DEVELOPMENT OF AN IMAGE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM FOR TRANSFORMER SUBSTATIONS

Abstract

Vandalism has been an age-long problem in the power sector of Nigeria. It contributes one of the principal dangers to the expected level of efficiency of all the parties involved in power supply right from the Generation Companies (GENCOs), Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Distribution Companies (DISCOs) respectively. This scourge has brought about huge economic losses for all sectors of the economy. So, this work examined the trend of vandalization of power facilities, cost implications of the materials vandalized and a way of curbing the act of vandalism on power facilities. The data used was obtained from Ogun region of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC). The incidence of vandalism on the power facilities of the region of IBEDC was documented from 2017 to 2019. The data was analyzed to obtain the trend of vandalism and the cost implication of materials vandalized in the region. From the results obtained, it was discovered that the trend of vandalism is unpredictable and that a sum of One hundred and forty-six million seven hundred and twenty-four thousand two hundred and fourteen Naira (₦146,724,214) was lost within the years under consideration. Owing to these problems, an Image Surveillance System was developed. It was divided into two sections namely: Hardware and Software parts. The hardware section was actualized by design calculations and careful selection of modules for the implementation and development of the system. The software section was achieved by Python programming language and Hypertext Pre – processor (PHP) scripting language for the control and coordination of the system. The system detects intrusion into transformer Substations before vandalization takes place and send SMS alerts and email to the person in charge of the substations. The system is also integrated with a surveillance camera so as to vii capture the footage needed for further actions like tracking and prosecution of the criminals. The surveillance system captured good image during the day in the range of 5m and captured image within the range of 0.5m – 1m in the dark. Therefore, an Image Surveillance System will bring about great reduction in power facilities vandalism, improved power supply security, reduced power outage, and improved quality power supply. Finally, human safety is assured.