Introduction to Electrical Power Systems for Non-Engineers

Introduction:

This Introduction to Electrical Power Systems for Non-Engineers course is innovatively crafted for individuals without engineering qualifications who seek insight into the basic and operational concepts of electric power systems. The course commences with conventional electricity generation plants and progressively explains the concepts of renewable energy power generation.

Participants will investigate the fundamental constituents of electric power transmission and distribution, including the functions of power transformers, circuit breakers, electric motors, and earthing systems. The course places great emphasis on the safety and hazards of electricity, which are critical in every electrical installation.

Understanding the basic single-line diagram is a key area of the course, as it is essential for comprehending electrical power flow in most installations. Attention to Alternating Current (AC) systems will outline fundamental electrical quantities, including voltage, current, active power, power factor, and frequency for both single-phase and three-phase AC systems. Additionally, the course highlights the need for a robust maintenance culture grounded in the use of appropriate testing and measuring equipment to build and sustain reliability and security in electric power systems.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants are expected to:

• Understand the processes involved in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.
• Investigate earthing systems and electric protection measures.
• Estimate the hazards related to electrical shocks and arc flash.
• Understand electrical overcurrent and the devices that provide protection against it.
• Familiarize themselves with major electrical devices such as transformers, motors, and circuit breakers.

Training Methodology:

• Lectures and Presentations
• Case Studies
• Group Discussions
• Simulations
• Workshops
• Q&A by Experts

Course Outline:

Unit 1: The AC Network and Electric Shock Hazards

• Generation, transmission, and distribution of electric energy for single-phase and three-phase systems.
• Different configurations of AC networks: star and delta.
• Power identifying quantities, including electricity, voltage, current, impedance, and power factor.
• Unearthed linings and faults in landline telephone networks.
• Typologies of earthing systems and their appropriate use.
• Regulatory risks related to electric shock hazards and overall electrical safety.

Unit 2: Operation of Various Types of Electrical Protection Devices

• Range of low, medium, or high voltage fuses.
• Construction and working of miniature circuit breakers (MCB).
• Features and working of molded case circuit breakers (MCCB).
• Working principles of air and vacuum circuit breakers.
• Circuit breaker types using SF6 gas.

Unit 3: Distribution Power Transformers and AC Motors

• Different types of transformers and their construction.
• Roles of transformer components.
• Cooling arrangements of transformers.
• Operating principles of single-phase AC motors.
• Three-phase induction AC motors and starting techniques.

Unit 4: The Interpretation and Use of Drawings

• Importance of electrical drawings and schematics in practice.
• Interpreting various elements of the electrical single-line diagram.
• Types of electrical schematic interpretations.
• Sketching an electrical single-line diagram.
• Methods for working with single-line diagrams.
• Construction and operation of simplified single-line diagrams.

Unit 5: The Use of Common Test Equipment and Maintenance

• Digital multimeter tests and their accessories.
• Testing insulation resistance.
• Importance of maintenance, its necessity, and implications.
• Employing diverse maintenance methods.
• Types of maintenance within electrical installations.