At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the history of electricity
• Present a basic overview of today’s electric power system
• Discuss general terminology and basic concepts used in the power industry
• Explain the key terms voltage, current, power, and energy
• Discuss the nature of electricity and terminology relationships
• Describe the three types of consumption loads and their characteristics
• Describe how voltage is produced in a conductor when in the presence of a changing magnetic field
• Explain how three coils of wire in the presence of a changing magnetic field produce three-phase voltage
• Describe how current flowing through a wire produces a magnetic field
• Discuss how generator rotors provide the magnetic field for the generation of electricity
• Describe the three main components of a generator
• Explain what is meant by real-time generation
• Discuss the two different ways to connect three generator windings symmetrically
• Discuss the different types of generation plants (i.e., steam, nuclear, wind, etc.)
• Describe the different power plant prime-mover types
• Explain why high-voltage transmission lines are used
• Explain the different conductor types, sizes, materials, and configurations
• Discuss the different types of insulation used for overhead and underground conductors
• Identify the common electric power system transmission voltage classes
• Discuss the different transmission line electrical design characteristics (insulation, air gaps, lightning performance, etc.)
• Explain the differences between ac and dc transmission line design, reliability, applications, and benefits
• Discuss overhead and underground transmission systems
• Identify all major equipment used in substations
• Describe the purpose and operation of each major equipment type
• Discuss the different types of transformers
• Explain the operation of voltage regulators and tap changers
• Understand the advantages and disadvantages of oil and gas equipment
• Discuss the different types of circuit breakers and how they are used
• Explain the purpose of capacitors, reactors, and static VAR compensators used in electric power systems
• Discuss the effective preventative maintenance programs used for substation equipment
• Explain the basic concepts of overhead and underground distribution systems
• Discuss how distribution feeders are operated radially
• Discuss grounded wye and delta distribution feeders and laterals
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of wye versus delta
• Explain how three-phase transformer banks are connected
• Explain how distribution transformers produce 120/240 Vac
• Describe the different underground system components
• Explain secondary service wire connections
• Explain the difference between “system protection” and “personal protection”
• Explain the difference between “electromechanical” and “solid state” protective relaying
• Explain the concept of inverse current and time
• Describe one-line diagrams and how they are used
• Explain the function and application of the various types of relays
• Discuss what is meant by zones of protection
• Explain the difference between transmission, substation, distribution, and generation protection requirements
• Describe the steps needed to synchronize a generator onto the power grid
• Explain the importance of electric system control centers
• Discuss the equipment used in system control centers
• Discuss SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)
• Explain what the system operators monitor and control
• Explain how substation equipment is controlled remotely
• Explain what the Energy Management System does
• Describe the software tools used by system operators
• Describe the types of telecommunications systems used with SCADA
• Explain why electric power companies are using more and more fiber optics
• Discuss “personal protection” in the context of electric power systems safety
• Explain human vulnerability to electricity
• Explain how one can be made safe by “isolation”
• Explain how one can be safe in a “zone of equipotential”
• Discuss “ground potential rise”
• Explain why it is so important to know about “touch” and “step” potentials
• Discuss how line maintenance is performed safely when lines are “energized” or “deenergized and grounded”
• Explain what is meant by “switching”
• Discuss the “safety hazards” around the home

System Overview, Terminology, and Basic Concepts

• Objectives
• History of Electric Power System
• Overview Terminology and Basic Concepts

Generation of AC Voltage

• Objectives
• AC Voltage Generation
• The Three-Phase ac Generator
• Real-Time Generation
• Generator Connections
• Wye and Delta Stator Connections Power Plants and Prime Movers

Transmission Lines

• Objectives
• Transmission Lines
• Conductors
• Transmission Line Design Parameters (Optional Supplementary Reading)
• Underground Transmission
• dc Transmission Systems

Substations

• Objectives
• Substation Equipment
• Transformers
• Regulators Circuit Breakers
• Reclosers
• Disconnect Switches
• Lightning Arresters Electrical Bus
• Capacitor Banks Reactors
• Static VAR Compensators Control Buildings Preventative Maintenance

Distribution

• Objectives
• Distribution Systems
• Transformer Connections (Optional Supplementary Reading)
• Fuses and Cutouts
• Riser or Dip Pole Underground Service

Consumption

• Objectives
• Electrical Energy Consumption
• Power System Efficiency
• Power Factor
• Supply and Demand Demand-Side Management
• Metering Performance-Based Rates
• Service-Entrance Equipment

System Protection

• Objectives
• Two Types of Protection
• System-Protection Equipment and Concepts
• Distribution Protection
• Transmission Protection
• Substation Protection
• Generator Protection
• Generator Synchronization
• Overall Transmission Protection
• Interconnected Power Systems
• Objectives

Interconnected Power Systems

• Regulatory Environment
• Interchange Scheduling
• Interconnected System Operations
• System Demand and Generator Loading
• Reliable Grid Operations

System Control Centers and Telecommunications

• Objectives
• Electric System Control Centers
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
• Energy Management Systems
• Telecommunications

Personal Protection (Safety)

• Objectives
• Electrical Safety
• Personal Protection
• Comprehensive Approach to Power System Security
• Requirements
• Application of power system controls
• Defense plans against extreme contingencies
• On-line security assessment
• Reliability management system
• Real-time monitoring and control
• Risk-based Dynamic security Assessment