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Power overhaul or else, BPPT warns
The Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) warned Friday that a complete power overhaul was needed to prevent worse damage to Jakarta's power transformers which could lead to more extensive and longer blackouts
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he Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) warned Friday that a complete power overhaul was needed to prevent worse damage to Jakarta's power transformers which could lead to more extensive and longer blackouts.
BPTT's senior researcher Hamzah Hilal said currently, most of the transformers had been shouldering more than 90 percent load capacity, exceeding the safe load capacity of 60 percent.
"We recommend that the state electricity company, PLN, examine the condition of all transformers. Transformers with high load capacities will be exposed to high temperatures which can lead to transformer damage," Hamzah said.
The Cawang Baru power station was gutted by fire on Sept. 29, causing a spate of blackout which has continued until today.
Hamzah is a member of a BPPT team set up by the government to investigate the Cawang Baru case.
"In the Cawang Baru power station case, the transformers' load capacity had surpassed 90 percent and they had long been exposed to temperatures of more than 90 degrees Celsius. When a transformer is exposed to more than 80 degrees Celsius for a long time, it is prone to break down," he said.
Hamzah warned that operating transformers at more than 60 percent of their load capacity could endanger the whole city's electricity system. Damage to one transformer could result in a chain reaction of damage to other transformers.
He said given the current condition of the transformers, Jakartans should anticipate more frequent blackouts in the future.
Hamzah added PLN should check the temperature of all parts of its transformers.
"In Cawang Baru case, the bushing part, one of the safety mechanisms, in one transformer was broken, triggering damage to other parts and later igniting the fire.
"Temperature checking of the bushing was not part of PLN's standard operating procedure; usually that particular part was not easily damaged. However, the long exposure to high temperatures caused the part to warp and break," he said.
Nur Pamudji, PLN's general manager of the Java-Bali load control and distribution center, said the transformers were more than able to supply the city's electricity needs.
"To maintain the condition of the transformers, PLN wants to operate them at only 85 percent of their load capacity. However, the transformers are able to operate up to a limit of 100 percent of their load capacity. They can be operated in temperatures of up to 115 degrees Celsius.
"The operational standards we use for the transformers are based on the International Electrotechnical Commission," he said.
Nur said PLN had no other choice than to continuously raise its transformers' load capacities due to the city's increasing demands. Since 2006, PLN has been looking for a Rp 5.6 trillion (US$592 million) loan for the procurement of new transformers. (mrs)
