Advanced Techniques in Power System Protection and Reliability

Introduction:

The coursework focuses on the application of Digital Power System Relaying and Protection Applications for operational power engineers, offering a comprehensive curriculum for this audience. Participants will explore various aspects of electrical power system projects, engineering, and reliability-centered maintenance training. The course promotes knowledge exchange on the reliability and availability of electrical power system networks.

The lessons include sections on power system operations, including protection and management, to improve operational efficiency. The course is ideal for practitioners seeking to deepen their knowledge of electrical power systems or those intending to pursue a master’s degree in the field. This detailed certification course integrates key sections of power systems and emphasizes maintenance reliability training.

Objectives:

Upon completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Grasp the importance of power protection devices and their real-life implementation.
• Identify different dipoles and fault systems that may arise in electrical power systems.
• Understand control system reliability and Partial Discharge (PD) diagnostics.
• Identify various load types and their impact on network reliability.
• Comprehend fundamental Power System Protection concepts and key power system principles.

Training Methodology:

• Engaging lectures
• Case studies
• Departmental activities
• Experiential learning
• Workshops
• Real-life examples
• Group work
• Interaction

Course Outline:

Unit 1 - Missing Voltage and Power Interruptions

• Definition and key elements of power quality
• Systematic analysis of power quality and quantitative performance evaluation
• ITI (CBEMA) curve and its importance
• Major causes of load voltage dropouts
• Factors to mitigate such conditions

Unit 2 - Transient Overvoltages

• Motor startup, switch engagement, and traveling waves
• Issues caused by capacitor switching
• Protective measures: lightning shield and grounding system
• Effects of ferroresonance and mitigation strategies

Unit 3 - Reliability Concepts and Fault Clearing Impact on Power Quality

• IEEE reliability indices
• Understanding and applying reliability indices
• Fault clearing and reclosing practices
• Fuse-saving vs. fuse-blowing philosophies

Unit 4 - Insulation Coordination, Surge Arresters, and Steady-State Voltage Control

• Impulse level, insulation systems, and testing methods
• Arrester applications
• Load tap changers and voltage regulators
• Effects of steady-state voltage on electrical systems

Unit 5 - Harmonics

• Basics of harmonics: causes and effects
• Understanding AC power and power factor
• Strategies to reduce harmonic effects
• K-factor transformers and harmonic filters

Unit 6 - Symmetrical Components and Sequence Networks

• Power system protection overview
• Basic phasor mathematics and per-unit system analysis
• Symmetrical components and sequence networks
• Fault calculation techniques

Unit 7 - Electromechanical and Digital Relays, Relay Schemes for Radial Systems, Time-Coordinated Overcurrent Protection

• Overview of electromechanical relays
• Microprocessor-based relay applications
• Instantaneous and time-overcurrent relay mechanisms
• Functions of reclosers and sectionalizers
• Time-current curves and device coordination

Unit 8 - Relay Schemes for Networked Systems and Device Protection

• Distance and differential relay considerations
• Differential relays for bus, generator, and transformer protection

Unit 9 - Effect of Protection on Reliability

• Reliability indices, fault clearing times, and load management
• Fuse-saving and blowing strategies
• Protective devices for hazard mitigation

Unit 10 - Arc Flash Hazards and the Future

• Difference between shock, burn, and blast hazards
• Compliance with IEEE 1584 and NFPA 70E
• Personal protective devices and hazard labeling
• Future trends: OCP with communication capabilities
• Intelligent sectionalizing and the future of protection systems