GEOSPATIALASSESSMENT OF ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN WUSE DISTRICT OF ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Thisthesis demonstrates the value of integrating Geographic Information System (GIS) in the management of electricity distribution facilities to determine a suitable site for the installation of new facilities. With inherent limitations faced by traditional system of keeping and managing information, a Web based Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) model was developed for Wuse district of Abuja. This was achieved by the use of the coordinate point of the electricity distribution facilities, transformers capacity rate, consumers consumed energy, outage reading from feeder for the period of October 2015 to March 2016, voltage and current readings of the study area. Reliability indices was used in calculating the outage period on feeders between the period of 6months to determine the outage faults that are associated with power distribution on the feeders in the district. Ohms law voltage drop formula was used to calculate the current deficits in the district using an approximated distance, proximity and fuzzy overlay analysis was done to determine the suitable location to install a new electricity facilities in the study area. Voltage line graph was produced to show the pattern in line of current, overloaded facility map and suitability location map was also produced to determine the location of voltage deficits. A Web based SDSS was developed to help in proper management of the distribution information for easy access and update. The results obtained shows that if consumers are to receive a reasonable supplied voltage for efficient operation of their appliances the distance of the consumers’ service cable at the farthest end from the transformer should not exceed 300min the distribution network of the district to reduce the drop in voltage. The study reveals also the area that needs attention as regards to installation of new distribution facilities. This research is implemented on a small scale, but is intended to highlight the need for standardization and iii automatic integration of these systems as well as others that are fundamental to the effective management of electricity distribution systems.