Load Assessment/Evaluation of a Three Phase Four Wire Distribution System of a Technical Institution. A Case Study of Kumasi Polytechnic, Ghana.

A power system is subjected to numerous interruptions such as stresses, extension, and aging of system components, which degrade the power system and add harmonic properties to the system which eventually compromise the reliability and stability of the power system. The degradation is primarily of unmonitored changes which have been added to the system. Evaluation of these changes in the system helps in resolving load imbalances which lead to high current unbalances. High current unbalance is a measure of the health of a wye distribution system. Electric load monitoring generates important data that can help to unravel the mystery behind premise usage characteristics in commercial and industrial facilities. The high unbalanced phases in the institution distribution system, has resulted in high values of neutral currents in the system. The average value of neutral current within each cluster is very high. Increase in neutral currents leads to increase in I2R losses, and a decrease in the transformer efficiency. Unbalanced phases can lead intermittent failure of breakers and to fire outbreaks. . Percentage current Unbalance in each cluster has highly exceeded 10 % of acceptable limit. Some loads need to be powered from appropriate phase to ensure balancing.