Protection Coordination Study for Upgrading Heglig Power Grid in Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Company

In Heglig field in southwest of Sudan the demand on electric power has increased greatly, although with so many challenges like frequent tripping due to natural circumstances and birds, and to serve these demands protection system is necessary to provide stable power supply to the wells according to the requirements. This project contributes significantly to the area of protection in Heglig power system, which is the main field for greater Nile petroleum operating company. The developed techniques will be particularly useful for three phase short circuit, relays coordination, auto-recloser (AR) and sectionlizer coordination, detection of faults in overhead electrical power distribution system. with results include short-circuit current calculations, recommendations for utilization of AR and sectionalizer as well as recommends the required numbers of AR with their optimum locations. Accordingly, with the objective to protect equipment, maximize production (minimize outages and downtime), and maintain ease of operation Some suggestions, based on observations and simulations in this area is proposed at the end of the study.