About this course
This course is approved for IEEE 0.5 CEUs/ 5 PDHs.
For anyone working with utility distribution systems or Distributed Energy Resources (DER), including Solar PV, that interconnect to them, a working knowledge of distribution equipment is essential to complete job tasks, converse with others, and advance one's career.
If you are new to a job with a distribution utility, municipal, or co-operative, or work with a Solar PV organization such as a developer, design/engineering, or community solar provider that works with Solar PV farms connected to utility distribution, this course provides a solid background in utility distribution equipment.
This course is heavy on visuals and makes the material easy to understand, through:
* Photos
* Diagrams
* Videos
28 different types of the most common distribution equipment are discussed, including:
* Transformers
* Conductors
* Reclosers
* Voltage regulators
* Fuses
*And more.
To give context to the distribution discussions, an overview of the following is provided:
* Generation
* Transmission
* Substations
The course goes through the process of laying out a distribution feeder, from the substation down to residential meters on some streets in a small town.
The course provides an introduction to basic distribution concepts, such as:
* Three-phase and single-phase lines
* Voltage regulation
* Short-circuits and protection
* Feeder switching
You will also learn common distribution terms/nomenclature, and the typical values of voltage, current, and power throughout a distribution system.
This is an introductory level course - students are not required to have any prior utility power system knowledge, and no math is required.
The course requires approximately four hours to complete, and assignments include videos, lectures and quizzes to reinforce comprehension.
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Course outline
8 modules • 30 assignments • 3:10 hours of video lectures
Module 1 • 7 assignments
A Virtual Tour of Electrical Distribution Equipment
- Two-Minute Overview of Course (02:16 minutes) Preview
- Set up email notifications and your student profile
- Introduce yourself on the discussion board
- Introduction - Learning Objectives and Assignments (04:42 minutes)
- Course Presentation Materials (.pdf)
- Distribution Feeder Diagram (.pdf)
- Safety Tips - Downed Power Lines
Module 2 • 3 assignments
Generation Transmission Overview
- Generation Transmission (23:44 minutes)
- Transmission Switching
- Generation Transmission
Module 3 • 2 assignments
Basic Distribution System Concepts
- Basic Distribution System Concepts (25:35 minutes)
- Short-Circuit Faults on Distribution
Module 4 • 2 assignments
Substation and Basic Equipment
- Substation and Basic Equipment (34:48 minutes)
- Distribution Concepts and Substations
Module 5 • 2 assignments
Feeder Main / Backbone
- Feeder Main / Backbone (35:34 minutes)
- Three Phase Equipment
Module 6 • 3 assignments
Underground Equipment
- Underground Equipment (15:33 minutes) Preview
- Replacing a Pad Mounted Residential Transformer
- Underground Equipment
Module 7 • 4 assignments
Single-Phase Overhead and Secondary Service Equipment
- Single-Phase Overhead and Secondary Service Equipment (17:33 minutes)
- Changing a Line Fuse
- Distribution Systems Review - A Different Perspective
- Single Phase Overhead and Service Entrance
Module 8 • 2 assignments
Overview of Distributed Energy Resources on Distribution Systems
- Watch: Distributed Energy Resources on Distribution Systems (30:15 minutes)
- Distributed Energy Resources on Distribution Feeders (.pdf)
Continuing Education Units
Approved for the following CEUs
- 0.5 IEEE CEUs
Instructor
-
Tim Taylor
Owner and Managing Director, Electric Distribution AcademyTim is Owner and Managing Director of Electric Distribution Academy and has over 30 years of experience in distribution system engineering. He’s led and participated in many projects with many North American utilities and has also worked in Europe and Latin American. In addition to papers, articles, and conference presentations, he has served as an instructor for... Learn more