System Frequency Monitoring in the Nigerian Power System

Frequency is one of the most important measures of the state of a power system, especially for structurally weak and rapidly growing power systems. Thus, frequency monitoring is a desirable practice to ensure reliability and provide data for analysis. This paper reports the joint work between Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) to study frequency dynamics of a relative small power system. We describe the Frequency Disturbance Recorder (FDR) implementation experience at ATBU, Bauchi, Nigeria, and present analysis on the digital recordings obtained by the FDR. A proposal for a university-based frequency monitoring network for the Nigerian power system is also presented. Such monitoring system will allow further investigations on the Nigerian system and ultimately enhance the understanding of the dynamics and control of structurally weak and rapidly growing power systems found in many developing countries.