Investigating Reactive Power Model for Constant Voltage Profile During Multiple Contingencies in Nairobi Load Centers Using Power World Simulation Tool

This paper presents a proposed model for a reactive power distribution network with a constant voltage profile for Nairobi region on a daily basis case study. It began with development of Nairobi network. PowerWorld simulator was used, then results analyzed. The initial findings were meant to discover the problems that caused frequent power outages in Nairobi power distribution. PowerWorld simulator determined the actual values of the system and recorded the status. The study recorded and presented the graphs of the 24-hour time loading conditions. The Naivasha line was discovered to be operating at 100 percent loading hence, making it the weakest branch and a high frequency of power outage. Generators' participation factors revealed that Olkaria II, Kiambere, and Kindaruma respectively are the most important machines in maintaining the network modal stability during the peak loading conditions. The Naivasha line feeding Nairobi North was noted as a section in this network to adopt a reactive power planning strategy. From these findings, PowerWorld simulator was reconfigured based on reactive power compensation. This was done based on problem formulation and new values with 1 pu values generated. This paper in its findings revealed lack of proper design for reactive power making voltages to drop below 1 pu values, hence causing frequent power outages in Nairobi city, in Kenya. The correct values of reactive power required for the design was finally determined in this paper. Future work may employ other simulation tools such as Digsilent to improve on accuracy of results.