Improving power maintenance and management systems in electrical transmission networks in Ghana (a case study in Ghana grid company (GRIDCo), Tamale operational area

Abstract

In Ghana, Ghana Grid Company, GRIDCo has experienced huge power losses due to poor maintenance and management practices. For this reason persistent power outage has plunged the country‟s economy into a huge set back in the last four years. Power quality problems are common in most commercial, industrial and utility networks. The specific objectives of this thesis were to study the role of automation in improving transmission systems, evaluate maintenance performance in transmission systems through benchmarking. It also assessed the performance of substation equipment in improving power quality and reliability, identified the best management practices, procedures and structures in the organization. Remedial Action Scheme (RAS) was employed and has two approaches to mitigate power quality problems. These are load conditioning (Model for composite ac–dc Transmission), which ensures that the equipment is less sensitive to power disturbances, allowing the operation even under significant voltage distortion. The other solution is to install line conditioning systems that suppress or counteracts the power system disturbances (Automation switching control). Simulation using MATLAB program was carried out using signals with and without fault conditions and how the waveform magnitudes for voltage, current, active P and reactive Q powers reacted. The system recovered from its disturbance as the system conditioners (rectifier and inverter) reacted swiftly to stabilize the system. It is recommended that extension of this research work should be to incorporate the views of external stakeholders like researchers, high-tech equipment dealers, financial organizations, government etc. on the barriers and drivers for improving power maintenance and management in Ghana‟s energy sector.