Statistical Analysis of Electrical Component Aging in Group 6 of the Inga 2 Hydroelectric Plant Following Abrupt Shutdowns

André Mampuya Nzita; Léon Mwanda Mizengi; Guy Wanlogo Ndiwulu; Guyh Dituba Ngoma; Clément N’zau Umba-di-Mbudi; Robert Muanda Ngimbi; Edmond Phuku Phuati

doi:10.19184/cerimre.v7i2.51268

André Mampuya Nzita President Joseph Kasa-Vubu University, Polytechnic Faculty, Boma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Regional School of Water (ERE), University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshsasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Léon Mwanda Mizengi Regional School of Water (ERE), University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN), Kinshsasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Direction générale de la Société Nationale d’Electricité, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Guy Wanlogo Ndiwulu Department of Electrical Engineering, Polytechnic Faculty, University of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Guyh Dituba Ngoma University of Quebec in Abitibi-Temiscamingue, School of Enginneering, Rouyn-Noranda, Cana
Clément N’zau Umba-di-Mbudi University of Kinshasa, Faculty of science and technology, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Robert Muanda Ngimbi University of Kinshasa, Faculty of science and technology, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Edmond Phuku Phuati University of Kinshasa, Faculty of science and technology, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

DOI: https://doi.org/10.19184/cerimre.v7i2.51268

Abstract

The Inga 2 hydroelectric power plant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo plays a crucial role in national electricity production and distribution. On January 5, 2016, Unit 3 abruptly shut down, triggering a cascade of shutdowns in other units and disrupting the network frequency. This study aims to analyze the evolution of the stator and rotor winding resistances, as well as the insulation resistance of turbine-generator Unit 6, from its commissioning in 1982 until 2016. The goal is to assess the impact of sudden shutdowns on the aging of its electrical components. Measurements of stator and rotor winding resistances, as well as rotor insulation resistance, were analyzed using R software for statistical analysis. The results of this study will provide recommendations for improving predictive maintenance of Unit 6 and other units in the Inga 2 power plant. Ultimately, the study seeks to enhance understanding of the effects of abrupt stoppages on the aging process of electrical components, thereby ensuring the long-term reliability of the Inga 2 hydroelectric power plant.
Keywords: Inga 2 hydroelectric power plant, turbine-generator group 6, stator and rotor winding resistances, predictive maintenance.