Electrical Assessment of Bicol University - Legazpi East Campus, Philippines

Abstract

Electricity is a critical component of modern society, powering various processes including academic institutions. Fueled by the necessity of advancement, the Bicol University - Legazpi East Campus has undergone significant infrastructure improvements in the past decade, leading to a higher demand for electricity. This increase in electricity demand, however, has a negative impact on the electrical system reliability within the campus as evident in frequent and unwarranted power interruptions that sometimes happen twice a week. Because of the challenge, this research is conducted to assess and prepare proposed improvements on the electrical distribution system of Bicol University-Legazpi East Campus. The campus covers the College of Engineering, College of Industrial Technology, Institute of Design and Architecture, and the Research Development and Extension Centers. The research consists of three (3) parts: (i) inventory of the existing system; (ii) technical analysis involving short circuit and voltage drop calculations; and (iii) development of an improved distribution system. The inventory of the existing system involves the calculation of current and future electrical loads based on the approved Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) of the campus, as well as the identification of transformers and distribution lines, which are then used to create the Single Line Diagram (SLD) of the campus. A thorough technical analysis is conducted to evaluate the system's compliance with the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC), specifically in terms of short-circuit analysis and voltage drop calculation results. Based on the findings of the first two parts, a proposed new electrical distribution system for the campus is developed and subjected to the same technical analysis (short-circuit and voltage drop calculation) to determine its compliance with the PEC. The analysis revealed that the current electrical distribution system of the campus does not meet PEC requirements for maintaining proper voltage levels in the buildings it serves and cannot effectively support existing and future loads with the existing transformers. As a result, a proposed new distribution system has been developed, which includes several strategically located energy centers (transformer banks) to ensure consistent voltage levels for current and future buildings identified in the CLUP. Extensive technical analysis of the proposed system confirmed that it complies with PEC regulations, ensuring the safety and reliability of the system.