FACTS Devices: A new Approach to Power Transmission Control in Nigeria

Increased demand on interconnected power systems, such as Nigeria power system, usually results in increased complexity of the entire power system. More so, as the Nigerian Government is finalizing the eventual deregulation of her electric power industry, the investing companies should be availed with information of the technical benefits derivable from the incorporation of controllable power-electronics-based devices called Flexible Alternating Current Transmission System (FACTS) devices. This paper highlights different types of these devices and also presents some of the derivable benefits as applicable to the Nigerian power system. In addition, the paper discussed the simple incorporation of two of those devices Static Compensator (STATCOM) and the Unified Power Flow Controller (UPFC) into the Nigerian 330kV power transmission system using the power flow results obtained from PowerWorld Simulator 12 (a simulation package). Final results show improvements in voltage stability and increased efficiency of the system. ADENIJI O.A. Dept. Of electrical/Electronics Engineering, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State olusegunadeniji4god@yahoo.com; 08034196347

OMOLOLA S.A. Dept. Of electrical/Electronics Engineering, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State, 08033615047

OLOWOFELA S.S. Dept. Of electrical/Electronics Engineering, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State olowobaba@yahoo.com; 08035810039

MBAMALUIKEM P.O. Dept. Of electrical/Electronics Engineering, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State, 08025829209

TOWARDS A BETTER ENGINEERING PRACTICE IN NIGERIA

There is hardly any country of our admiration that has not been a beneficiary of the ingenuity of its engineers. Engineers are involved in every facet of development art, sport, medicine, general infrastructure (roads, dams, electric power, etc), telecommunication, housing, agriculture, aeronautics, transportation, etc. In Nigeria, however, based on the universality of their roles and how they affect the standard of living of its citizens, it is therefore inevitable to seek ways of always improving on the practice of engineering in the country. This paper identifies four key areas of challenge which include formulating legal and policy framework for engineering practice, creating an enabling environment for engineering development, human resources development in engineering and role of regulatory machinery in Nigeria. In conclusion, the paper suggested ways, for each of the highlighted challenge, aimed at achieving an improved engineering practice in Nigeria.

ADENIJI O.A. Dept. Of electrical/Electronics Engineering, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State olusegunadeniji4god@yahoo.com; 08034196347

OLOWOFELA S.S. Dept. Of electrical/Electronics Engineering, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State olowobaba@yahoo.com; 08035810039