Analysis of Electrical Faults Caused by Natural Phenomena in the Distribution System of Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper analysed empirical system data of nature-induced electrical faults, its variation, and ratings in the distribution networks of Lagos State, Nigeria, which affect the power distribution system infrastructure, end-users of electricity, and the economic development of the distribution companies, consumers, and the nation at large. Fault-based outage data (at installed 11 kV and 33 kV nominal network voltages) were obtained and analysed by natural phenomena (NPs) using relative frequency, seasonal variation, and probabilistic statistics. From obtained results, the following were established: NP-induced electrical faults are prevalent in the distribution systems of Lagos State, and it is more towards or closer to the mainland; vegetation (67%) and birds/snakes (24%) are the most predominant fault-causing NPs in the distribution networks; floods (0.1%) rarely cause electrical faults in these distribution networks despite being a coastal region; and NP-induced electrical faults vary periodically throughout the year. It was recommended that existing maintenance policy must be enhanced to control vegetation, birds, and reptile incursions into Lagos DNs. Modern software-based sensor technologies for monitoring vegetation growth and repelling bird/snake incursions in the network should be explored. Existing protection scheme should be evaluated for effectiveness in view of ensuing short circuit events from incidents of these NPs at various hotspots.