Electric Distribution Systems: Operation, Testing and Protection Course

Course Overview:

The focus of this course is to assist an in-depth examination of the fundamentals of an electric power distribution system and everything associated with it from functioning to protecting, maintaining and management of safety in general. Participants would learn the components of a distribution system, protective devices, testing procedures, as well as common failures.

The core modules cover the operation and maintenance of transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, and prominently, condition monitoring which transcends conventional technologies such as thermal imaging and partial discharge monitoring. Other safety-related issues such as electrical shocks, arc flash protection and earthing requirements are also covered. 

This is a cross sectional course tailored for engineers, supervisors and technicians, who will enable participants to acquire relevant competencies that will assist operate modern distribution networks effectively and safely.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course the participant will be able to:

• Understand electric power distribution systems.
• Set principles common to all types of distribution systems.
• Classify distribution systems according
• Be familiar with the principle of operation, construction, and performance indices of the main components of distribution systems:
• Be familiar with the protective equipment of distribution systems.
• Be familiar with procedures of distribution system protection
• The need and management for maintenance
• Management and implementation of safe systems of work
• Co-ordination of maintenance activities and maintaining system safety
• Switchgear maintenance - transformer maintenance
• Cable installation and rating; condition monitoring using non-intrusive technology
• Routine inspections, properties of insulating oils
• Be familiar with testing procedures of different components of distribution systems.
• Be familiar with common failures of main components of distribution systems.

Who Should Attend?

In general, electrical power engineers, supervisors, and qualified distribution system technicians can take part in this course.

Course Outlines:

Introduction, Electric Hazards, and Safety

• Goals and Discussion
• The Smart Grid Architecture
• Maintenance of Electrical Equipment
• Managing Maintenance
• Safety Culture
• Safety Integrity Level (SIL)
• Electrical Safety Rules
• Electrical Hazards and Emergencies

Power Network Fundamentals and Systems Protection

• Power Network Fundamentals
• Faults and Protection
• Fault Levels for transformer
• Types of the Protection Relay
• Numerical Relays
• Arc Flash Mitigation
• Importance of Earthing
• Network Earthing

Power and Distribution Transformers Operations and Maintenance

• Transformer Characteristics
• Transformer Cooling and Protection
• On-load Tap Changer Operation
• Transformer Site Testing
• Transformer Maintenance
• Dry Transformer
• Gas Insulated Transformer (GIT)
• Ester base Oil for New Power and Distribution Transformers

Circuit breakers, Switchgear, and Condition Monitoring

• Circuit Breaker Ratings and Operation
• Circuit Breaker Examples
• Switchgear Maintenance
• Alternatives to SF6 Gas
• HV Vacuum Circuit Breakers
• Hybrid Outdoor Circuit Breakers
• Instruments for Partial Discharge Monitoring
• Instruments for Thermal Imaging and Corona Detection

Gas-insulated Switchgear Common Voltage Cables Faults and Locating Methods

• Overview of Gas-insulated Switchgears
• Power Cables Construction and Characteristics
• Common Underground Cable Faults
• Cable Fault Locating
• Heat Shrink and Cold Shrink Cable Terminations and Joints
• LV Wiring and Cabling Systems