Fundamentals of Power System Transients
Fee: $1,295 / Online / Sep 22 - 23, 2026 / Course Code: 17-0909-ONL26
OVERVIEW
Please note, This instructor-led course has specific dates and times:
This course is held online over 2 days on the following schedule (All times in Eastern Time Zone): 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (Will include the usual breaks)
After participating in this course, you will be able to:
- Identify the origins and sources of overvoltage transients in power systems.
- Apply fundamental techniques for analyzing transients in power system circuits.
- Conduct impulse testing of power system assets according to industry standards.
- Implement effective overvoltage protection strategies for various power system components.
- Analyze the distribution and impact of overvoltage transients on power system assets.
Description
Power systems are regularly subjected to various forms of overvoltage transients, primarily due to ferro-resonance, lightning, and switching events. If not properly managed, these transients can significantly affect the stability and reliability of the power system. Overvoltage transients can lead to insulation failures, equipment damage, and potentially catastrophic system failures. Therefore, understanding the sources and physics of these transients is crucial for maintaining the integrity and longevity of power system assets.
This course will review the origins and physical mechanisms behind different power system transients and their impacts on various power system components. An examination of impulse testing methodologies, adhering to IEEE/IEC standards, will be conducted to assess the resilience of power system assets under transient conditions. The course will also delve into the critical aspects of insulation coordination, essential for protecting power system components from transient overvoltages. Engineers can design more robust protection strategies by understanding the nature of these transients and their interactions with power system assets.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for Electrical Engineers involved in operating, testing, and maintaining power system assets. It is also highly recommended for senior technicians who play a crucial role in maintaining these essential components.
By attending this course, participants will gain valuable insights and advanced knowledge that will enhance their skills and expertise in managing power system assets effectively.
SYLLABUS
Day I
Introduction
- Types of power system transients:
- Low frequency transient
- High frequency transient
- Examples of sources of power system transients:
- Lightning,
- Capacitor and load switching,
- Ferro-resonance,
- Energizing long transmission lines
Basics of Analyzing Electric Circuits Under Transients
- RL, RC and RLC circuit
Normal Switching Transients
- Energizing RL circuit
- Capacitor inrush current
- Circuit breaker opening transient (transient recovery voltage TRV)
Abnormal Switching Transients
- Current chopping
- Disconnecting a capacitor bank
- Transformer inrush current
Lightning
- Physics of lightning strikes
- Interaction between lightning and power system
Travelling Wave
- Surge impedance, lossless and lossy lines
- Effect of overhead line termination on the travelling wave
Day II
Non-Linear Distribution of Voltage Transients In Power System Assets
- Distribution of impulse voltage in transformer and machine windings
- Distribution of impulse voltage in cable joints and terminations.
Impulse Testing of Power System Assets
- Design of impulse generator and requirement of impulse testing (IEEE Standard 4):
- Lightning impulse testing (1.2/50ms)
- Chopped impulse testing (1.2/5ms)
- Switching impulse tests (250/2500ms)
- Simulation of an impulse generator using commercial software
- Impulse testing of power system assets:
- Transformers (IEEE C57.98 and IEC 60076-3)
- Cables (IEEE Std 82 and IEC 60230)
- Outdoor insulators (IEC 62217)
Insulation Coordination
- Strength of electrical insulation and failure mechanism
- The hierarchy of insulation coordination
Protection of Power System Assets Against Overvoltage Transients
- Arcing horns
- Surge arresters
- Overhead lines grounding wire
Study Cases of Different Power Systems Transients
- Ferro-resonance
- Capacitor switching
- Lightning protection.
INSTRUCTOR
University of Waterloo
,
Dr. El-Hag received his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Canada, in 2003.
He began his career with Saudi Transformer Co., where he worked as a Quality Control Engineer from 1993 to 1999. During this period, he was responsible for transformer testing in accordance with IEC 60076 standards and the implementation and maintenance of ISO 9001 quality management systems, providing him with extensive hands-on experience in power equipment manufacturing, testing, and quality assurance.
Following the completion of his doctoral studies, Dr. El-Hag held postdoctoral research appointments at the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto from 2004 to 2006. He then joined the American University of Sharjah, where he served as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Full Professor between 2006 and 2018. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo.
In addition to his academic career, Dr. El-Hag has provided technical consulting and research support to several organizations in North America, including METSCO and G&W Electric, with projects involving power equipment diagnostics, insulation systems, condition assessment, and high-voltage engineering.
Dr. El-Hag has extensive teaching experience spanning undergraduate, graduate, professional, and industrial education. He has taught numerous courses in electrical power engineering, including Energy Conversion, Electric Power Systems, Electric Power Distribution, High Voltage Engineering, and Power System Transients. He has also delivered specialized professional development and industry short courses for practicing engineers, focusing on practical applications and current technologies in power systems and high-voltage engineering.
Dr. El-Hag is a Senior Member of IEEE and serves as an Associate Editor of the IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation. He is an active member of the IEEE Outdoor Insulation Committee and has contributed to the development of several IEEE standards, including IEEE Std 1523 (Guide for the Application, Maintenance, and Evaluation of Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) Silicone Rubber Coatings for Outdoor Insulation Applications) and IEEE Std 2652-2021 (IEEE Guide for DC Inclined Plane Tracking and Erosion Test for Outdoor Insulation Applications). He is also a registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in the Province of Ontario, Canada.
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