Course Catalogue.

After participating in this course, you will be able to:

• Analyze and explain fundamental electrical system quantities, including generation sources, cogeneration, and distribution system configurations.
• Assess load characteristics and their direct impact on power costs.
• Evaluate the role of major electrical machinery and components in power distribution systems.
• Implement strategies for system protection, grounding, and improving power quality.
• Optimize electrical power metering practices to minimize billing penalties.

Description
Gain an in-depth understanding of electrical distribution systems by exploring the core concepts of direct current circuits and transitioning this knowledge to more complex single-phase and 3-phase alternating current systems. This course covers essential electrical quantities such as kVA, kW, and power factor, equipping you with the tools to understand system configurations, major electrical machinery, and power distribution components. The importance of system protection, grounding, and power quality will also be discussed to ensure a holistic view of electrical distribution.

This course will guide you through the entire lifecycle of electrical systems, from generation, transmission, and distribution to the operation of transformers, generators, and motors. Emphasis will be placed on understanding load characteristics, demand management, and energy efficiency to reduce power costs. You’ll also delve into system protection mechanisms, metering for various customer types, and the vital role of system grounding for safety and operational integrity.

By the end of the course, you’ll be proficient in identifying power quality issues and applying solutions to maintain system reliability. The course provides a comprehensive foundation for electrical distribution system planning and design, whether working with industrial, residential, or commercial systems.

Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for engineers, facility and operations managers, technical specialists, plant engineers, and project engineers involved in designing, managing, or troubleshooting electrical distribution systems. It is also suitable for engineering consultants, architects, and managers seeking to deepen their understanding of power systems and distribution networks.

Additionally, the insights offered will benefit professionals in power generation, utility services, or non-utility generation. Those involved in safety management and electrical compliance will also find this course highly relevant to their work.

Course Syllabus

Day I

Basic Concepts

• Voltage and current in DC & AC circuits
• Resistance, Inductance, Capacitance and Impedance
• Meaning of RMS and average values
• Ohm's Law
• Power in DC & AC circuits
• Power factor
• Three-phase systems

Generation, Transmission, and Distribution

• Sources for power generation
• Transmission, distribution, and utilization systems
• Co-generation

Feeders, Networks, and Services

• Radial and loop circuits; networks
• Residential and industrial/commercial services
• Utility and code requirements

Distribution System Components

• Overhead distribution: poles, conductors, and insulators
• Underground distribution: ducts, cables, and accessories

Electric Fields

• What is an electromagnetic field
• What is an electrostatic field
• Is EMF harmful to humans and equipment
• Sources, levels, and mitigation

Day II

Major Electrical Machinery

• Transformers
• Generators
• Motors

Load Characteristics

• Types of loads
• Demand and diversity
• Effect on equipment sizing

System Protection

• Power system faults
• Requirements of protection systems
• Fuses
• Circuit breakers
• Coordination

Power Metering

• Cost of power
• Metered quantities
• Residential customers
• Industrial and commercial customers
• Factors affecting the cost of power

System Grounding

• What is grounding
• What is bonding
• Grounding for electrical safety
• Grounding and bonding for equipment operation

Electrical Safety

• Hazards to individuals working with electrical systems
• Substation Grounding
• Tolerable limits of touch and step potentials

Day III

Power Quality

• Types and sources of power disturbances
• Effects of power quality on equipment
• Equipment to improve power quality
• Distribution system voltage limits
• Utility role in providing power quality

Electrical Distribution System Overview

• Three- and four-wire distribution circuits
• Substation types and schemes
• Location selection and design factors
• Switching components and their ratings

Planning and Design of Electrical Distribution Systems

• Load Estimates, voltage considerations, and flicker
• Review of typical distribution systems for industrial and commercial installations
• Examples and case studies

Non-Utility Generation Overview

• Renewable energy technologies
• Interconnection methodologies