Power System Fundamentals for Non-Electrical Professionals
Online
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Sep 9 - 11, 2025
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Course Code: 16-0916-ONL25
- Overview
- Syllabus
- Instructor
Overview
This course is held online over 3 days on the following schedule (All times in Eastern Time Zone):
10 am to 3:30 pm Eastern (Will include a break)
After participating in this course, you will be able to:
- Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams involved in power grid transmission, generation, and operation.
- Integrate power system knowledge into projects involving electric facility construction and management.
- Evaluate power system reliability and understand its implications on operations.
- Engage in discussions about the latest trends and innovations in power systems.
- Apply best practices to mitigate issues like blackouts and ensure a stable power supply.
Description
Understanding the basics of electric power systems is essential for professionals in various fields. This course covers the fundamental principles of electric power systems, starting from the basics of electricity and progressing through the components and functioning of power systems. You will learn about electricity generation, including single and three-phase systems, the role of transformers and substations, and the importance of active and reactive power in maintaining system stability.
Beyond the basics, the course delves into advanced topics like power system reliability, fault protection, and the impact of different power system designs on transmission and distribution. You will explore the intricacies of overhead systems and the differences between AC and DC transmission. The course also examines the evolving landscape of power systems, including integrating smart grid technologies, distributed generation, and the latest industry standards.
By taking this course, you will understand how power systems operate, their challenges, and the latest developments in the field. Whether you are involved in engineering, operations, or management, this course will equip you with the knowledge to contribute effectively to power system projects and discussions.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for a diverse range of professionals who interact with or oversee power systems but may need a formal background in electrical engineering.
Engineers from other disciplines, such as mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering, who must collaborate with electrical teams will find this course invaluable in bridging knowledge gaps. Technicians involved in power conversion and maintenance in oil and gas, manufacturing, and process industries will gain a deeper understanding of power system fundamentals, enhancing their ability to perform their roles effectively.
Additionally, this course is ideal for project managers, operations managers, and team leaders involved in electric facility projects and those in energy policy, infrastructure planning, and sustainability roles who need a technical foundation to make informed decisions and support modern power system development.
More InformationTime: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM Eastern Time
Please note: You can check other time zones here.
Syllabus
Welcome, Introduction, Course Preview, Learning Outcomes and the Assessment Method
Electricity Basics
- Fundamentals of electricity
- Volts, amps, frequency
- Essential elements in a power system
- Power and Energy
- DC System
- AC System
- AC versus DC System
What Constitutes a Power System
- What is a power system?
- AC power system
- Generators and how they work
- Energy sources: Thermal, Hydro, Nuclear
- Other types of power generations
- Canadian energy sources
- Transformers and their applications
- Substations
Active and Reactive Power
- Active and Reactive Power
- Power factor and concept of Lead-Lag
- Reactive compensation
Single and Three-phase Systems
- Single and three-phase power
- Why do we need three-phase power
- Balanced and unbalanced systems
- Symbols and diagrams
- Phasors: engineers’ tool
Distribution Systems Overview
- Voltage classification
- Residential system
- Industrial system
- Radial vs Ring Main
- Design considerations
- Grounding
- Equipment and system grounding
- Substation grounding
- Arc Flash & Safety
- Root cause and impact
- Protection boundary
- Warning labels and PPE
- Arc Flash mitigations
- CSA Z462 & IEEE1584
- Voltage Dips and Flickers
- Causes and impacts
- Compensation
- Harmonics
- Causes and impacts
- Mitigations
- Other Considerations
Transmission Systems Overview
- Transmission overview
- AC versus DC transmission
- AC power transmission - Overhead and Underground
- Inductance and capacitance of transmission lines
- Line losses and voltage regulation
- Loss Compensation
Overhead Systems for Transmission and Distribution
- Poles and towers
- Conductors
- Insulators
- Sags and safety standards
Power System Faults and Protection
- Types of faults in a power system and how to protect a system
- Residential system
- Industrial Applications
- Equipment protection
- Generator
- Transformer
- Circuit Breakers
- Transmission System
- What happens when a fault is not cleared
Smart Grid
- What is a smart grid?
- Why a smart grid?
- Smart grid in distribution
- Smart Grid in Transmission
- Electric vehicles
- Smart grid initiatives
- Smart grid technical issues: Codes and standards, Reliability, Cyber security and privacy
Questions and Answers and Feedback to Participants on Achievement of Learning Outcomes
Concluding Remarks and Final Adjournment
Instructor

Ajit is well known in the electrical distribution field for his 40 years of expertise in the art and science of ground fault protection.
He holds Master's degrees in business administration and electrical engineering, specializing in power systems and power system protection. He has particular interest in ground fault protection; digital metering systems; microprocessor based integrated systems for protection; and the metering, monitoring, and control of power distribution systems. A member of Professional Engineers Ontario, he is also a senior life member of the IEEE.

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Fee & Credits
$1295 + taxes
- 1.4 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- 14 Continuing Professional Development Hours (PDHs/CPDs)
- ECAA Annual Professional Development Points
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