Development of Improved Institutional Distribution Network System for Seamless Energy Integration in Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria

In recent years, Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) Nigeria has seen a quantum increase in number of schools with the establishment of SLIT, SCIT, SESET and Medical school. This has resulted in construction of new buildings with consequential increase in electricity demand which cannot be adequately provided for by existing distribution network of FUTO. The school management in its effort to increase power generation has gotten the support of Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria and its Alumni Association to provide large scale solar – based renewable energy and new 132/33kV substation respectively. With this expected increased generation, there is dire – need to provide improved distribution network that will accommodate the new energy intake. In this work, a new network is designed. Presently, FUTO has an 11/33kV substation at Bakassi from where power is distributed to various departments and units. The designed systems power flow equations were modelled using modified Gauss – Seidal method and thereafter simulated using ETAP software. Result showed that the peak load period in the University is between 1400 – 1600 hours. During rainy season, hydro from Otamiri river inside FUTO serving as a micro – dam proves to be preferred source. The hostel which accounts for over 22.5% of the load is recommended for the use of diesel generator at night if the utility is not available. This ensures that the battery storage system recommended for security lights around the university lasts longer.