Monday 26 February 2024

Installation and commissioning of 11/0.43kV substation

The decision of a MV or LV supply will depend on local circumstances and considerations such as those mentioned above, and will generally be imposed by the utility. When a decision to supply power at MV has been made, there are two widely-followed methods of proceeding. This paper discusses about installation of 11/0.44 kV substation. It also includes the designing of the double pole structure. It includes the study of various equipment which are installed on dipole structure.
Installation and Commissioning of 11/0.43kV Substation and Design of MV Network with Double Pole Structure on Dipole Structure

1. Site Assessment and Planning:
   - Conduct a thorough site assessment to determine the suitable location for the substation.
   - Consider factors such as accessibility, proximity to load centers, land availability, and safety regulations.
   - Plan the layout and arrangement of equipment within the substation area.

2. Design of MV Network:
   - Conduct a detailed analysis of load requirements and determine the capacity of the substation.
   - Design the medium-voltage (MV) network considering factors such as load distribution, voltage drop, and fault protection.
   - Determine the appropriate cable sizes, lengths, and routing for the MV network.
   - Select suitable transformers, switchgear, and other equipment based on load demands and system design.

3. Procurement of Equipment and Materials:
   - Prepare a list of required equipment and materials based on the design specifications.
   - Initiate the procurement process, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and policies.
   - Select reputable suppliers and procure the necessary transformers, switchgear, cables, insulators, and other components.

4. Civil Works and Substation Construction:
   - Prepare the substation site by clearing the area and leveling the ground.
   - Construct the necessary foundations and plinths for the transformers, switchgear, and other equipment.
   - Install the double pole structure on the dipole structure, ensuring proper alignment and stability.

5. Equipment Installation:
   - Install the transformers, switchgear, and other equipment according to the manufacturer's guidelines and design specifications.
   - Ensure proper electrical connections, grounding, and insulation for all equipment.
   - Conduct thorough testing and commissioning of each component to ensure functionality and safety.

6. Testing and Commissioning:
   - Perform insulation resistance tests, continuity tests, and other electrical tests to verify the integrity and performance of the substation.
   - Conduct protection and relay testing to ensure proper functioning of the fault protection system.
   - Energize the substation gradually, following safety protocols and procedures.
   - Verify the voltage levels, load distribution, and other parameters to ensure the substation operates as intended.

7. Documentation and Handover:
   - Prepare comprehensive documentation, including as-built drawings, equipment specifications, test reports, and operation manuals.
   - Ensure all necessary permits, licenses, and certificates are obtained.
   - Conduct training sessions for the operation and maintenance staff on the substation and its equipment.
   - Complete the handover process, transferring responsibility for the substation to the relevant authorities or stakeholders.

8. Maintenance and Monitoring:
   - Establish a regular maintenance schedule for the substation and its components.
   - Implement monitoring systems to track the performance, energy consumption, and fault conditions of the substation.
   - Carry out periodic inspections, testing, and maintenance activities to ensure the substation operates efficiently and safely.

By following these steps, the installation and commissioning of the 11/0.43kV substation, along with the design of the MV network and the installation of the double pole structure on the dipole structure, can be successfully accomplished.

Sunday 25 February 2024

Substation Reactors

Reactors are typically inductive devices, and they enhance the performance, stability, and efficiency of the power grid. There are different types of reactors used in substations, and their applications vary based on the specific requirements of the power system. 
Shunt reactors are connected in parallel with the transmission lines or power cables.

They are primarily used to compensate for capacitive reactive power in long transmission lines. This helps in voltage stabilization and reducing line charging currents.
Series reactors are connected in series with the transmission lines. They provide impedance to the flow of current and help in controlling the line charging current. Series reactors also enhance system stability and reduce short-circuit currents.
Neutral grounding reactors are connected to the neutral point of transformers.

Embedded or Co- generation

Many industrial plants have their own generation installed. Sometimes it is for emergency use only, feeding a limited number of busbars and with limited capacity. This arrangement is often adopted to ensure safe shutdown of process plant and personnel safety.
In other plants, the nature of the process allows production of a substantial quantity of electricity, perhaps allowing export of any surplus to the public supply system – at either at sub-transmission or distribution voltage levels. Plants that run generation in parallel with the public supply distribution network are often referred to as co-generation or embedded generation.

Tuesday 20 February 2024

If I plug a portable generator into my house outlet and run it, would the power go into appliances, heating, etc.?

If I plug a portable generator into my house outlet and run it, would the power go into appliances, heating, etc.?
Answer
Yes.. it can work but first you should not forget to 'turn-off' the main circuit breaker and 'turn-off' and un-plug' first your generator before you switch back to Distribution Utility (DU) normal power.
Plugging a portable generator into a house outlet, known as back feeding, can be dangerous.
It could potentially send electricity back into the grid, endangering utility workers and your neighbors.
If you need to use a generator, it’s best to follow proper protocols and consult an electrician for a safe setup, such as using a transfer switch to isolate your home from the grid while running the generator.

Sunday 18 February 2024

World forests by country

Share of world forests by country:

🇷🇺 Russia: 20.1%
🇧🇷 Brazil: 12.3%
🇨🇦 Canada: 8.6%
🇺🇸 U.S.: 7.7%
🇨🇳 China: 5.5%
🇦🇺 Australia: 3.3%
🇨🇩 DRC: 3.1%
🇮🇩 Indonesia: 2.3%
🇮🇳 India: 1.8%
🇵🇪 Peru: 1.8%
🇦🇴 Angola: 1.6%
🇲🇽 Mexico: 1.6%
🇨🇴 Colombia: 1.5%
🇧🇴 Bolivia: 1.3%
🇻🇪 Venezuela: 1.1%
🇹🇿 Tanzania: 1.1%
🇿🇲 Zambia: 1.1%
🇲🇿 Mozambique: 0.9%
🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea: 0.9%
🇦🇷 Argentina: 0.7%

 Forest Area by Country (hectares):

1. 🇷🇺 Russia - 814,848,460
2. 🇧🇷 Brazil - 491,570,000
3. 🇨🇦 Canada - 346,975,800
4. 🇺🇸 United States - 310,645,000
5. 🇨🇳 China - 211,405,700
6. 🇨🇩 DR Congo - 151,955,200
7. 🇦🇺 Australia - 125,367,000
8. 🇮🇩 Indonesia - 89,641,200
9. 🇵🇪 Peru - 73,637,800
10. 🇮🇳 India - 71,038,800
.
11. 🇲🇽 Mexico - 65,856,800
12. 🇨🇴 Colombia - 58,448,300
14. 🇧🇴 Bolivia - 54,186,000
16. 🇻🇪 Venezuela - 46,354,200
17. 🇹🇿 Tanzania - 45,316,000
20. 🇸🇪 Sweden - 28,073,000
22. 🇦🇷 Argentina - 26,518,400
23. 🇯🇵 Japan - 24,954,800
25. 🇨🇬 Congo - 22,303,200
26. 🇲🇾 Malaysia - 22,223,400
27. 🇫🇮 Finland - 22,218,000
28. 🇨🇫 CAR- 22,138,800
30. 🇸🇩 Sudan - 18,861,120
31. 🇪🇸 Spain - 18,486,130
33. 🇨🇱 Chile - 18,336,600
34. 🇫🇷 France - 17,215,000
36. 🇹🇭 Thailand - 16,459,000
37. 🇸🇷 Suriname - 15,324,400
38. 🇻🇳 Vietnam - 15,031,000
40. 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe - 13,437,200
42. 🇲🇬 Madagascar - 12,441,000
44. 🇲🇳 Mongolia - 12,358,240
45. 🇳🇴 Norway - 12,116,000
46. 🇹🇷 Turkey - 11,919,800
47. 🇩🇪 Germany - 11,423,000
48. 🇮🇷 Iran - 10,691,980
49. 🇧🇼 Botswana - 10,635,600
51. 🇳🇿 New Zealand - 10,152,400
52. 🇺🇦 Ukraine - 9,700,600
53. 🇵🇱 Poland - 9,477,400
54. 🇮🇹 Italy - 9,404,600
56. 🇿🇦 South Africa - 9,241,000
57. 🇰🇭 Cambodia - 9,202,200
59. 🇵🇭 Philippines - 8,520,000
63. 🇷🇴 Romania - 6,999,400
64. 🇳🇦 Namibia - 6,770,600
67. 🇳🇬 Nigeria - 6,173,800
68. 🇰🇷 South Korea - 6,168,800
69. 🇲🇦 Morocco - 5,616,000
71. 🇰🇵 North Korea - 4,777,000
72. 🇹🇩 Chad - 4,621,800
75. 🇰🇪 Kenya - 4,486,200
80. 🇬🇷 Greece - 4,114,400
83. 🇳🇵 Nepal - 3,636,000
88. 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan - 3,197,660
89. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom - 3,178,000
91. 🇵🇹 Portugal - 3,159,200
94. 🇬🇪 Georgia - 2,822,400
96. 🇧🇹 Bhutan - 2,774,770
97. 🇷🇸 Serbia - 2,722,800
102. 🇭🇺 Hungary - 2,078,200
103. 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka - 2,056,800
105. 🇩🇿 Algeria - 1,971,200
110. 🇺🇬 Uganda - 1,806,600
112. 🇪🇷 Eritrea - 1,501,200
113. 🇧🇩 Bangladesh - 1,423,800
114. 🇵🇰 Pakistan - 1,386,000
116. 🇦🇫 Afghanistan - 1,350,000
117. 🇨🇭 Switzerland - 1,261,600
121. 🇹🇳 Tunisia - 1,061,400
124. 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia - 977,000
127. 🇮🇶 Iraq - 825,000
129. 🇮🇪 Ireland - 765,380
130. 🇪🇭 Western Sahara - 707,000
131. 🇧🇪 Belgium - 684,280
133. 🇩🇰 Denmark - 622,240
136. 🇾🇪 Yemen - 549,000
141. 🇸🇾 Syria - 491,000
146. 🇳🇱 Netherlands - 377,200
149. 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates - 324,720
150. 🇧🇮 Burundi - 285,200
153. 🇲🇷 Mauritania - 217,500
157. 🇮🇱 Israel - 169,400
160. 🇱🇧 Lebanon - 137,460
166. 🇪🇬 Egypt - 74,200
170. 🇮🇸 Iceland - 51,800
186. 🇬🇩 Grenada - 16,990
187. 🇸🇬 Singapore - 16,350
195. 🇵🇸 Palestine - 9,170
199. 🇰🇼 Kuwait - 6,250
201.. 🇩🇯 Djibouti - 5,600
208. 🇴🇲 Oman - 2,000
210. 🇲🇻 Maldives - 1,000
213. 🇲🇹 Malta - 350
214. 🇬🇱 Greenland - 220

Saturday 17 February 2024

Alessandro Volta

Born Feb 18, 1745: Alessandro Volta (1745–1827) 
was an Italian physicist known for his pioneering work in electricity. His most significant contribution was the invention of the voltaic pile in 1800, the first electrical battery, which produced a steady electric current. This invention was crucial in the field of electrochemistry and led to the development of modern electrical science. Volta's work laid the foundation for the study of electricity and its applications, and the unit of electric potential, the volt, is named in his honor.

The "Voltaic Pile" or "Voltaic Cell" invented by Alessandro Volta was a device that produced a steady flow of electricity. It consisted of alternating layers of two different metals, typically zinc and copper, separated by discs or plates of cardboard or cloth soaked in an electrolyte solution.

The construction of the Voltaic Pile involved stacking multiple pairs of metal discs, each pair consisting of one zinc disc and one copper disc, with a separator in between. The separators were typically pieces of cardboard or cloth soaked in a saline solution or an acidic solution. The stack of alternating metal discs and separators formed a column or pile.

When the top and bottom of the stack were connected with a conductor, such as a wire, a chemical reaction occurred within the pile. This reaction, known as an electrochemical reaction, involved the transfer of electrons between the zinc and copper discs through the electrolyte solution.

The Voltaic Pile functioned based on the principle of electrochemical potential difference between the two metals. The zinc, being more reactive, would undergo oxidation, losing electrons and generating positive ions in the process. These electrons would then flow through the external circuit, creating an electric current. At the same time, reduction would occur at the copper discs, where the positive ions from the electrolyte solution would accept electrons and be reduced.

The Voltaic Pile demonstrated the production of a continuous and stable flow of electricity, thus becoming the first practical device capable of generating a consistent electrical current. Volta's invention marked a significant advancement in the field of electricity and laid the foundation for future developments in electrical technology.

The Voltaic Pile had a profound impact on the understanding and utilization of electricity. It inspired further experimentation and led to subsequent inventions, including the development of batteries with improved designs and materials. The concept of the Voltaic Pile also contributed to the development of early electrochemical cells and the understanding of electrochemistry as a scientific discipline.

AC 12V-0-12V transformer