BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Course No. : EEE 306

Course Title : Power System I Laboratory Section: B1

Experiment No. : 05
Name of the Experiment : Study of BUET Power Plant and Sub-stations
Group No. : 04

Submitted to:
1. Dr. Md Nasim Ahmed Dewan
Professor, Dept of EEE, BUET
2. Md. Fatin Ishraq Faruqui
Lecturer (PT), Dept of EEE, BUET

Submitted by:
1. Md. Nakib - 2006091
2. Md. Samiul Hossen Ranjy - 2006092
3. Dipto Archishman Saha - 2006093
4. Nafiul Hasan - 2006094
5. Md. Tanvirul Islam - 2006095
6. Md. Mostafizur Rahman - 2006096
7. Rony Ghosh - 2006097
8. Nahian Tasnim - 2006098

Date of Performance : 20/12/2023

Date of Submission : 17/01/2024
Table of Contents
Objective.................................................................................................................................................4
Introduction............................................................................................................................................4
Visited Places.......................................................................................................................................4
Schematic Layout of BUET Power Plant............................................................................................5
Outline of BUET Power Plant.............................................................................................................6
Generator Room....................................................................................................................................8
Gas Supply and Cooling......................................................................................................................10
Cooling System.....................................................................................................................................12
Control Panel........................................................................................................................................15
Feeder Switchgear................................................................................................................................17
Substations............................................................................................................................................19
Sub-station behind BUET Power Plant.............................................................................................20
Dr. M. A. Rashid Hall Sub-Station....................................................................................................22
Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall Sub-Station..................................................................................................24
BUET Main Campus Sub-Station......................................................................................................26
Report Question – 2.............................................................................................................................28
Report Question – 3.............................................................................................................................31
Report Question – 4.............................................................................................................................32
Discussion.............................................................................................................................................35

2|Study of BUET Power Plant and Sub-stations

Table of Figures

Figure 1: Schematic Diagram of BUET Power Plant..............................................................................5

Figure 2: Floor Plan of BUET Power Plant.............................................................................................7
Figure 3: Natural Gas Driven Generator..................................................................................................8
Figure 4: V20 Engine...............................................................................................................................9
Figure 5: Mitsubishi MGS1000B Diesel Generator................................................................................9
Figure 6: Caterpillar 2 MW generator nameplate..................................................................................10
Figure 7: Caterpillar 1 MW generator nameplate..................................................................................10
Figure 8: Gas Supplied from Titas Gas................................................................................................11
Figure 9: Gas supply outside the generator room (Yellow pipe)...........................................................11
Figure 10: Pressure Control gauge.........................................................................................................11
Figure 11:Radiators on rooftop..............................................................................................................12
Figure 12: Radiator on the upper side....................................................................................................12
Figure 13: Radiators on the bottom side................................................................................................13
Figure 14: Hot water carrier from IC Engine to radiator.......................................................................13
Figure 15: Cold water carrier from radiator to IC Engine.....................................................................13
Figure 16: Red and green pipes are for after cooling............................................................................14
Figure 17: Exhaust pipe entering the sealing chamber (left), and its opening (right)...........................15
Figure 18: Generator 1 Control Panel....................................................................................................15
Figure 19: Generator 3 Control Panel....................................................................................................15
Figure 20: Main Bus-bar where 3 Generators are paralleled.................................................................16
Figure 21: Radiator Control Panel Inside..............................................................................................17
Figure 22: Radiator Control Panel Inside..............................................................................................17
Figure 23: Diesel Generator Control Panel............................................................................................17
Figure 24: Feeder Switchgears (1 to 5)..................................................................................................18
Figure 25: Three 11kV/400V Transformers behind the BUET Power Plan..........................................20
Figure 26: Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS).......................................................................................21
Figure 27: LT Switchgear.....................................................................................................................21
Figure 28: Nameplate of the sub-station near Dr. M. A. Rashid Hall...................................................22
Figure 29: RMU of Dr. M. A. Rashid Hall Sub-Station........................................................................23
Figure 30: Transformers in Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall Sub-Station..........................................................24
Figure 31: ATS Panel of Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall Sub-Station..............................................................25
Figure 32: Entrance to the BUET Main Campus Sub-Station...............................................................26
Figure 33: Power Generation vs. Time graph........................................................................................29
Figure 34: Ring Main Unit configuration..............................................................................................32
Figure 35: RMU at BUET.....................................................................................................................33
Figure 36: Diagram of RMU(BUET)....................................................................................................34
Figure 37: RMU with feeders during fault (Left) and with earth switch (Right)..................................34

Objective:

3|Study of BUET Power Plant and Sub-stations

 1. Exposure to a realistic small power plant and 11 kV substations.
2. Development of a thorough idea about various parts of power plant and substations.
3. Observation of Generator Room, Control Panel and relevant components of Power
Plant.
4. Observation of Transformer, Breaker, ATS, LT switchgear, PFI plant and other
elements of Substations.

Introduction:

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) is the only university to have
its own power plant. BUET has a power plant of 5.8 MW generation ability along with
distribution network and sub-stations to meet its electrical demand. The power plant is
situated at West Palashi Campus at the opposite side of ECE Building. It uses natural gas and
diesel as its primary source of energy. The power plant supplies electricity to four sub-
stations located at four different locations through underground cables at 400 V, which is the
system voltage. The sub-stations are used to supply power to the Main Campus of BUET,
West Palashi Campus, Residential Halls, Residential Quarters and Palashi Market to meet the
full electrical demand.
The peak demand of power at BUET is approximately 2.5 MW during summer. The power
demand remains high from early morning to midnight (6 AM to 12 PM), during this time the
electrical energy is received from the power plant. From midnight to early morning, electrical
energy is taken from Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDCL) since the
running of generators at reduced load is not so efficient. The changeover is done
automatically by Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) located at each sub-station.

Visited Places:

1. BUET Power Plant, West Palashi Campus, BUET.

2. Sub-station behind BUET Power Plant at West Palashi.
3. Sub-station adjacent to Dr. M.A. Rashid Hall.
4. Sub-station adjacent to Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall.
5. Sub-station at BUET Main Campus.

4|Study of BUET Power Plant and Sub-stations

Schematic Layout of BUET Power Plant:

Figure 1: Schematic Diagram of BUET Power Plant

5|Study of BUET Power Plant and Sub-stations

Outline of BUET Power Plant:

Currently, the BUET power plant consists of four synchronous generators, of which three are
run on natural gas and one is run on diesel fuel. The generators are basically IC (Internal
Combustion) engines running on fuel. They are designed in such a way that the terminal
voltage produced is 400 V. Thus, no step-down transformer is needed to bring the voltage
down to load voltage. The generators of BUET power plant are:

1. Mitsubishi MGS1000B:
Installation - 2003, Capacity - 800 kW, Fuel - Diesel
2. Caterpillar G-3516:
Installation - 2003, Capacity - 1030 kW, Fuel – Natural gas
3. Caterpillar G-3520:
Installation - 2008, Capacity - 1950 kW, Fuel – Natural gas
4. Caterpillar G-3520C:
Installation - 2017, Capacity - 1972 kW, Fuel – Natural gas

Since diesel is expensive, the diesel generator is kept off for most of the time and whole
power demand can be fulfilled by the generators running on natural gas. As IC engines are
used as prime mover of the generators, a lot of energy is wasted as thermal energy. Thus, the
efficiency of the generators is limited to 30-40%. To absorb the excess heat and to prevent
overheating of generators, a cooling system is present on the roof of the power plant building.
The gas needed to run the three IC engines comes to the engines from three different lines.
Lubrication is required to reduce the friction and protection of mechanical parts of the engine.
Besides, starters are needed to run the generators at the beginning as motor to initiate the
engines. For starter circuits, 24 V DC Lead Acid Batteries are used. Moreover, blowers are
present to get rid of the exhaust gases generated in IC engines.

Besides its own generators, BUET power plant also has arrangements to take power from
DPDC lines. The voltage supply from DPDC is 11 kV. Step-down transformer is required to
get the voltage down from 11 kV to 400 V. These transformers are present in the substations
for converting the voltage levels according to need. Two 11 kV underground lines from
DPDC deliver power to BUET. One line comes from Azimpur substation (DPDC) to Dr.
M.A. Rashid Hall substation (BUET), another line is from Dhanmondi substation (DPDC)
via Dhaka University to BUET Main Campus substation (BUET). Three of the four
substations take these supplies from DPDC through an RMU (Ring Main Unit). Since power
is coming from two different sources, an ATS (Auto Transfer Switch) is connected to the
main bus connecting the generators of the power plant on one side. On the other side, it is
connected to the transformer stepping down the DPDC line voltage. The power distribution is
being monitored by DPDC.

Control panel is present in the control room of the power plant to handle the generators. Each
generator is connected to a common bus via control panel and the common bus is then

6|Study of BUET Power Plant and Sub-stations

connected to the ATS (Auto Transfer Switches) located at the substations. The DPDC line
(high-tension) is connected to the transformers through RMU (Ring Main Unit). Each RMU
has an HT Meter which measures the power supplied by the DPDC lines to calculate the
monthly electricity cost. For emergency shut-down, there is an HT Switchgear with Vacuum
Circuit Breaker (VCB). At low-tension side, an LT Switchgear is connected along with Air
Circuit Breaker (ACB). Power Factor Improvement (PFI) plant is connected to the LT
Switchgear.

Figure 2: Floor Plan of BUET Power Plant

7|Study of BUET Power Plant and Sub-stations

Generator Room

While visiting generator room, 4 generators were observed. Among them, two generators are
rated at 2 MW power, one is rated at 1 MW power and these 2 MW and 1 MW generators are
generating power by the use of natural gas and the last one is kept at a separate room which is
actually a diesel generator with a rating power of 800 kW. All the generators are using IC
(internal combustion) engines for power generations.

A meticulous comparison between diesel and gas engine is shown below:

Gas Engine Diesel Engine

1. As natural gas is less costly than diesel, 1. Expensive in compare with gas engine.
that’s why per unit cost of gas engine
generator is less than diesel engine.
2 .Low thermal efficiency 2. High thermal efficiency
3. It takes time to start 3. It can be started quickly

Though diesel engine is more efficient than gas engine, it is kept off maximum time due to its
high operating cost.

Natural gas driven generators:

In this room there are three generators and each engine has two parts.
1.Alternator: It is a three phase, 4-pole synchronous generator with a wye connected output
voltage of 415 V and operating at 50 Hz frequency. The operating speed is 1500 rpm.
2. Engine: The prime mover of each generator is connected to an engine. The 2 MW
generators are connected with V20 engine and 1 MW generator is connected with V16
engine.

8|Study of BUET Power Plant and Sub-stations

 Figure 3: Natural Gas Driven Generator

Figure 4: V20 Engine

Diesel driven generator:

As its rating is 800KW, no water cooling is needed because of its low capacity. This whole
generator is portable and its maintenance cost is also reasonable. It has also two parts like gas
generators but here V12 engine is used.

Figure 5: Mitsubishi MGS1000B Diesel Generator

9|Study of BUET Power Plant and Sub-stations

A comparison among the specifications of the generators has been shown below:

Figure 7: Caterpillar 1 MW generator

Figure 6: Caterpillar 2 MW generator nameplate nameplate

Overview of Nameplate Specifications:

2MW Generator 2MW

Generator 1MW Generator Diesel Generator
(1) Generator (2)

Caterpillar G- Caterpillar G- Caterpillar G- Mitsubishi

Engine Model
3520C 3520 3516 MGS1000B

KVA rating 2465 2437 1288 1000

KW rating 1972 1950 1030 800

Power factor 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8

Insulation Class H Class H Class F Class H

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Gas Supply and Cooling

Gas Supply:
The natural gas generators receive natural gas supply from Titas Gas Transmission and
Distribution Company Limited (TGTDCL) as primary energy source.
Gas supplied form Titas Gas is not directly used since the pressure is much higher than
required. From 33 psi supply, its pressure is gradually decreased to 2 psi in three steps. Filters
are used in this conversion to improve purity of gas.

Figure 8: Gas Supplied from Titas Gas

Gas Supply Line:

Gas supply is brought to BUET from Azimpur through yellow pipes.

Figure 9: Gas supply outside the generator room (Yellow pipe)

Pressure Control:
Pressure is stepped down to 2 psi from 33 psi in 3 steps in these pressure control gauge.

Figure 10: Pressure Control gauge

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Cooling System:
There are two types of cooling system present in an IC Engine based generator. One is for IC
Engine cooling and another one is for alternator cooling. Since IC Engine is less efficient
(nearly 40% efficiency), it produces more heat. To prevent melt down of constituent part, it
requires most efficient technique to transfer heat. Hence, dedicated cooling system is
required. Water cooling system is used for cooling the Engine. On the other hand, alternator
is much more efficient than an IC Engine. Hence, air cooling suffices.

The two types of cooling system of generator are –

i. Water Cooling
ii. Air Cooling

Water Cooling:
Water cooling method is used for cooling IC Engine.

Radiator:
At rooftop, there are 3 cooling towers (radiator units) for 3 generators. Each radiator unit
contains 8 – 10 fans both in upper side and lower side.

Figure 11:Radiators on rooftop

Figure 12: Radiator on the upper side

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 Figure 13: Radiators on the bottom side

Jacket Water Circuit:

It is a closed system and the jacket water flows among the heated part. Demineralized water
is used so that scale is not formed within the pipe. Jacket water flows through all parts of
engine, specifically along the wall of the cylinder, since cylinder faces continuous
combustion. The system keeps the body temperature within optimum range of operation and
prevent engine chassis meltdown or physical bumps. Jacket water temperatures are around 87
– 95 degrees Celsius.
Types of pipes used: Thick pipes are used since engine requires to transfer a large amount of
heat within a short period of time.
Red pipe: Hot water, Blue pipe: Cold water

Figure 14: Hot water carrier from IC Engine Figure 15: Cold water carrier from radiator to
to radiator IC Engine

Aftercooler:

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Another cooling method is used to increase generator efficiency, and that is aftercooling
method. To increase output power, total area within P-V curve or T-S curve has to be
increased. Lowering air-fuel mixture temperature will increase total are, hence, improve
overall efficiency. Water is cooled to 35-56 degree Celsius.

Types of pipes: Thin pipes are used since aftercooling does not require high amount of heat
transfer rate.
Hot water: Red pipe
Cold water: Green pipe

Figure 16: Red and green pipes are for after cooling

Control Panel:
Water cooling system has a dedicated cooling system since it requires delicate control over
engine temperature.

Air Cooling:
Alternator has higher efficiency compared to IC Engine. Hence, it does not require water
cooling system, rather, air cooling system suffices.
In generator room, there are three generators, one 1 MW and other two are 2 MW each.
Since, power loss is not that much high in 1 MW alternator, using a fan does the work. But in
case of 2 MW generators, blower is used. Blower forcefully provides cool air and takes out
hot air outside through a silver color pipe.

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 Figure 17: Exhaust pipe entering the sealing chamber (left), and its opening (right)

Control Panel

The control room houses the critical control components for the power plant's gas generators,
encompassing functionalities for generation, cooling, and distribution. Each generator has
dedicated control units, with three units managing the 3 gas generators and two identical units
for the 2 MW generators. The 1 MW generator utilizes an older, analog-based control unit
distinct from the newer digital systems.

Figure 18: Generator 1 Control Panel

Figure 19: Generator 3 Control Panel

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A central busbar connects the outputs of all three gas generators within the control room.
Each of the 2MW generators employs two control panels, while the 1MW generator uses a
single panel. These panels act as the "brain" of the generator, monitoring and regulating
crucial mechanical and electrical parameters like fuel inflow, air flow, exhaust flow,
temperatures, and power generation. Additionally, each panel includes a main breaker for
emergency disconnection from the power system.\

Further dissecting the panels, they reveal two distinct sections: one dedicated to generator
monitoring (manufactured by Terberg Control Systems) and another controlling the cooling
tower operation. The monitoring section features a digital display for visualization and user
interaction, while the cooling section manages water flow and fan operation.

Figure 20: Main Bus-bar where 3 Generators are paralleled

The 1MW generator stands apart due to its older analog gauges that display bus voltage,
current, power factor, power supplied, generator voltage and frequency, and bus frequency.
Unlike the 2MW generators with push-on/push-off circuit breaker connections, the 1MW
utilizes a sliding mechanism for busbar connection/disconnection. This distinct operation
applies to the other two 2MW generators as well. Overall, the control room houses and
facilitates centralized control for three generators via a shared common bus.

On the other hand, the ‘cooling control’ maintains the flow of cooling water, speed of
radiator fans and various functions of the radiator situated on the rooftop. The control of the
cooling system is usually automatic, but it can also be controlled manually when necessary.

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 Figure 21: Radiator Control Panel Inside Figure 22: Radiator Control Panel Inside

In case of the diesel generator, encased within the housing resides a compact control panel
dedicated to the diesel generator. Notably, only the circuit breaker, responsible for connecting
to the shared busbar, is situated externally. Internal to the housing, a fan ensures adequate
airflow, drawing cool air through a dedicated ventilation system and expelling heated air via
a dedicated duct. Importantly, the exhaust pipe positioned above the housing solely serves the
purpose of expelling engine exhaust fumes, separate from the general cooling system.

Figure 23: Diesel Generator Control Panel

Feeder Switchgear
The BUET power plant's integration with the Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited
(DPDCL) grid is facilitated by nine ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch) units distributed
across four substations. Each ATS unit autonomously manages the power flow direction
between BUET and DPDCL, ensuring uninterrupted supply. These ATS units connect to the
main busbar through dedicated switchgear and underground cables. Nine switches within the
switchgear enable monitoring of voltage and current consumption in each power section.

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When any switch disconnects from the common bus, the corresponding ATS unit
automatically reconnects it to the DPDCL grid, prioritizing grid stability.

Switchgear Substation
1 Nazrul Islam Hall (new)
2 Main Substation 1
3 M.A Rashid Hall
4 Nazrul Islam hall (old)
5 Main Substation 2
6 ECE Building

7,8,9 ECE Building

Figure 24: Feeder Switchgears (1 to 5)

Notably, only five out of the nine feeders have functional displays, limiting real-time
monitoring capabilities.

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Substations

Substations are a precise system in the total power system that helps to increase voltage from
high to low or vice versa in accordance with the need. It is one of the most important parts of
the power generation, transmission and distribution system. This is needed so that electricity
can be transmitted throughout the country and into our homes, businesses and buildings
properly.

Power is generated at a very high voltage. In Bangladesh, electricity is generated at 50 Hz

frequency and at a nominal voltage of 11 kV or 15 kV. Regular devices we use in our day-to-
day lives cannot be used at such high voltages. Again, if the voltage is low, the current
remains high. As a result, we increase the voltage during transmission since it decreases the
amount of current, resulting in less transmission line loss. On the contrary, sometimes we
need to lower the voltage. Based on the need, we can classify them into two types of sub-
stations: transmission sub-stations and distribution sub-stations.

There are four sub-stations in BUET to run our works smoothly. The locations of the sub-
stations are –
1. Behind BUET Power Plant at West Palashi
2. Behind Dr. M. A. Rashid Hall
3. Beside Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall
4. BUET Main Campus, Opposite to Old Academic Building (OAB)

All the sub-stations share some common equipments including –

1. Metering Unit maintained by DPDC (Dhaka Power Distribution Company)
2. HT Switchgears containing Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) at the HT side of each
transformer
3. 110kV/400V step down transformers
4. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
5. LT Switchgears having incoming and outgoing circuit breakers
6. PFI Plant
7. Incoming and Outgoing Feeders
8. HT and LT Panel
9. Protective relays
10. Metering instruments (CT, PT)
11. Ring Main Unit (RMU)

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Sub-station behind BUET Power Plant:

1. Transformers:

The sub-station is equipped with three transformers with a rating of 800 kVA. They all are
rated at 11kV/400V. The transformers handle 2.4 MVA of total power. The control panels of
these transformers are kept in a building beside them. Four wires connect the HT side of the
transformers (11 kV) to the HT breaker – three wires for each phase and one for neutral. The
LT side of the transformers (400V) is connected to the ATS.

Figure 25: Three 11kV/400V Transformers behind the BUET Power Plan
2. HT Meter:
This meter measures the power drawn from the DPDC line. BUET is billed by DPDC
according to its reading. From the HT meter, three lines go to the HT breakers.

3. HT Switchgears:
This is also known as the Vacuum Circuit Breakers. This switchgear is connected to the HT
sides of the transformers.

4. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS):

An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is a device that automatically transfers a power supply
from its primary source to a backup source. It can ensure that electrical power is delivered
continuously from one of two power sources to a connected load circuit. It serves as an
intermediary between the device and power supply.

Each load in the sub-station has two input lines. One is from the LT side of the transformer
(DPDC supply line), and the other is from the corresponding feeder switchgear in the main
power plant. The output is connected to the LT breaker panel. These three equipment are
arranged from top to bottom in the ATS. All of them are set to 400V. It functions as an SPDT
switch, automatically switching between the DPDC supply and the BUET main power
supply.

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 Figure 26: Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)

5. LT Switchgear:

LT Swithgear provides short-circuit and overload protection via low-voltage power circuit
breakers with integral trip units.

The sub-station has three LT switchgears. Each of the panels takes supply from the ATS unit
and supplies to several feeders. Each feeding line is connected to a small breaker. The main
power plant sub-station mainly feeds the ECE Building.

Figure 27: LT Switchgear

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6. Ring Main Unit (RMU):

A typical Ring Main Unit (RMU) is medium voltage switchgear used in power system. They
provide continuous power with the added ability to switch power sources in the event that an
emergency or repair happens.

If there are multiple supply lines, RMU is required in a sub-station. Since this sub-station
located at the BUET main power plant have only one connection from DPDC, no RMU is set
up here.

7. PFI Plant:

The PFI plant helps to improve and boost the power factor. It is made up of capacitors and
other magnetic units. Being linked to one of the LT switchgear panel’s breaker, it provides
necessary reactive powers to the loads and thus improves the power factor.

Dr. M. A. Rashid Hall Sub-Station

It is located just beside Dr. M. A. Rashid Hall. It can be determined the nameplate and signs
on it.

Figure 28: Nameplate of the sub-station near Dr. M. A. Rashid Hall

Since it’s connected from two sides, it takes DPDC supply from both lines. One line directly
comes from the Azimpur DPDC grid (11kV). The other line comes from Surja Sen Hall of
Dhaka University through BUET Main Campus sub-station and Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall sub-
station. A brief description of the sub-station is given below.

1. Ring Main Unit (RMU):

The RMU is controlled by DPDC in such a way that the RMU connects the two sources and
selects one or both if necessary. BUET authority has no control over it. The RMU is locked
in a cabinet accessible only to DPDC. It helps to prevent fault current and short circuit.

22 | S t u d y o f B U E T P o w e r P l a n t a n d S u b - s t a t i o n s
 Figure 29: RMU of Dr. M. A. Rashid Hall Sub-Station

2. Transformer:

This sub-station has one three-phase transformer rated 11kV/400V, 2000 kVA. The HT side
is connected to a HT breaker. The low voltage output of 400V is sent to ATS unit.

3. HT meter:

The 11kV output from the RMU goes to the single HT Meter which is enclosed in a room not
accessible publicly. It measures power consumption and calculates power bill managed by
DPDC.

4. HT Breaker:

There is one HT breaker. It connects the HT meter and the high voltage side of the
transformer.

5. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS):

The single ATS unit takes DPDC line input from the LT side of the transformer and BUET
power plant input from the common bus. The output is then connected to the LT breaker
panel. All of them are rated at 400 V.

6. LT Breaker Panel:

The single LT breaker panel takes 400V input from the ATS output through a main breaker.
It has a number of small breaker units, each one supplying a single line of Rashid Hall
residential area and other loads. One breaker is connected to the PFI plant.

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7. PFI Plant:

There was one PFI Plant for one transformer. The PFI plant has many capacitors (8 in total)
inside, and each one has a magnetic contactor for switching, which are in turn connected to a
common bus that connects the PFI to the LT breaker unit.

Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall Sub-Station

This substation also takes two supplies from DPDC- one coming from Dhaka University line
through the main campus substation and the other one coming from the Azimpur line through
M. A. Rashid Hall substation. Description of different components is given below:

1. Ring Main Unit (RMU):

As there are two supply lines from DPDC, the substation requires an RMU operating at 11
kV. The RMU is controlled by DPDC only accessible to them
2. Transformers:

This substation has two transformers- one rated at 11 kV/400 V, 500 kVA & the other at 11
kV/400 V, 750 kVA. The transformers take 11 kV DPDC supply via the HT breakers & steps
it down to 400 V. The HT side output line is connected to an energy meter, and then the
meter is connected to two vacuum circuit breakers. The LT side of the XFR then goes to the
ATS, where another line from the generator connects as input. The LT side connection is
controlled by DPDC.

Figure 30: Transformers in Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall Sub-Station

24 | S t u d y o f B U E T P o w e r P l a n t a n d S u b - s t a t i o n s
3. HT Meter:

A single HT Meter operating at 11 kV takes supply from RMU and measures output power.

4. HT Breaker:

The output of the HT meter is split into two, and one goes to each HT breaker, operating at
11 kV, for each transformer. The breakers are then connected to the HT side of the
transformers.

5. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS):

There are two ATS panels. One of them is the same as the ATS panels in the other
substations. The other one for the relatively newer transformer is a new model with a slightly
different display. Supplies are taken from the transformer LT sides (DPDCL line) and the
respective feeder switchgears from the main power plant. The ATSs are set up in such a way
that they never take input from the two supplies at the same time. The output of the ATS
units goes to the LT switch gears as usual.

Figure 31: ATS Panel of Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall Sub-Station

6. LT Switchgear:

Each unit has one main breaker connected to a bus, which in turn is connected to an ATS
unit. There are three small breakers on the output side: one for the PFI unit, one for Shaheed
Smrity Hall (not working right now), and one that supplies power to Nazrul Hall and
surrounding areas.

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7. PFI Plant:

There are 2 PFI Plants- one for each LT switch gear. PFI plant has several capacitors and
magnetic contacts with them to supply reactive power and improve pf.

BUET Main Campus Sub-Station:

The fourth and last substation is in front of the auto-shop near the Old Academic Building
(OAB) inside the BUET main campus.

Figure 32: Entrance to the BUET Main Campus Sub-Station

It takes two DPDCL supply line- one directly from Dhaka University, another one from the
Azimpur substation comes via MA Rashid Hall substation and Kazi Nazrul Islam Hall
substation. There are several mini buildings & structures for the transformers of this
substation. Different Components of this substation are described below:

1. RMU:

As there are two supply lines from DPDC, a RMU unit is required. 4 parts are for the three
phases and one for the neutral phase.

2. Transformers:

This substation has four transformers- one rated at 2000 kVA, two rated at 750 kVA, the
other one rated at 500 kVA. The first three of them are used to supply power inside the
BUET campus. The additional transformer is dedicated to the Glass and Ceramics
Engineering Department of BUET.

3. HT Meter:

All the other substations had one single meter irrespective of the number of XFRs. But in this
substation, the number of meters is equal to the number of XFRs because here, the line splits
before metering. Inside the SS control room, there are three HT meters for the three

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transformers that are part of BUET’s own power network. Each of these is then connected to
an HT breaker unit.

4. HT Breaker:

Three HT Breakers are connected to the HT side of the transformer at 11 kV.

5. Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS):

For the three transformers, there are three ATS which work exactly as described before.

6. LT Switchgear:

There is total three units of LT switchgears- one for each three transformers.

7. PFI Plants:

There are three PFI plants in this substation. For each LT switchgear, there is a PFI plant with
several capacitors and magnetic contacts with them to supply reactive power and improve pf.

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Report Question – 2

The power generation of two years from the given log sheets are shown below:

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A graph is plotted using the total power generated at different substations at different hours of
a day:

Power Generation At BUET Power Plant

1 March 2020
1 March 2021
1400

1200

1000
Power Generation (kW)

800

600

400

200

0
8:00 9:00 10:0011:0012:0013:0014:0015:0016:0017:0018:0019:0020:0021:0022:0023:00 0:00

Time (in Hours)

Figure 33: Power Generation vs. Time graph

Explanation Of The Graph:

Here the green graph portrays the power generated at different hours on 1 st March 2020 while
the blue line represents the power generated on 1st March 2021. From an analytical point of
view, it is observed that before 11:00 am, the power generated in 2021 is less than that of
2020; the difference is significant for 9 am but not much for 10 am. However, after 10 am, it
is seen that the power generated in 2021 is significantly greater than that of 2020. This
situation continues up to 5 pm. After 5 pm, there is no data available for 2020 but the data
from 2021 shows that power generation increased slightly at 7 pm but then a decreasing trend
continued up to 12 am.
In 2020, offline classes were going on in full swing in the morning, so there was power
generation at that time, hence the recording of power generation starting from 8 am. Between
11 am and 4 pm, classes and labs continue together, so more power was generated. However,
after 5 pm, there is no data for power generation, so presumably after 5 pm, power was taken
from DPDC substations.

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On the other hand, in 2021, there were no offline class due to lockdown, and naturally power
generation in the morning is seen to decrease significantly. However, other activities
continued normally, especially offices in BUET and the adjacent market continued to operate.
Moreover, some departments of BUET were being unable to provide enough facilities to
teachers for taking online classes from home, so some teachers came regularly at BUET.
Videos for sessional classes were made by staying here. Also, the halls were partially
illuminated at night. All these have contributed to an increase in power generation.

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Report Question – 3

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Report Question – 4

A ring main unit (RMU) is a set of metal-enclosed switchgear that is factory-assembled and
present at the load connection points of a ring-type distribution network. It is part of an
electrical power distribution system. It has various types of switches that are used for various
tasks. For instance, some switches connect to a load, others feed a distribution transformer,
and so on. Complete means that all of the necessary protection, switching, and metering
devices have been put together.
A transformer (HT meters for BUET power distribution network) can be connected to one
end of the RMU and two or more main conductors can be connected to the other end.
Because it has breaker units, the load side can be connected to more than one power supply.
The controlling of which power supply is active can be done manually or automatically. They
can put the unit box inside or outside, and they use Ring Main Cables to connect it to feeders
and distribution transformers.

Figure 34: Ring Main Unit configuration

Figure 35: RMU at BUET

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Ring Main Unit Component:

1. Circuit Breaker: The circuit breaker is a critical component that cuts off the electrical
current in the event of a fault or overload. Protecting the network from harm and making sure
the equipment is safe are its job.
2. Load Break Switch: This switch enables the circuit to be manually opened or closed
under normal operating conditions. It is especially useful for isolating portions of the network
for maintenance.
3. Earthing Switch: The earthing switch is used to ground the equipment for safety during
maintenance or when the RMU is not in operation.
4. Busbars: Busbars are conductive elements that disperse electrical power to multiple
interconnected devices within the RMU. They have a vital function in guaranteeing a
dependable transmission of electricity..
5. Voltage Sensors: The sensors are responsible for monitoring the voltage levels in the
RMU and supplying crucial data for control and protection functions.
6. Current Transformers (CTs) and Voltage Transformers (VTs): CTs and VTs are
utilized for the purpose of measuring electrical current and voltage within a given system.
These devices generate signals that are crucial for both protection and metering functions.
7. Control and Protection Devices: The RMU's operation can be monitored and controlled
by various devices, such as relays and controllers. If the electrical distribution system is to
remain dependable and safe, they must be present.
8. Enclosure: Enclosure in a metal casing safeguards the entire unit from external elements,
guaranteeing its dependability and safety.
9. Insulation Medium: Insulating gas, like sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), is typically used to fill
the RMU. This helps to prevent electrical arcs and improves insulation.

Ring Main Unit Functions:

1.Circuit Control: It manages the system's entire circuit and switches functions as needed.
For example, if BUET requires power from DPDC, the circuit will be connected to either the
Dhanmondi or Azimpur substations, depending on availability and other factors. If BUET
decides to use power from its own plant, the DPDC lines are turned off.
2.Isolation: It separates the faulty equipment from the remainder of the circuit. An isolator
connects a circuit to the correct power supply at the appropriate time.
3.Protection: RMU protects the electrical circuit from overloads, short circuits, and earth
faults. The breaker effectively prevents faulty current from reaching the transformer.

Ring Main Unit Connection:

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 Figure 36: Diagram of RMU(BUET)

Operation During Fault:

If there is a problem on the feeder 1 side, the relay will send a trip signal to the load side
circuit breaker, which will open first and disconnect the isolators. Isolator 2 is connected and
the breaker is closed to power the load. The earth switch keeps things from going wrong.

Figure 37: RMU with feeders during fault (Left) and with earth switch (Right)

Ring Main Unit Advantage:

1. Reduce maintenance and spare parts: Relays have self-testing capabilities,
eliminating the need for maintenance. Simple test equipment is sufficient for checking
protective circuits.
2. Saves time and money: It is simple to install, reducing installation and operation
time. Maintenance costs are low.
3. Resilient against Faults: Resistant to phase-to-phase faults, overloads, and low-
intensity ground current.

Discussion:

Electrical power systems are an important part of a country's structure. Electrification is very
important to modern society. That's why it's so important to make sure there is clean, constant

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electricity. Nationwide, there are many power plants and substations. is one of This is the
BUET power plant, a small facility for generation in the area. The BUET power plant can
meet the entire university's electricity needs. Furthermore, this gives BUET an advantage
when there is a power outage nearby. In these situations, the BUET power plant can make
enough electricity to keep the campus running smoothly. Viewing a power plant and
observing how the various parts of the power system work together is a satisfying activity.
Our understanding of the power system has grown as a result of our ongoing research into the
generation and distribution systems, as well as system design, system protection, and cooling
techniques. DPDC substations can be used to provide extra power, though. Operating and
maintaining a power plant, no matter how big or small, costs a lot of money.

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