Analysis of Energy Usage Pattern of a Nigerian University Digital Resource Center (DRC):

FUTA DRC as a Case Study

Abstract

The existing facilities at Digital resource centre (DRC) at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) has witnessed unpleasant disasters that claimed valuable properties including structural damage. An electrical power appliance may suffer breakdown or deterioration if it is subjected to an intense working condition above its intended operating capacity. Presently, no known study has been carried out or documented in the management and operation of the DRC under an intense operating condition. Furthermore, the technical requirements of the existing system facilities to meet the demands under prevailing working situation has not been accounted for. This paper adopts historical load consumption data mining using on the spot assessment and exponential regression analysis to determine both the existing and future technical requirements of the facilities at the DRC. Daily energy data were taken using a dedicated energy meter three times daily to determine the peak load hour, plan system maintenance and provide for adequate resources and facilities for smooth system operation. Upon analysis, results showed that the existing electrical facilities at DRC do not have the capacity to meet all the available loads. The existing electrical facilities at DRC can operate up to 45% of the total available loads under good voltage profile supply (maintained at 100% of the nominal values). Under poor voltage profile, the system loading may not operate above 40% to prevent overheating of the electrical cables.