Electrical Power Transformer Damage on the Power Grid in Benin: Causes, Consequences and Solution Approaches

Abstract

The transformer exploits the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction of wound conductors. One of its important properties is that it can act as an impedance matcher. Faults on the electrical network often affect the grounding resistances of power transformers and eventually damage them. Benin's electricity network, like those of other countries in the world, is frequently tested by electrical transformer damage. Through this work, from the static data obtained from the SBEE (Beninese Electric Energy Company), the state of the transformers installed on the electricity network, from 2016 to 2022, is realized. The analysis of their different operating conditions and their installation and protection methods has made it possible to identify the main causes of their damage. Their consequences on the transport and distribution of electrical energy in Benin are highlighted. It appears from this work that most of the faults are due to overvoltage due to discharges, overloads and short circuits. The poles most affected are those on poles (H61) followed by those on frames. Finally, a series of recommendations are proposed to minimize the number of defective transformers.