This course has been developed for non-engineers working for electric utilities or involved in business relationships with electric utilities. It provides a non-technical introduction to the concepts that form the basis for the design and operation of the integrated electric utility system. The concepts underlying legacy electric power systems and how the attributes of these systems affect their operation in today’s evolving market structure are addressed without reference to rigorous engineering techniques or mathematical analysis. Challenges facing companies in today’s changing regulatory and operational environment are also discussed.
Participants will learn to recognize equipment and facilities in the field, understand their purpose and functioning, and develop a strong layman’s understanding of the underlying design, economics, and operation of electric power systems. Contemporary issues facing the designers, operators, and managers of modern electric power systems are also covered.
After completing the course, attendees will feel comfortable speaking with engineers from their company and asking follow-up questions to clarify their understanding of the issues that are being discussed.
Learning Outcomes
- Examine the components of all functional areas of electric utility systems
- Consider the drivers of system design and operation
- Review the power system’s definitions and terminology
- Discuss the effects of industry and corporate changes on power systems design and operations, including:
- Alternative energy resources
- New concepts in system architecture such as the smart grid
- Emphasis on reliability and power quality
- Explain industry standards-related issues
- Discuss challenges created by the evolving regulatory/market environment
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Cetnral Time
Introduction to Power Systems
- Power System Overview and Electricity Basics
- End-Use Loads and Load Characteristics
Power Generation
- Steam Power Plants
- Hydroelectric Power Plants
- Renewable Energy Resources
- Energy Storage
The Transmission System
- Alternating Current Transmission
- Direct Current Transmission
- Transmission Structures
- Transmission Interconnections, NERC, and RTOs
Substations
- Power Transformers
- Substation Equipment and Facilities
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2021
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Central Time
The Distribution System
- Services and Secondary Lines
- Line Transformers
- Primary Line Equipment and Facilities
- System Protection
- Smart Grid
Electrical Losses
- Line and Transformer Losses
- System Demand and Energy Losses
- Power Flow Model
Electricity Metering
- Watt-Hour and Demand Metering
- Metering High Voltages and Currents
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure
- Special Metering Applications
Power System Restoration