of the department visited.

1. Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) This is the first department that i was being

posted to, where 4 weeks were spent

This department helps to educate new employees and interns on safety, health and the rules

and regulation of TCN. They also make sure that workers wear their safety gears when

working in the switchyard at all times.

2. Electrical Maintenance Department (EMD) where 4 weeks were spent and part of

the responsibilities along with the maintenance crew is to: Carrying out schedule

maintenance of power transformer of various ratings and capacities; Conduct

insulation test, Dielectric strength test on transformer oil and circuit Breakers; Service,

maintain and repair power circuit breakers such as oil circuit breaker, Sulphur

hexafluoride (SF6) circuit breaker, and conduct insulation and performance test on

same and maintenance of battery and charger; Carry out construction and installation

works on a new substation as per the design and physical positioning of the substation

11
equipment such as CBs, Transformers, Isolators as well as preparation and processing

of monthly maintenance report etc.

3. System Operation Department where 4 weeks were spent and part of the

responsibilities along with the operators is to: Prepare and effect work and test permit for

maintenance staff; Maintain and effect voltage and frequency dispatch control of the grid

system; Prepare and effect scheduled outages; Keep up to date record of the system’s

parameters on hourly basis and relaying of all reports to the necessary quarters; Guaranteed

safety of the maintenance staff and the equipment etc; Raise trouble report on defective

equipment and operation to appropriate maintenance section and carrying out routine

maintenance as well as daily inspection of all the equipment in the switchyard respectively

etc.

4. Protection Control and Metering (PC&M) Department where 8 weeks were spent

and part of the responsibilities along with the maintenance crew is to: carry out Pre-

commissioning tests on all power transformers, Circuit Breakers, Instrument

transformers (CTs and VTs), Relays, Tripping Unit (Chargers and Battery banks);

Design protection schemes for new installed transformers and feeders; Carry out all

relay settings and coordination; Conduct Secondary and primary injection tests on all

station protective relays; Carry out insulation tests, ratio test, polarity test,

magnetization test on power and instrument transformers as well as processing of

Daily Activity Report Chart (DARC), Monthly Progress Report (MPR), Schedule

Annual Preventive Maintenance (SAPM), Key Performance Index (KPI) etc.

5. SYSTEM LINES DEPARTMENT Where 4 weeks were spent and the main

functions of this department are to maintain the transmission lines wires in a way of

avoiding earth tripping from the feeder’s relay, maintaining the transmission lines

poles, cutting the elongated trees that is disturbing the spaces between the

12
transmission lines wire that cause the feeder to trip on earth fault. The department is

also responsible for the tightening and maintenance of the lines conductors on the

switch yards and repairing the hotspots identified by the operators on duties of the

TCN Gombe and its substations

13
 CHAPTER THREE

THE WORK DONE AND THE EXPERIENCE GAINED

3.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter covers the discussion of the work done and the experience gained during the

course of the training in each of the department visited or attached. The first and foremost

most important experience gained is the important and very significant of safety because any

single mistake makes at switch yard will leads to instant death by electrocution, there is no

second chance of mistake at TCN because of the very High Voltage dealing with. So

emphasis and precautions were always taken before entering the switch yard to perform any

kind of work done even for inspection purposes. One must be issue permit letter by the

operator in charge before stepping into switch yard. The scope of work done and experience

gained will be analyzed below on each of the department visited.

3.1 ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT (EMD)

This department is headed by Engr. Joshua B. Gin as the Senior Manager (HOD). The

Electrical maintenance department is responsible for all maintenance of equipment within the

Area Control. There exist preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance.

Preventive maintenance is procedures carried out on the equipment to ensure proper

functioning and avoid breakdown. For example: changing of silica gel, filling of gas or

changing of oil in a circuit breaker, transformer oil filtration, electrolyte topping in lead acid

batteries et cetera.

Corrective maintenance is a type of maintenance that is carried out to correct a problem on

hand. For example: clearing of hotspot, changing of leaking gasket, changing of lightning

bubs, changing of circuit breakers, bleeding of the transformer, etc.

14
3.1.1 WORK DONE AND THE EXPERIENCE GAINED

The scope of major work done as well as the experience gained at EMD includes the

following:

1. Gombe 330/132/33kv Battery Bank Maintenance (two 110V and 50V DC).

2. Dismantling of 60MVA Transformer at 132KV Switchyard

3. Switchyard Lightining and Replacement of LED bulbs and chokes at Gombe 132KV

control room

4. Monthly routine maintenance of batteries

5. Topping of SF6 gas on Shongo feeder (circuit breaker) from 0.3bar to 0.4bar

Figure 5; Dismantled 60MVA Transformer at Gombe 132KV Switchyard

15
3.1.2 Battery Bank Maintenance

The electrolyte inside the batteries of the battery banks at Gombe substation was

observed to be low and required toping up. The battery house consists of two different

Battery Banks, one of which is 2 x 110VDC and one of 50VDC all of which are wet cells.

The 110VDC banks is used for powering the protective relays which indirectly control the

transmission line circuit breakers at the switch yards for 330kV circuit network, 132kV

circuit and 33kV circuit, while the remaining 50VDC is for communication equipment

powering. Each of the batteries output voltage is 2.03V. 110VDC Banks consist of 55

batteries each connected in series that add up to 110V while the 50VDC Bank consist of 25

batteries connected in series added up to 50V. The process of the maintenance involves

checking the level and specific gravity of the electrolyte and measuring the output voltage of

each battery after they have been fully charged with an Avo-meter and see whether the

expected voltage value is displayed, else the battery needs to be repaired if it cannot be

replaced.

16
Figure 6; topping the low level electrolyte with distilled water

3.2 SYSTEM OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT (S/O)

17
 System operation department is headed by Engr. Isah Abubakar as a Principal

Manager. The system operation department dealt with the operation of the components of

power systems at all levels (Generation, Transmission and Distribution) in order to provide a

reliable supply of electricity as economically as possible, making it (Electricity) available to

the user within statutory confines of quality.

This section is the one responsible for system supervision, allocation and control

power and its equipment such as the power transformers instrument transformers etc.

Figure 7. 33kv relay Panel Board showing different relay protecting the feeder.

3.2.1 COMPONENTS OF ELETRIC POWER SYSTEM

An electric power system in comprises the following components:

Power transformers

Instrument transformers (current transformer and voltage transformer)

18
 Bus Bars

Circuit breakers

Isolators

Ground switches

Reactor

Transmission Lines/Cables

Insulators (Stacks or String) etc.

THE INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMERS: (Voltage and current transformers) are very

useful to system operators as they use it to know the values of the individual parameters

coming into the station. Some of these parameters the values of the:

Current

Voltage

Real Power etc

These enable them to rationalize allocate the power to the various parts of region.

Instrument transformers also form a part in the basic components of protection in power

system.

THE POWER TRANSFORMER: is a device for changing voltage levels maintaining a

constant frequency. The rating of the transformer used in stepping down the voltage from

330kv to 132kv to 33kv is 150MVA. It has a power factor of 0.8 where by (150 ⃰ 0.8 =

120MW) which is the maximum capacity of the transformer. Satisfying all the conditions of

paralleling two of them were paralleled to maintain the station.

19
 Normally, some of the tests conducted before commissioning of a transformer are:

1. INSULATION RESISTANCE TEST: Under normal condition, there is no electrical

contact between the windings and the body of the transformer or between the

individual windings. This test is to confirm whether there is any contact between the

separate parts. It is done by measuring the resistance of the windings and that of the

body of the transformer. The normal expected value of the resistance after the test is

supposed to be very high the test can be done using meter.

2. RESISTANCE TEST: This is to measure the ohm value between the RED,

YELLOW and BLUE phases

3. SHORT CIRCUIT TEST: This is to compare the current in the primary and

secondary side is short circuited.

4. OPEN CIRCUIT TEST: This to open the secondary side then injecting different

values of voltage to the primary and at the same time getting the same or nearly the

same value in the secondary side for RED, YELLOW and BLUE phases after

measurement respectively.

5. THE BUSBAR: is a solid metallic conductor where by individual lines tap there

supply from it.

6. THE CIRCUIT BREAKER: is an electromechanical device that operates under

normal or abnormal condition used in power system protection and control. It can be

operated manually or remotely for maintenance and repair work it can also be

operated automatically on receiving trip signal from a RELAY,

20
Figure 8. 132kv FS6 Circle breaker

3.2.2 THE WORK DONE AND THE EXPERIENCE GAINED

The major work done as well as the experience gained at System Operation Department

include the following;

1. Taking of hourly and half hourly reading on system parameters

2. Single line diagram of the station

21
Figure 9; Taking of hourly reading on system parameters from Gombe 132kv control

room

22
3.3 PROTECTION CONTROL AND METERING DEPARTMENT (PC&M)

This department is headed by Engr. I.A Mijinyawa as Senior Manager (HOD), PC&M

is a Technical department which deals with both the corrective and preventive maintenance,

relays and circuit breaker. The instruction scheme is to monitor the many state, condition and

operation of many circuits and equipment in the switch yard and ensure that any faulted part

is isolated from further energy supply as quickly as possible. Failure of the protection system

to function as and when required to, thus means possible damage to personnel.

The Protection, Control and Metering department is also responsible for the

monitoring of equipment and system activities and providing safety to life and equipment.

They make use of relays and instrument transformers majorly to perform its responsibilities.

And they mostly do corrective maintenance of the Circuit Breaker, Instrument Transformers

and their respective control panels.

The operator is most likely to suffer from the danger arising from a failure of the

protection system since he works on and around the protected equipment. So he has a stake in

seeing that is does not fail to operate as mended. The components of protection system are

distributed all over the station being supervised by the operator. They should be able to

recognize the linkages between them. The operator is also responsible for the well-being of

all equipment in the station (the protection system inclusive) and he therefore need to know

what may be harmful to such equipment and how to protect them via inspection many more.

3.3.1 ELEMENTS OF PROTECTION

The basic Elements of a protection system are listed below;

1. The current transformer (CT)

2. The protective relays

23
 3. The auxiliary D.C power supply

4. The circuit breaker

5. The interconnecting cable

6. Some-time voltage transformer is also inclusive (relevant)

3.3.2 THE WORK DONE AND THE EXPERIENCE GAINED

The scopes of major works done as well as the experience gained in PC&M department are

as follows;

1. Annual Preventive Maintenance (APM)

2. Taking energy reading on a meter for key performance indicator (KPI) proposes

3. Dismantling of SF6 circuit breaker

4. Replacement of relay device on F.M.C protection pannel

5. Pre-commissioning test on the newly installed 100MVA transformer at Gombe 132kv

switchyard

24
Figure 10; Carrying out APM on Yola line at 330KV Gombe Control room

25
26
3.4 SYSTEM LINES DEPARTMENT

System lines department were responsible for the safety and maintenance of the

transmission lines in any form and grid line structure at various voltage levels;

330/132/33KV. This department is concerned with monitoring and maintaining the

transmission lines from the station to the designated substation.

An electric power system embraces the generation, transmission and distribution

network. Any form of energy that can be converted into electrical energy is known as

PRIMARY energy the end point is termed SECONDARY energy. Transmission company of

Nigeria presently uses the following primary sources.

Water power (hydro station) And Fuel (thermal station); Powers generated in the hydro or

thermal station is transmitted to the load canter’s located around the country. Through

transmission lines these lines form the connecting links between the generating and

distribution stations.

In Nigeria primary transmission is at 330kv while secondary transmission is at 132kv. The

frequency of transmission is 50HZ. The reason of these lines maintenance department is to

maintain all the transmission ON/OFF and any other maintenance or repair jobs within the

sub region. Specifically, the TOWERS that carries the transmission line from the generating

station and its various components.

3.4.1 THE WORK DONE AND THE EXPERIENCE GAINED

The scopes of the work done as well as the experience gained are as follows;

1. I learnt how to locate a transmission tower number on a name

plate of the tower.

2. I participated in construction of a bus-bar gantry at Gombe

132/33kv

27
3. Grounding (Discharging residual current)

4. Understand the difference the two types of tower

28
Figure13; During the constructions of a bus-bar gantry at Gombe 132/33kv switchyard

29
3.4.2 TOWER AND TOWER COMPONENTS

Tower is a steel material erected in order to carry the transmission lines. The two types of

towers are:

- Tension tower

- Suspension tower

 The tension towers are normally found in terminal station, angle point, valleys

or slope of hill. They are comparatively bigger than the suspension tower

which is as a result of the load they withstand at a point.

 The suspension towers, suspend only the wire and are smaller in construction

both 330kv line and 132kv line have their individual tension and suspension

towers.

Generally, some of the physical features that could be seen on a tower are

- The transmitting cables

- Sky wire

- Arcing horn

- Angle iron

- Insulator

- Counter poise

- Name plate

- Vibration damper etc.

30
Figure 14:

150mm2 aluminium conductor steel-reinforced ACSR for overhead transmission.

The TRANSMISSION LINE carries the power from the generating station to the terminal

point.

The SKY WIRES help in prevention against lighting and thunder,

The ANGLE IRON is used in joining one steel and another on the tower.

31
 The INSULATOR GLASSES provide insulation between the conductor and the tower

frame whereas the CONDUCTOR WEIGHT or VIBRATION DAMPER act directly against

wind effect. Another means of earthen on the tower is the COUNTER POST which is linked

between one tower and the other continuously to the all towers on the grid. For the sake of

numbering and easy location of a particular tower NAME PLATE was used where the

number as well as the type of tower (either for 330kv) was written on it.

32
 Figure 15; Showing a picture of a tower

Some Hazards Associated With Tower are:

The erosion which can lead to tower collapse if care is not been taken.

33
The overgrown trees directly below the line sometimes refer to as the danger trees which can

grow up to the point of limit of interrupting or tripping the line and consequently, a great loss

may be incurred. As such an intensive line or tower to tower patrol is being conducted. At a

given interval

3.4.3 LINE MAINTENANCE

Efficient and trouble free operation of a power transmission line is ensuring by the preventing

maintenance activities aimed at timely detecting defects and preventing serious faults that

may interrupt the service.

The preventive activities include:

- Ground patrol of the line carried out at definite intervals

- Overhead patrol of the line carried out at definite intervals.

- Overhead inspection of the conductor and earth wires etc.

Data obtained from these inspections are used in the repair schedule.

Line repairs job mainly performed with the aid of special machines, tool and fixtures

designed specifically for such jobs. Large amount of repair works on overhead lines such

as;

Certain repair jobs conductors and earth wires

Replacement of insulators

Replacement of defective support part etc.

Arc carried out during outages.

- Relay protection scheme

- Substation equipment maintenance

34
- Lighting protection

- Metering and control

- Communication and telemetry

35
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The whole experience gained during my industrial training at TCN Gombe sub-region was very

enlightening. The basic practical skills as well as the real practical skills were exposed to and the

opportunity to relate with typical situations relating to the Electrical Energy Transmission. These

experiences have successfully broadened my understanding and interest in Electrical and Electronics

Engineering as a profession especially in the field of Electrical Power. The training was worthwhile

has it accorded me the privilege of gaining insight into job preparation as well as what it meant to

carry out proper inspection and also working condition under stress which in a way prepares

undergraduates for the outside world after school. The program gave me the privilege to relate with

senior professionals and other students from different institutions and this experience makes me

appreciate the nature, benefits and intricacies of my chosen field of study both in the classroom and in

the society at large while also gives me the opportunity to put into practice the theoretical knowledge

acquired throughout my stay in school. The program has given me the rare privilege of gaining

practical knowledge and widened my knowledge about the application of Electrical and electronics

engineering in the world… especially in the field of electrical power. I was fortunate to learn the

significance of preventive maintenance and corrective maintenance of electrical power equipment

used at TCN gombe.

4.1 PROBLEM FACED DURING THE SIWES

Some the problems experienced during the course of the SIWES program. These are as stated below;

 Limited orientation before starting the program.

 The workload is too broad to the extent that engineers were unable to explain the importance of

work done on particular equipment to me as well as how it relates to the theoretical knowledge

garnered.

 There is also difficulty in getting a placement since placement letter was not issued on time.

 The main problem encountered during the program was problem of transportation. It is difficult

to get to the TCN gombe every working day.

36
 Inadequate Safety wears to the industrial students

4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

Base on the experience and knowledge acquired at the course of the SIWES training, I hereby give the

following recommendation base on my observations;

 Proper orientation should be given to the students by the university before they go on SIWES at

least before mid-semester break of first semester.

 The placement letter should be given to students early enough so as to avoid attachment in

irrelevant organization.

 I recommend that substantial percent of the National budget should go into the development,

improvement and sustenance of the power sector. Doing this would help improve Electricity

production and in turn improve development and industrialization.

 Provision of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to the trainees.

37
 REFERENCES

[1] G. Okwaraoh, "A report of work done at Home Base Development Limited, Real Estate

Developers", 2017.

[2] P. O. Akerejola, “Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES),” Information and

Guidelines for Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme, no. 04-04-2012, pp. 5-6, 2012.

[3] A.A. Olayinka, “Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES),” held at

Transmission Company of Nigeria, November, 2015.

[4] Nsong.org, “The Nigeria Electricity System Operator,” Nsong.org, 2018.

38