On the transmission power transformers in Nigeria: Lagos sub region as case study

Abstract

Increasing pressure from both customers and regulators to maintain and enhance service reliability, while at the same time controlling costs has put power utilities on their toes. In view of this, asset management has become an increasingly important aspect of power business strategies such that electricity companies can utilize assets to the fullest while maintaining system reliability. This paper discusses the transformer fleet in the most obvious region of the Nigerian Electricity Industry. 15 years data (1990-2004) on transformer failure was collected and collated for the transformer population of the region. Statistical means was used to express the age distribution of transformer for 10year spread (2007-2017) and identified that about 58.82% of these transformers will exceed the average technical life. It thus, present the need for a proper replacement/refurbishment expenditure profile for transformers over the next 10 years; development of a user friendly condition assessment and prioritization tool for field personnel and management reporting, such that the subsequent failure rate of transformers can be reduced.