Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study looks at how reliable Haramaya University's electricity distribution system is and offers ways to make it better. The main causes of the current system's severe reliability problems are overload, tree contact, wind, aged poles and equipment, cable failure, and poor maintenance and operation practices. In this study, six cases were simulated using ETAP 19.0.1 software to represent Haramaya University's current and future distribution systems. The reliability indicators of the current system are under Ethiopian standards, according to the results. In Case 5 (underground ring distribution network), the reliability indices improved significantly with shorter interruption durations, less interruptions per customer per year, and an increased availability index. Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) lost an estimated 2,585,743.99 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) in revenue as a result of power outages. In Case 5, Haramaya University (HU) could save 5,762,746.38 ETB annually and the utility could save 2,239,549.9 ETB annually. To increase distribution system reliability, the study recommends converting an overhead radial network to an underground ring network, integrating solar distributed generators, and placing fuses and reclosers in distribution lines. Another way to increase reliability until the underground ring distribution system is finished is to replace outdated equipment and cut trees.
Authors: Abdulaziz Adem, Ramesh Kumar, Wehib Abubeker
Institution: Haramaya University
Language: English
Subfield: Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: Haramaya University
OpenAlex ID: W4408106280