IMPROVING POWER FACTOR IN NIGERIA'S LARGE SCALE INDUSTRIAL HUBS: THE CASE OF THE 330KV TRANS AMADI NETWORK

Abstract

Improving power factor and voltage stability in Nigeria’s large-scale industrial hubs is crucial for maintaining reliable power supply, minimizing energy losses, and reducing operational costs. This study focuses on the 330kV Trans Amadi network, a vital industrial hub, where low power factor and voltage instability have significantly hindered productivity and increased costs. Poor power factor, often caused by high reactive power demands, leads to system inefficiencies, energy losses, and unstable voltage profiles. These challenges, if left unresolved, result in increased downtime, poor power quality, and higher energy costs, which adversely impact industrial operations and Nigeria's economic development. To address these challenges, this study implemented STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator) as the solution to improve the power factor, manage reactive power flow, and stabilize the voltage profile across the network. STATCOM, a Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) device, was strategically introduced into the system, and simulations were carried out using MATLAB to analyze its performance. The quantitative results clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of STATCOM. Power factor improved significantly across all buses, with Bus 2, which initially had the lowest power factor of 0.7273, achieving enhanced performance. Reactive power management showed measurable success, with STATCOM injecting up to 30 MVAR to support system stability. Energy losses were minimized, with Bus 6 witnessing a reduction from 22 MWh to more acceptable levels. Operational savings reached impressive figures, such as ₦1.76 billion for Bus 6, highlighting the financial benefits of STATCOM deployment. Return on Investment (ROI) analysis indicated values exceeding 340%, proving the economic feasibility of the proposed solution. Voltage stability improved as the Voltage Stability Index (VSI) increased, with Bus 5 recording the highest VSI value of 0.94. Furthermore, system reliability improved by up to 15% on key buses, ensuring sustained power delivery and minimal downtimes. These findings emphasize the critical role of STATCOM in addressing Nigeria’s industrial power challenges. As policymakers strive for sustainable energy solutions, the adoption of STATCOM devices across major industrial hubs should be prioritized. This study provides a robust framework for improving power factor, stabilizing voltage, and enhancing overall system efficiency, aligning with Nigeria's energy policies aimed at achieving industrial resilience and economic growth.